Processing Times for Family-based petitions and applications, including I-130 and I-485

November 21, 2023 Here's another update on the processing times for family-based immigration applications, including the I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), and the I-765 (Employment Authorization Document) and I-131 (advance parole). Marriage-Based Green Card (I-130 and I-485): Filing Date: October 06, 2022 Approval Date:...

I-485 EB Processing Time (Filed in FY 2023)

Update August 4, 2023 In this update, we have a sample I-485 EB approval for an EB3 skilled worker application. This case was filed on December 19, 2022, and it was approved on July 26, 2023. It took a total of 7 months in processing time, which is significantly shorter than posted timeframes on USCIS's website. It's important to note that the USCIS is currently making concerted efforts to...

Some TPS Holders May Now Be Considered “Inspected and Admitted” and Be Eligible For Adjustment of Status

On July 1, 2022, USCIS issued an update to its policy manual which clarified that Temporary Protected Status beneficiaries may be deemed eligible for adjustment of status to the extent that they meet the inspected and admitted requirement following a return from authorized travel. TPS beneficiaries who travel abroad temporarily, with the prior consent of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security...

USCIS Temporarily Increases Automatic EAD extension up to 540 days

Update July 7, 2022 USCIS has informed the public that some applicants may have received incorrect receipt notices showing the outdated 180-day automatic extension instead of the current 540-day automatic extension. The incorrect receipt notices were issued between May 4, 2022 and June 2, 2022. Affected applicants should be receiving the correct notices by the third week of July. Sample...

USCIS posts alert about “Transfer the Underlying Basis” and creates inflated expectations over EB I-485 applications

Update 06/28/2022 We are now seeing the results of the requests to transfer the underlying basis ("relink"). We started filing the requests in February. Below is a sample. In addition to sending out the written request to relink, our advice is to follow up on that request by calling USCIS and initiating a service inquiry. Client has both I-140 EB2 and I-140 EB3. I-140 485 EB3 Concurrent Filing...

USCIS Temporarily Waiving 60-Day Rule For I-693 Signatures

On December 9, 2021, USCIS announced that it is temporarily waiving the requirement that the civil surgeon sign Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, no more than 60 days before an applicant files an application for the underlying immigration benefit (such as I-485). In October 2020, many applicants could not file their I-485 applications in October due to civil...

Sample RFE Template Targeting Green Card Applications for Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF)

Below is a sample Request for Additional Evidence (RFE) which is a form of challenge issued by USCIS. The RFE focuses on a pending green card application filed under the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness program (LRIF). This form of RFE may be considered a template RFE because it can be easily adapted and sent out to any pending green card application filed under LRIF. You may receive a...

COVID Vaccination is Now Required for USCIS Medical Exams

Update Post 09/16/2021 USCIS releases policy guidance highlighting the following: "..beginning October 1, 2021, applicants who are required to undergo the immigration medical examination must complete the COVID-19 vaccine series before the civil surgeon can complete the immigration medical examination and sign Form I-693." Original Post 08/31/2021 On August 25, 2021, the CDC announced that...