Course I-485 Processing Time

What Happens After Filing Grade I-485, Application to Adjust Condition

Adjusting status to a lawful permanent resident of the The states is a big stride. The wait tin can be long and difficult. You're probably anxious to know what happens after filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, and how long it will take to receive your light-green card. We've provided an outline of the I-485 processing fourth dimension and the unlike steps along the manner.

Although the steps that take place are fairly consistent, the Form I-485 processing time will vary significantly based on the basis of the application, USCIS case load, and your ability to properly file an accurately prepared adjustment of status awarding package. The following outline describes the basic steps of the I-485 time line for almost people.

Form I-485 processing time line, what happens after filing

Receipt of Application

APPROXIMATELY 2 TO 3 WEEKS AFTER FILING

If you properly file Form I-485, Awarding to Register Permanent Residence or Suit Status, USCIS will initially respond by mailing you a receipt observe that confirms receipt of your application. Formally known as Form I-797C, Notice of Action (run across case beneath), the receipt notice typically arrives ii to 3 weeks after filing. If you did non properly file your Form I-485, USCIS will send a Notice of Activity to reject the application or may send a Asking for Evidence that requests additional items. Either will significantly delay your asking. Thus, it is vital to prepare the adjustment of status application package correctly and submit all required supporting documents.

I-797c receipt notice during I-485 time line

Tip: Save this important letter. It contains your x-digit receipt number. You tin can use this receipt number to check your instance status. If you didn't receive a Notice of Action, you can make a example enquiry.

Nearly xi% of Grade I-485 applications are rejected, and USCIS denies thousands more. A poorly prepared application can also filibuster the approval procedure and fifty-fifty create significant immigration problems. When yous prepare your I-485 on CitizenPath, nosotros provide simple, step-by-footstep instructions and alerts to assist you lot avoid costly delays. We even take a coin-back guarantee USCIS volition corroborate your application. No credit bill of fare is required to try it.

approval guarantee for Form I-485

Engagement Notice for Biometrics

APPROXIMATELY 3 TO v WEEKS AFTER FILING

Adjacent, y'all volition receive an appointment notice that assigns your biometrics date date, time and location. (The location will generally be the USCIS Application Support Center nearest you.) USCIS requires applicants to be fingerprinted for the purpose of conducting a security clearance and criminal background check. Don't be alarmed — All applicants must have groundwork checks.

Tip: Generally it's best to show up merely on your scheduled appointment appointment and fourth dimension. But it is possible to re-schedule a USCIS biometrics appointment if necessary. Learn more than in our biometrics date FAQs.

Biometrics Appointment

APPROXIMATELY v TO 8 WEEKS AFTER FILING

The biometrics appointment, too known equally a biometrics screening, is generally a short appointment (approximately 30 minutes) and so that USCIS tin collect your fingerprints, photograph and signature. Your appointment notice will tell you what y'all need to take to the appointment. Expect to have some form of government-issued photograph identification to enter the building. USCIS can accept ID documents such as:

  • Passport or national photograph identification issued by your country
  • Commuter's license
  • Military photograph identification
  • State-issued photo identification card

biometrics appointment during adjustment of status time line

This is not an interview. The appointment's purpose is to collect your biometrics information only. Try to nourish the appointment as scheduled. Rescheduling the biometrics volition affect the I-485 processing time. To learn more nearly the appointment, read USCIS biometrics appointment.

Tip: If you think you lot might have a criminal tape (even a DUI), contact an clearing lawyer before going to a biometrics appointment. Some crimes will make you ineligible for clearing benefits. A lawyer can request a background cheque before USCIS does and deal with information technology equally necessary.

Receive Your EAD Card

APPROXIMATELY 12 TO 16 WEEKS Subsequently FILING

If yous also submitted Form I-765, Application for Employment Say-so, and Class I-131, Awarding for Travel Document, every bit a role of your adjustment of status bundle, y'all will be receiving an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Many people call it a work permit. If you applied for both, the EAD and advance parole travel document are generally combined on a unmarried combo card.

With the combo carte du jour, you lot are considered an adjustment of status bidder who may work in the United States and travel exterior the U.S. co-ordinate to the criteria of accelerate parole.

employment authorization and advance parole combo card arrives 3-4 months after filing

Tip: Make a photocopy of both sides of your new EAD card. It may come in handy in the time to come.

Detect of Interview

APPROXIMATELY four TO 10 MONTHS AFTER FILING

Next in the I-485 timeline, you and the petitioner will most likely receive a notice to nourish an adjustment of status interview. Yet, it's possible that your interview could exist waived. Or USCIS may not require your petitioner to attend. Interviews should not be feared; they are a normal part of the process. Your type of example will influence the decision to have an interview, but filing a well-prepared adjustment bundle with all necessary documentation helps your chances.

The interview observe will arrive past mail as another Class I-797, Notice of Action. The adjustment of status interview will be scheduled at a USCIS facility near y'all, and information technology probably will last less than thirty minutes.

Tip: If you change your address subsequently filing your Class I-485, notify USCIS within 10 days of your relocation by filing Form AR-eleven, Conflicting's Change of Address. You lot also must telephone call USCIS at one-800-375-5283 to alter the address with your pending I-485 application.

Adjustment of Condition Interview

APPROXIMATELY half-dozen TO 12 MONTHS AFTER FILING

If you will nourish an adjustment of status interview, information technology'south a adept thought to become prepared. Beginning by reviewing your I-485 and related forms. Be sure that you're familiar with the answers. If annihilation is out-of-date (such equally a new address or employer), take the updated data with yous to the interview.

In that location are several items that you should be prepared to accept to the interview:

  • A complete copy of your immigrant petition and aligning of status awarding. The USCIS officeholder will be reviewing these documents, then exist able to explain your answers if necessary.
  • Originals of whatever documents that yous submitted copies to USCIS, such as birth and marriage certificates.
  • Advance Parole document and/or Employment Potency Carte (if you lot have i).
  • Your passport, which contains the nonimmigrant visa by which yous entered the U.Southward.

Tip: Review the USCIS interview notice for a complete list of items that yous should take to the aligning of status interview.

Receive Permanent Residence

APPROXIMATELY eight TO xiv MONTHS After FILING

In some cases, you may be granted permanent residence at the end of the interview. If approved, USCIS volition mail service the green card to you shortly thereafter. If USCIS denies your application, they will mail you a notice explaining the reasons for the adjustment of status denial.

Once you have your light-green carte, you no longer need the EAD carte du jour. As a permanent resident, y'all take the correct to travel outside the United States and return with a valid light-green card. You may also use the card as proof of your right to work in the U.s.. Congratulations!

Tip: Once your adjustment of status application is approved, you may ask the USCIS office to place an "I-551" stamp in your passport. This is temporary proof that you are a permanent resident and is valid for re-entry at a U.S. port of entry. If you did not receive your greenish bill of fare in the mail, you can make a case inquiry.

Form I-485 Processing Fourth dimension Summary

HOW LONG DOES IT Take TO GET A Light-green Menu?

Subsequently filing Form I-485, Awarding to Conform Status, and related forms, your I-485 processing time can accept anywhere from viii to fourteen months. The basis of your aligning of status (e.chiliad. family unit, employment, asylum, etc.) will be a meaning factor. This is an approximation. It may be shorter for some and longer for others. In some cases, USCIS volition make a request for additional information or even schedule an additional interview. Don't forget — you can check your case condition online with your receipt number. The USCIS website likewise lists normal processing times. If you believe that your example is outside the normal processing times, you lot tin can make a example inquiry.