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: Why did you choose to adjust status instead of consular processing? Were there any factors preventing you from consular processing abroad?...
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 days. At least...
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 acceleration. But the pattern has since continued. As...
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 If you are...
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 Filed 09/10/2024 → Approved...
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 Filed 09/10/2024 → Approved...
Here's a listing of sample I-485 EB processing times for cases approved in Fiscal Year 2024 (10/2023 to 09/2024). Sample Cases: Case 1: Filed on 01/02/2024, approved on 07/10/2024. No interview or RFE. Total processing time: 6 months. Case 2: Filed on 11/02/2020, approved on 06/26/2024. This case involved PD retrogression. RFE for medical was issued but no interview. Total processing time: 43...
