Green Card Process: Adjustment of Status for Family Preference Applicants

Some applicants for a family-based green card who live in the United States may be able to go through the adjustment of status process, even when applying under a family preference classification.

Adjustment of status for family preferences.

Forms I-130, I-130A, G-1145.To: USCIS in the United States.

C. Sponsor’s request

Form I-130 is submitted by the sponsor to USCIS in the United States on the applicant’s behalf. Form I-130A is also submitted when the applicant is the spouse of the sponsor. Form G-1145 allows notification of the sponsor by email or text message of the proper filing of the I-130.

Priority Dates against Visa Bulletin datesBeing 'current'

H. Visa Bulletin Wait

Applicants will monitor the advancement of their visa bulletin dates in their immigration category and country of birth. When applicants’ priority date is ‘current’ when compared to the ‘final action date’ (or ‘date for filing’) depending on the month, the applicant can move to the next step and file.

Form I-693To: Applicant

I. Doctor’s examination

Applicants need to have a medical exam performed by a designated civil surgeon in the United States.

Form I-485To: USCIS in the United States.

J. Applicant’s request

Form I-485, which contains detailed information about the applicant’s current circumstances and history, is submitted by the applicant.

Form I-765, I-131To: USCIS in the United States.

K. Work and Travel Authorizations

The applicant can also apply for work authorization (Form I-765) and the ability to travel in and out of the United States (Form I-131, advance parole).

Form I-864.To: USCIS in the United States.

M. Sponsor’s support

The sponsor submits an ‘affidavit of support’ to guarantee that the applicant will not become a ‘public charge’.

Fingerprints are taken.USCIS field office.

Q. Biometrics

Applicants have their biometrics taken.

EAD 'combo' card.To: Applicant.

R. Receipt of work and travel authorizations

USCIS’ goal is to provide work and travel authorizations 3 months after form I-485 has been submitted.

The USCIS Field Office takes over.

S. The Interview

The National Benefit Center (NBC) generally makes sure that the green card application is ‘interview ready’. Once the interview has been scheduled, the file will be transferred to the local field office where the interview will take place a decision will be made by the adjudicating officer.

T. The final green card is received

The final green card is produced by USCIS and sent to the address that the applicant has chosen through USPS.

FEES: ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS FOR FAMILY PREFERENCES

Already know your process?
Complete your forms using just a browser and your favorite device.

Start Now

or

Need to ask us a question?

Message Us