The visa petition process for family-based immigration to the United States involves two main forms – Form I-130 and Form I-485. Mastery of this process is crucial for those seeking to unite with family members legally in the U.S.
Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the first step in the family-based visa process. A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) files this form on behalf of their foreign relative to establish a valid family relationship. The following are key points about Form I-130:
It’s imperative to provide accurate and complete information and supporting documentation to avoid delays or denials.
After establishing the relationship through an approved Form I-130, eligible individuals may proceed with Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status, to become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). Here are the essentials:
Successful submission of Form I-485 is a critical step for a beneficiary to adjust their status without leaving the United States, pending approval from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
When applying for a U.S. green card, determining eligibility for the I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is a critical step. Specific criteria must be met, and in some cases, the I-485 can be filed simultaneously with the I-130 petition.
An individual must be physically present in the United States to file Form I-485. They should have entered the country legally through a port of entry and need to have an immigrant visa immediately available to them. It is also necessary to meet all the filing requirements set by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Here are key eligibility requirements that should be considered:
Concurrent filing is when an applicant submits Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, together with Form I-485. This is only possible if a visa number is immediately available, even at the time the I-130 petition is filed. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, such as spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents, generally have visas available immediately, thus allowing for concurrent filing.
Factors to consider for concurrent filing include:
When preparing to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, after an I-130 petition, it is crucial to gather all necessary documents and complete all forms with precision.
The applicant must assemble key documents before filing. These documents typically include:
Additional documents may be required based on the individual’s unique circumstances; these may pertain to work authorization, travel permissions, and adjustments based on changing immigration statuses or personal details like marital status.
Accuracy in completing Form I-485 is critical to avoid processing delays.
Applicants are advised to closely follow the instructions for each section of the form to ensure they meet the specific requirements set out by USCIS. This attention to detail can significantly impact the processing time and success of the application.
When pursuing a Green Card while in the United States, one typically goes through a two-step process involving Form I-130 and Form I-485.
Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the first document to be filed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to establish their relationship with a foreign national relative. It must include:
The completed I-130 form and all accompanying documents should be mailed to the appropriate United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) address. It is crucial to include the correct filing fees and to ensure that all the required evidence is provided to avoid delays.
Once the I-130 petition is approved, the beneficiary can proceed with Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status if a visa number becomes available. The key steps are:
The correctly filled out Form I-485, along with the medical exam results, the required documents, and the appropriate fees, must be submitted to USCIS. Timely and complete submissions help ensure a smoother adjustment of status process.
After submitting Form I-485 for adjustment of status following an I-130 petition, applicants will undergo a biometrics appointment and eventually an interview process, culminating in the adjudication of their application.
Once the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) accepts the Form I-485, they schedule a biometrics appointment. The applicant receives a notice with the date, time, and location for this appointment, where fingerprinting, photography, and sometimes a signature are captured to verify identity and conduct necessary background and security checks.
Following the biometrics, an interview may be required where the applicant attends with all supporting documentation. They should be prepared to answer questions about their application and background. Subsequently, the USCIS officer will adjudicate the application, which can result in approval, a request for additional evidence, or denial based on the information and documents provided.
Filing Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status, after an I-130 Petition has been approved can encounter certain obstacles that require careful navigation.
When processing the I-485 application, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) if they determine that additional proof is required to make an informed decision. Applicants should respond to an RFE with precision by providing the specific documents or information requested. Failure to adequately address an RFE can lead to delays or even the denial of the application.
Delays in the processing of Form I-485 are not uncommon and can stem from a host of reasons, including backlogs at USCIS or incomplete applications. Utilizing USCIS’s online tools to track application status and ensuring all submissions are thorough and complete can mitigate some delay issues. However, applicants should prepare for the possibility of a lengthy wait time and maintain their immigration status during this period.
Once Form I-130 is approved, beneficiaries are on their path to becoming lawful permanent residents of the United States. The next critical step is filing Form I-485 to adjust their status to that of a permanent resident.
Upon approval of Form I-485, the beneficiary becomes an authorized permanent resident and should receive the Green Card via mail. It’s essential that the beneficiary ensures their address is up-to-date with USCIS to avoid any delays in receiving their Permanent Resident Card.
Individuals who gain permanent residency based on a marriage that is less than two years old will be granted conditional permanent residency. This status is provided for two years, after which the individual must file Form I-751 to remove the conditions and maintain their permanent residency status without conditions.
When preparing to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, after an I-130 petition, it is crucial to gather all necessary documents and complete all forms precisely. Read What Is The Difference Between Form I-130 And I-485 for better understanding.
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