How Long Is The I-485 Processing Time For Your Green Card?
After filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), the next stage in the family-based green card procedure is to submit Form I-485 (Application for Adjustment of Status).
Let’s see first how long your i-485 processing time will going to take for processing your green card.
The main goal of the I-485 in the context of a marriage-based green card is to prove that the foreign spouse qualifies for permanent residency in the United States. The “applicant” is the spouse whose signature appears on the I-485.
Although the steps in processing a green card application are consistent, the I-485 processing time varies. Some of the factors that may affect the processing time are:
- Basis of application (e.g., family, employment, asylum, etc.)
- USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) caseload
- Accurate filing of an “adjustment of status” application package
The process can be long and tedious, but in this article, we have outlined the timeline of an I-485 form application to help you.
Contents
Form I-485 Timeline
The estimated i-485 processing time for your I-485 application might take between 8 and 14 months.
The entire process may vary on a case-to-case basis. Some people may find the process shorter than others.
In rare situations, USCIS may seek extra information or schedule a second interview.
Receipt of Application
If you complete Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, USCIS will respond by mailing you a receipt notice confirming receipt of your application.
The receipt notification, formally known as Form I-797C or Notice of Action, often comes two to three weeks after filing.
If you did not correctly file your Form I-485, USCIS would give you a Notice of Action to reject your application or a Request for Evidence requesting other documents.
Thus, it is critical to prepare for the adjustment regarding status application packages, and it also provides all needed supporting papers to avoid any delay.
Biometrics Appointment Date
You will receive an appointment notice with the date, time, and location of your biometrics session. The site will usually be the nearest USCIS Application Support Center.
USCIS needs fingerprinting applicants to undertake a security clearance and criminal background check.
Don’t worry – all candidates must undergo background checks with i-485 processing time.
Biometrics Appointment
The biometrics appointment, also known as a biometrics screening, is a short session wherein USCIS i-485 processing time collects your fingerprints, photos, and signature.
What you need to bring to the appointment will be specified in your appointment announcement.
To access the building, you should present a government-issued ID. USCIS accepts identification papers such as:
- Passport or national ID from your country
- Driver’s license
- Military photo identification
- State-issued photo identification card
Receiving Your EAD Card
You will get an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if you also filed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, as part of your adjustment status package. Many people refer to it as a work permit.
Your EAD and advance parole travel document will most likely be combined on a single combo card if you apply for both.
With the combo card, you will go to consider the adjustment of the status of the applicant who is also working in the United States and traveling outside of the United States by advance parole rules and going to help you for counting up the i-485 processing time.
Interview Notice
You and the petitioner will most likely get a notice to appear for an adjustment status interview.
Your interview can be waived. Alternatively, USCIS may not compel your petitioner to appear.
Interview times are a necessary part of the i-485 processing time. Your case type will impact the choice to conduct an interview, but submitting a well-prepared adjustment package with the required paperwork improves your chances.
The interview notification will be mailed as Form I-797, Notice of Action. The interview for adjustment of status will be set in a USCIS site near you and will most likely last less than 30 minutes.
Adjustment Of Status Interview
If you’re going to an adjustment status interview, you should prepare ahead of time. Begin by going over your i-485 processing time and associated forms.
Ensure that you are familiar with the answers. Bring the corrected information to the interview if anything is outdated (for example, a new address or employer).
It is best to prepare the following materials for the interview:
- A full copy of your application for adjustment of status and immigrant petition
- Original copies of any documents you submitted to USCIS, such as birth and marriage certificates
- Advance Parole document or Employment Authorization Card (if applicable)
- Your passport, containing the nonimmigrant visa by which you entered the U.S.
Receiving Your Green Card
At the end of the interview, you may be given permanent residency in specific situations. The green card will be mailed to you if you are approved.
If USCIS declines your application, they will send you a notification outlining the grounds for refusing your adjustment of status.
The EAD card is no longer required once you get your green card. You have the right to go outside the United States as a lawful permanent resident and return with a valid green card.
The card can also serve as documentation of your legal status to work in the United States.
Speed Up Your Case
The best way to ensure your case is handled swiftly and effectively is to hire a respected immigration lawyer or law firm. You don’t want any paperwork mistakes, missing information, or improper filings that can cause unneeded delays during the i-485 processing time.
Contact Hacking Immigration Law, LLC for legal immigration services.
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