Tag: #I485
EB-2 China to EB-3: When a Second I-140 May Be Worth Considering
Our recent discussion of the October 2026 Visa Bulletin highlighted the significant forward movement for China employment-based applicants, particularly in the EB-3 category. That movement has also brought back a question we have received frequently in the past: Should an EB-2 China applicant consider “downgrading” to EB-3? For some applicants, it may be an option…
October 2026 Visa Bulletin: Employment-Based Filing Dates Advance for China
The Department of State has released the October 2026 Visa Bulletin, the first bulletin of fiscal year 2027. The new fiscal year brings significant movement in several employment-based immigrant visa categories, particularly for China, while some worldwide categories have retrogressed. For applicants in the United States, one of the most important developments is that USCIS…
New Interview Questions Emerging After the Memo
In addition to the language of the memo itself, other attorneys are already reporting new lines of questioning at marriage-based I-485 interviews, particularly in cases involving B-2 visitor visa entry prior to adjustment filing. Reported questions include: These questions are extremely revealing because they help clarify what USCIS is now focusing on under the new…
New USCIS Adjustment of Status Memo: What Employment-Based and Family-Based Applicants Should Know
On May 21, 2026, USCIS issued a new policy memorandum emphasizing that Adjustment of Status (“AOS” or Form I-485) is an “extraordinary” discretionary benefit and not something intended to routinely replace normal immigrant visa processing abroad. The memo has understandably generated significant concern, and our office has been flooded with questions over the past several…
Baltimore Field Office Appears to Fast-Track Recent Family-Based I-485 Filings
We’re continuing to see surprisingly fast processing times for family-based adjustment of status applications—at least from the Baltimore Field Office. On May 8, 2025, we shared that I-130/I-485 packages filed in March 2025 for the parents of a U.S. citizen had already been scheduled for an interview. At the time, this seemed like a rare…
Should You Delay Filing Your Marriage-Based Green Card to Get a 10-Year Green Card?
1. Immigration Policy Can Change Suddenly In today’s climate, USCIS policies and reviewing standards are anything but stable. What’s acceptable today may face more scrutiny tomorrow. Delaying your filing now might mean facing a very different and potentially more difficult adjudication environment down the road. 2. You May Miss Out on Work Authorization—and Travel Flexibility…
Processing Times for EAD and AP Filed with I-485 Package 2025
Update January 3, 2025 As of January 2025, we have observed a range of processing times for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Advance Parole (AP) applications filed concurrently with Form I-485. Below are some sample approvals from recent cases handled at the National Benefits Center (NBC). I-765 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Processing Times I-131 Advance…
Processing Times for EAD and AP Filed with I-485 Package
Update January 3, 2025 As of January 2025, we have observed a range of processing times for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Advance Parole (AP) applications filed concurrently with Form I-485. Below are some sample approvals from recent cases handled at the National Benefits Center (NBC). I-765 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Processing Times I-131 Advance…
Update: I-751 processing times
I-751 Processing updates
Update: Processing Times for Family-based I-130 and I-485
Processing Times for Family-based petitions and applications, including I-130 and I-485