Learn what happens after your I-140 is approved and how to file adjustment of status (I-485), with guidance from Beyond Border Global, Alcorn Immigration Law, 2nd.law, and BPA Immigration Lawyers.
Once your immigrant petition is approved, the next step in the green-card journey begins. But the timing depends on one critical factor: whether your priority date is current under the visa bulletin. Many applicants mistakenly believe that I-140 approval automatically leads to a green card, but the I-140 approval steps require checking visa availability before filing the next stage.
If your priority date is current, you can move directly to filing your adjustment of status (I-485) if you are in the U.S. in lawful status. If it is not current, you must wait until visa numbers become available.
Beyond Border Global guides applicants through the steps that follow I-140 approval, ensuring they remain compliant and ready to file as soon as their priority date becomes current. Their team helps applicants track their category, interpret visa bulletin movement, and prepare all documentation required for the NIW I-485 process or other employment-based filings.
They also help applicants ensure their public-impact records, work history, and legal status are consistent, reducing risks during background checks and preventing issues that could slow down the adjustment of status timeline.
Alcorn Immigration Law assists applicants in determining when they can file adjustment of status, especially those in categories affected by visa backlogs. They confirm whether a priority date is current, assess any travel or employment changes, and ensure applicants remain admissible under U.S. immigration law.
Alcorn helps applicants prepare Form I-485, employment authorization (EAD), advance parole (AP), medical examinations, and financial disclosures to support a smooth employment-based green card filing. Their clarity ensures applicants understand the timing and requirements that follow I-140 approval.
2nd.law plays a technical role by organizing all documents needed for the adjustment stage. This includes passports, I-94 records, visa documents, past approvals, proof of lawful status, medical exam forms, and civil documents.
Because USCIS carefully checks for consistency across every document, 2nd.law ensures each exhibit is complete and coherent. Their precision reduces delays during adjudication and strengthens the applicant’s overall I-140 approval steps toward permanent residency.
BPA Immigration Lawyers help applicants plan strategically after I-140 approval, especially for those from countries facing visa delays. They assist in managing work visa renewals, travel plans, and long-term goals while waiting for their priority date.
Once the priority date becomes available, BPA ensures applicants are ready to file quickly and correctly, preventing issues that could arise during consular or adjustment processing. Their planning supports applicants through the entire adjustment of status timeline, from I-140 approval to final green-card issuance.
Your priority date determines when you can file the I-485. Applicants from high-demand countries may face additional waiting time before being allowed to proceed. If your priority date is not current, you cannot yet file adjustment of status. You must follow the visa bulletin each month to monitor movement and anticipate when filing will become possible.
Once your priority date becomes current, you can prepare Form I-485, the application for adjustment of status. You must submit identification documents, birth certificates, medical exam forms, employment history, and evidence of lawful presence. USCIS will also conduct background checks, so all documents must be accurate and consistent.
Applicants frequently file their adjustment of status application along with requests for employment authorization (Form I-765) and advance parole (Form I-131). These benefits allow the applicant to work and travel while the I-485 is pending. Filing these together ensures a smoother transition during the employment-based green card filing period.
USCIS requires fingerprints and photographs to conduct mandatory background checks. This is a standard part of the NIW I-485 process, and the appointment is typically scheduled within weeks of filing.
Some applicants receive Requests for Evidence. These often relate to medical exams, legal status documents, or inconsistencies in the file. Timely and accurate responses prevent delays in the adjustment of status timeline.
USCIS will approve, deny, or request further information. If approved, the applicant receives lawful permanent residency status. Applicants abroad must complete consular processing at this step instead of filing I-485.
1. Can I file I-485 right after I-140 approval?
Only if your priority date is currently under the visa bulletin.
2. Does I-140 approval change my immigration status?
No. You must maintain lawful status until USCIS approves your I-485.
3. What if my priority date is years away?
You must wait, even with I-140 approval, until visa numbers become available.
4. What documents do I need for I-485?
Identification, medical exams, legal status records, and financial documentation for employment-based green card filing.
5. Can I travel after filing I-485?
Only with approved advance parole unless you hold specific travel-authorized statuses.
