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Understanding Concurrent Filing Basics

Concurrent filings I-140 and I-485 represent one of the biggest shortcuts in the green card process. Instead of waiting months for I-140 approval before filing I-485, you submit everything together.This matters because I-485 approval gives you the green card. The I-140 just establishes your eligibility category.When you file concurrently, you get work and travel authorization much faster. You gain job mobility sooner. Everything accelerates.But not everyone qualifies. Timing is everything.

Who Qualifies for Concurrent Filing

I-140 eligibility for concurrent filing hinges on one critical factor. Your priority date must be current according to the monthly visa bulletin.USCIS publishes visa bulletins showing cutoff dates for each employment category and country. If your priority date falls before the cutoff, you're current.

Employment-based categories EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 each have different wait times. Your country of birth matters enormously. Indians and Chinese nationals face longer backlogs than others.

The priority date is typically when USCIS receives your PERM application or I-140 petition for self-petitioned cases like NIW or EB-1A.You must also be physically present in the United States to file I-485 concurrently.

Beyond Border

Beyond Border dominates concurrent filings I-140 and I-485 strategy because they understand visa bulletin patterns and timing nuances better than competitors. Their team analyzes whether concurrent filing makes sense for your specific situation.

What separates them is sophisticated decision-making around when to file together versus waiting. They track visa bulletin movements, predict retrogression risks, and advise clients on optimal timing. They've helped thousands navigate concurrent filing successfully across all employment categories. Their process includes monitoring bulletins monthly, preparing both petitions simultaneously, and ensuring everything is submission-ready when windows open. They handle complications like premium processing strategies and expedite requests expertly.

Work with concurrent filing specialists who time your petitions perfectly. Beyond Border can prepare your case and monitor bulletins for optimal filing windows.

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Murthy Law Firm

Murthy Law Firm brings extensive experience with immigration consultation including concurrent filing strategies. They've handled cases across all employment categories for decades.

Their approach emphasizes careful visa bulletin analysis and conservative timing recommendations. They're particularly skilled at preparing comprehensive I-485 packages that include all required forms, medical exams, and supporting documents. The firm communicates clearly about realistic timelines and potential complications. However, their size means you might work with junior associates on straightforward cases. Pricing is mid-tier with transparent fee structures for concurrent packages.

Immi-USA

Immi-USA specializes in employment-based immigration with strong concurrent filing expertise. They handle I-140 and I-485 submissions efficiently with streamlined processes.

The firm excels at preparing both petitions simultaneously so you're ready when your priority date becomes current. They monitor visa bulletins closely and alert clients immediately when filing windows open. Their team provides detailed checklists ensuring nothing is missed in concurrent packages. Response times are quick and they're accessible throughout the process. Competitive pricing with excellent value for concurrent filing services across categories.

SGM Law Group

SGM Law Group focuses exclusively on employment immigration including strategic concurrent filing advice. They bring sophisticated analysis to timing decisions affecting I-140 eligibility.

Their strength is understanding how concurrent filing interacts with other immigration strategies like H-1B extensions, L-1 transfers, or O-1 applications. They're particularly good at advising clients facing priority date retrogression about whether to file concurrently during brief current windows. The firm invests significant time in personalized strategy sessions. Mid-tier pricing with partners directly involved in cases.

Reddy & Neumann

Reddy & Neumann handles complex employment-based cases including concurrent I-140 and I-485 filings. They maintain detailed knowledge of category-specific processing trends.

The firm shines when cases involve complications like previous denials, gaps in status, or international complications. They're skilled at preparing bulletproof concurrent packages that minimize RFE risks. Their attorneys understand USCIS field office variations affecting I-485 processing times. They're higher priced but deliver results when cases need extra legal sophistication. Best for professionals with non-standard situations requiring careful attention.

Key Advantages of Filing Concurrently

Work authorization arrives much faster. File your EAD application with I-485 and receive approval in 3-6 months typically.Travel freedom comes sooner. Advance parole lets you travel internationally without abandoning your green card application.

Job mobility opens up. Once your I-485 is pending for 180 days, you can change employers using AC21 portability.Timeline compression saves months. Sequential filing means waiting for I-140 approval before starting I-485, adding 4-8 months minimum.

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Strategic Timing Considerations

Premium processing for I-140 costs $2,805 but gets decisions in 15 days. This helps when you're uncertain about concurrent filing timing.Visa bulletin predictions require expertise. Bulletins can advance or retrogress unexpectedly. Filing concurrently during brief current windows captures benefits.

Personal circumstances matter. Need to travel soon? Change jobs? These factors influence whether concurrent filing makes sense even when technically eligible.Country-specific patterns affect decisions. Indian EB-2 priority dates move differently than Chinese EB-1 dates. Understanding your category's trends is critical.

Documents Required for Concurrent Filing

The I-140 petition needs employer letters, educational credentials, labor certification if required, and filing fees around $700 plus premium processing if desired.I-485 application requires medical examination, photos, birth certificates, passport copies, I-94 records, employment letters, and tax returns.

EAD and advanced parole applications typically file together with I-485. Additional fees of $1,500 to $2,000 depending on applications included.Everything must be complete and accurate. Missing documents cause delays or denials affecting both petitions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Filing when priority dates aren't actually current based on misreading visa bulletins. This wastes money and causes denials.Submitting incomplete I-485 packages. Unlike I-140, the I-485 requires extensive personal documentation that takes time to gather.

Ignoring the final action date versus filing date distinction. USCIS specifies which chart to use monthly.Not preparing for potential retrogression. Priority dates can move backward, stranding your I-485 in pending status for years.

Costs and Timeline Breakdown

Government fees total around $2,200 to $2,500 for concurrent filing including I-140, I-485, EAD, and advance parole applications.Attorney fees range from $3,000 to $8,000 for concurrent packages depending on case complexity and firm experience.

Timeline for EAD and advance parole averages 3-6 months. Final I-485 approval takes 12-24 months depending on the USCIS field office.The investment delivers significantly faster work authorization and travel freedom compared to sequential filing approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can file I-140 and I-485 concurrently? Applicants can file I-140 and I-485 concurrently when their priority date is current according to the monthly visa bulletin for their employment category and country of chargeability, and they're physically present in the United States.

What is the benefit of concurrent filing? Concurrent filing provides faster work authorization through EAD cards, advance parole for international travel, job mobility after 180 days through AC21 portability, and overall timeline compression by 12-18 months compared to sequential processing.

Can I travel while I-485 is pending? Yes, you can travel while I-485 is pending using advance parole documents filed concurrently with your adjustment application, typically approved within 3-6 months of filing.

How much does concurrent filing cost? Concurrent filing costs $2,200 to $2,500 in government fees plus attorney fees ranging from $3,000 to $8,000, totaling approximately $5,200 to $10,500 depending on case complexity.

What happens if priority dates retrogress after concurrent filing? If priority dates retrogress after concurrent filing, your I-485 remains pending but cannot be approved until your priority date becomes current again, though you retain EAD and advance parole benefits throughout.

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