Pending Green Card Applications – What to Know

If you have submitted your green card application, it is likely that you are anxiously awaiting the results. During this time, you may have a lot of questions. Below are the answers to some the most commonly asked questions regarding a pending green card application:

How Long Will It Take for USCIS to Process a Form I-485?

Many people’s first question is how long it will take for their form to be processed. Though it is subject to change, at this time, if you submit a Form I-485 in New York, your case may be processed anywhere from 16.5 months to 33.5 months. To get a status update, you can either visit USCIS’s Case Status Online page and enter your Form I-485 receipt number to look up your pending case’s status, submit a case inquiry with USCIS, or call USCIS at 800-375-5283. If you have not heard back after 33.5 months, feel free to reach out to our firm to see how we can help.

What if I Change Addresses While My Case Is Pending?

Those who move while their case is still pending must update their addresses with USCIS within 10 days of the move. Failing to update your address will likely mean missing vital information regarding your particular case. To update your address, you may either do so through your USCIS online account, or you may file the Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card, using the USCIS Change of Address webpage.

What if I Need to Leave the U.S. While My Form I-485 Is Pending?

Emergencies happen and you may find yourself needing to leave the U.S. while your form is still pending. Those who need to leave the country while their case is pending must first file the Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. However, under most circumstances, if you leave the United States without an advance parole document while your Form I-485 is pending, you abandon your application and therefore will not be granted a green card.

If you have any questions or concerns about your green card application, contact our experienced firm today.

Contact Our Firm

Katona & Associates, PLLC is an experienced, highly dedicated New York City immigration law firm located in lower Manhattan. Our firm works with clients in all matters of immigration law, including employment immigration, family immigration, deportation defense, green cards, and citizenship. Contact us to discuss your case and get the help you need.