What Happens After My visa approved for EB-1? | When Can I Move Abroad or to the US
Your eb1 approved petition opens the door to your future. Explore when you can move abroad, relocate to the US and what “US visa approved” truly means in this process.
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Key Takeaways About EB1 Approved Petition and Relocation:
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Once your eb1 approved petition is in hand, the label visa approved does not mean you can pack your bags immediately—you still must follow the next steps.
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After your I-140 is approved, you may either pursue adjustment of status (if you're in the US) or consular processing (if you're abroad), making the timing of your us visa approved possible.
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Planning a move abroad to the US means coordinating your entry so you maintain intent and validity; relocating your life before you officially become a permanent resident can be risky.
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Holding an approved petition gives you strong grounding—once your visa is issued you can move—but until then you must continue to meet your existing status and waiting is normal.
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For applicants from India, China or other backlogged countries your eb1 approved petition is just one milestone; priority date availability and visa bulletin movement still affect when you can actually relocate.
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Working with a specialist immigration firm like Beyond Border can help you map each step from petition approval to relocation, ensuring you are ready when your "US visa approved" status becomes valid for your full move.
Introduction
You just received official notice that your I-140 petition has been accepted, which means your status eb1 approved is real. Congratulations. You might think that means your visa approved and you can start planning your big move abroad or to the US. But it is more nuanced than that. Whether you are abroad and want to move abroad to the US, or you are already in the US and transitioning, there are exact steps you must follow. This article walks you through what happens after your eb1 approved status and when you can realistically relocate.
What Does “EB-1 Approved” Really Mean?
When you read “eb1 approved”, it means that the form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) under the employment-based first preference category has been approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
This result confirms your eligibility under the EB-1 classification (extraordinary ability, outstanding professor/researcher or multinational executive/manager). But “visa approved” is a separate concept. Approval of I-140 is one major hurdle. The next phase is your actual immigrant visa issuance (if abroad) or adjustment of status (if in the US). Until you complete those steps you are not a permanent resident and cannot fully relocate.
Your next steps depend on where you are currently located and your preference for immigration path.
Pathway 1: You Are Outside the US
If you live abroad, once your I-140 is approved you will proceed to consular processing. According to USCIS and the U.S. Department of State, you will:
Wait for visa number availability or confirm priority date.
Submit required forms (DS-260, etc.), pay fees and schedule an interview at the US embassy or consulate in your country.
Attend your interview. If successful your immigrant visa will be issued.
Once the visa is stamped in your passport, you travel to the US within the validity window. At that entry you become a lawful permanent resident and your full “move abroad” (to the US) becomes real.
Pathway 2: You Are Already in the US
If you are inside the US in valid non-immigrant status (H-1B, L-1, etc.), after your I-140 is approved and your priority date is current you may file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status). Once USCIS approves your I-485 you hold your green card and you are free to live and work permanently in the US.
Either way, “US visa approved” does not mean immediate relocation. The correct step must be completed first.
When Can You Actually Move Abroad (to the US)?
The moment you can begin living full-time in the US depends on your location, visa issuance, and any country-specific delays.
If abroad: You can move once your immigrant visa is issued and you enter the US using that visa. Until that happens you should not abandon your home country ties or assume you are settled.
If in the US: Once your I-485 is approved you are free to move permanently. You may also travel, but you must maintain your status and green card rights.
If your country has backlogs: Even though your I-140 is approved and you are told visa approved, you might still wait for the visa number or priority date to become current (especially for India or China). So moving (or changing jobs thinking you are permanent) may risk your status.
Make sure you keep your existing visa status valid during the waiting period. If you lose status you may jeopardise the approved I-140.
Before you move, handle practical items: address change to USCIS, pay the immigrant fee (if applicable), update your bank, housing, tax planning and family relocation strategy.
Key Steps After Your EB1 Approved Petition
Here are the concrete tasks you should tackle once your petition is approved:
Monitor your case status and priority date. Confirm when your visa number is available.
If you are abroad: prepare for consular processing — medical exam, passport validity, interview readiness.
If you are in the US: prepare to file I-485 (if eligible) and keep your current visa status valid until green card is granted.
Avoid major life decisions such as quitting your job, selling your home, or relocating your family before you legally move.
Maintain communication with your attorney and immigration partner (like Beyond Border) so you don’t miss deadlines or notices.
Prepare for your relocation logistics: professional resume for US, bank accounts, tax number, health insurance, schooling if you have children.
Once your visa is issued or I-485 approved you can actually plan your full relocation and move.
What Happens If You Try to Move Too Early?
Moving too early or acting like your status is final can cause serious problems:
If you travel to the US on tourist status after your I-140 and before your visa or adjustment is ready you may face denial of admission due to immigrant intent.
If you abandon your home country residence or make major life changes before you are officially a permanent resident you may raise concerns at consular interview or by USCIS.
If you change your job, leave your employer, or shift your role when your approved petition was employer-dependent you may invalidate your approved I-140 or the underlying visa path.
If you stop maintaining your non-immigrant status while waiting and that status ends, your I-140 approval may be at risk and your “move abroad” plan may become complicated.
How Beyond Border Helps You From Approval to Move
At Beyond Border we specialise in guiding people whose petitions are visa approved and ready to move. We assist with:
Understanding your specific category (EB-1A, EB-1C, etc.) and what that means for your relocation timeline.
Mapping your move abroad (to the US) once your approval is confirmed: when to book travel, how to organise family relocation, tax and financial planning.
Ensuring you maintain your status and prepare your documentation so that your approved petition leads to full green card without surprises.
Monitoring visa bulletin, priority date movements, and if your country is subject to backlog we help you plan realistically for a longer wait.
Giving you assistance with home country requirements, US-entry logistics and post-arrival planning for your new life.
If your I-140 is approved and you’re wondering “When can I move?” schedule a consultation with Beyond Border now.
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