The Adjustment of the Status interview may happen anywhere between 6 and 12 months later. In some cases, the USCIS may also notify your petitioner to attend the interview, while in others, the USCIS may waive the interview. Adjustment of Status Interview NoticeĪbout 4 to10 months after filing your Form I-485, the USCIC will send you an interview notice for the Adjustment of Status interview. The Employment Authorization Document is a combo card that gives you the authorization to work in the US and travel per the conditions allowed in the advance parole travel criteria. If you applied for a work permit and an advance parole travel document along with your Adjustment of Status application, you may receive an employment authorization document card (EAD). Given that these offices are often busy, you may have to wait a few more weeks before securing another biometrics appointment. Missing your biometrics appointment can cause delays in your application because USCIS will need to reschedule the appointment. You will also need to carry a government-issued identification with you, such as a driver’s license or passport issued in your country of origin. The appointment notice will specify the date, time, and place – usually the USCIS Application Support Center closest to you.ĭuring the USCIS biometrics appointment, a USCIS officer will record your fingerprints to conduct a background check as part of the application process. The USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment for you within 5 and 8 weeks from the date of filing and notify you a week or two earlier. However, if you missed a step or made mistakes in your application, the agency may reject your application or send a Request For Evidence (REF) that requests more information. The government agency will accept your application if you meet all the filing and eligibility requirements. In about 2 to 3 weeks, the USCIS will confirm receipt of your application by mailing you a receipt notice known as Form I-797C (Notice of Action). You can find the Direct Filing Address from the USCIS website based on your location and eligibility category. Once you complete all forms correctly, pay the required fees, and attach copies of all documents, the next step is to mail your application. These documents include your birth certificate, government-issued ID, passport photos, among others. To apply, you must complete Form I-485 ( Adjustment of Status) and attach the Required Initial Documents requested by the USCIS. Most applicants have sponsors who petition on their behalf, while others can file on their own. In most cases, the applications begin with a visa petition to the USCIS. This usually means that you have a nonimmigrant visa, such as a K1 visa, student visa, or employment visa.ĭepending on your immigration category, the application process may differ slightly. In general, you must be in the US to qualify for this application. Eligibility Requirements for Filing Form I-485įorm I-485 eligibility depends on several factors. Here’s an overview of the steps for filing Form I-485 and the timelines involved.
The USCIS provides seven immigrant categories and several subcategories that define the eligibility requirements of different immigrants. However, not every immigrant is eligible for an Adjustment of Status application. Form I-485 Processing Timeline Explainedįoreign citizens living in the US can complete Form I-485 to change their nonimmigrant visa to lawful permanent resident status. This guide has all you need to know about processing Form I-485 timelines and everything in between. Now that you are ready to apply for your green card, you need to understand how the process works. The truth is, these processing timelines vary depending on several factors such as The biggest question is always about how long the process takes. However, many immigrants never know what to expect when they begin the green card application process. Other categories of immigrants may be eligible for a green card after meeting specific requirements.
Additionally, a marriage-based green card isn’t the only way of acquiring lawful permanent resident status in the US. The green card application process is not always easy because each application has unique circumstances that may require more paperwork, investigations, and processing time. That’s when they first encounter the Adjustment of Status Form I-485, commonly known as the green card application form.
For many immigrants, this journey begins after their marriage to a US citizen or lawful permanent resident. The journey to becoming a US citizen by naturalization takes several years to complete. Form I-485 Processing Time | Complete Guide