In some states it is 180 days after your employer's last act of discrimination. In other states it is 300 days from your employer's last act of discrimination. The last act of discrimination means the last thing your employer did to you that you think was discriminatory. For many people, the last act of discrimination might be their termination. For others, it is the date of demotion, suspension or other bad treatment.
Some state agencies have longer time limits.
After you file a charge, the equal employment opportunity commission generally conducts an investigation. It begins by sending your employer a notice saying that you have complained of discrimination and asking for a response. After the EEOC receives your employer's response, it may decide to interview witnesses and subpoena documents from your employer. When the EEOC finishes its investigation, it will decide whether any discrimination actually happened. If it decides that your employer violated the law, it will try to help you settle your case.