You must file Form I-485 :

• After your I-140 petition is approved, or
• Concurrently with your I-140 petition, if eligible, and before your current visa status (e.g., F-1, H-1B) expires."

• Standard Fee : $1,440
  Children under 14 years of age accompanying a parent : $950

The civil surgeon must confirm vaccination for :

Mumps, measles, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, hepatitis A and B, rotavirus, influenza types, varicella, meningococcal, and pneumococcal.
If any missing vaccinations are found, the doctor can administer a single dose or grant a waiver for "not medically appropriate".

A properly completed Form I-693 is valid if :

• Submitted within 60 days of the civil surgeon's signature, and USCIS makes a decision within two years.
• USCIS receives it more than 60 days after the signature, but makes a decision within two years.
• Applications filed more than two years after the signature won't be accepted without a new Form I-693.

You will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment (fingerprinting) and possibly an interview. USCIS will process your application after completing all required background checks.

Fingerprints are taken at an Application Support Center (ASC). Bring :

• Appointment notice

• Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license)

FBI clearance takes about 30 days after fingerprinting.

Fingerprints are valid for 15 months. If they expire, you may be asked to submit new fingerprints.

Yes, you can apply simultaneously for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Advance Parole (AP). These forms are typically filed together with your I-485 application.

No. If Form I-485 is filed along with Form I-765, there is no additional fee for Forms I-765 or I-131.

• File your application with the appropriate USCIS lockbox or service center.

• Attend the biometrics appointment.

• Submit the necessary documents (originals may be requested).

• USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) if documentation is missing or unclear.

• An interview may be scheduled.

Here's what USCIS examines :

1. Fraud detection for prior offenses

2. Security background checks

3. Consistency across submitted forms

4. Document authenticity

5. Verification of the I-140 and supporting EAD/AP requests

Generally, yes, unless USCIS waives it. The interview confirms eligibility, background checks, and document consistency.

• Valid passport

• Medical Form I-693

• I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

• Petition-related documents

• Job offer letter (if applicable)

• Original documents previously submitted

• Interview appointment notice

Questions may cover :

• Biographical information

• Immigration history

• Employment details and employer information

• Maintenance of status while in the U.S.

• Relationship with the petitioner (if family-based)

You will receive a written notice explaining the reasons. You can :

• File a motion to reopen or reconsider

• Address any issues related to missing evidence or documents

Once approved, you will receive Form I-797 and your green card (Form I-551). Do not travel abroad with only the I-797; wait for the physical green card.

Yes. Once you receive your green card, you can :

• Legally work in the U.S.

• Travel abroad with your green card and passport

Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may apply for a green card based on your application.

They may still qualify under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) to remain eligible as dependents.

Yes, if :

• 180 days have passed since filing the I-485, and

• The new job is in a similar occupational category

Yes, but only after obtaining Advance Parole (Form I-131) or the green card itself. Otherwise, leaving the U.S. may be considered abandonment of your application.

There is no direct appeal. However, you may file:

• A motion to reopen (with new evidence), or

• A motion to reconsider (for legal or factual errors)