The current prediction that the priority dates for employment based green card applications are likely to retrogress again has brought a lot of speculation and questions from our clients and our community. Let me clarify some of the questions and concerns.
Q. What happens if my priority date ('PD') retrogresses while my I-485 is still pending?
The following questions were asked in today's community conference call. I feel the answers should be of use use to many folks.
In a recent meeting, Nebraska Service Center has clarified why, some times, in cases of pending I-485 applications, USCIS approves AOS interchanging the applications of the derivative and principal applicant:
Trying to get an F-1 while an AOS/I-485 is pending has been a recurring theme in our community. Last year in May/June we had spent two hours talking about this theme in our community conference calls. A lot of people wanted to do their MBA and were not able to wait for their green cards to join school.
Generally speaking when you have exhibited immigrant intent, getting an F-1 becomes difficult. On top of that, USCIS has said that F-1 is not compatible with a simultaneous I-485. But USCIS has never told us what happens if do file for an F-1 while an I-485 is pending.
Q. How soon can I leave my petitioning employer once I get my green card approval?
Here is another question from one of our clients posted in our extranet forclients.com.
Qo. My Priority date became current as per August bulletin.
I and my wife are applied for I-485 on July 2007 (PF is done and got EAD and AP docs). At that time my son was in India and i could not apply for him.
Right now i am working on his I-485 paperwork and targeting to send his application to INS/Nebraska on August first itself (through your Law firm).
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mmigration.com, Law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna PC, US Immigration Attorney
Release Date
Effective Sept. 10, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services automatically extended the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) to 36 months for lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
Discussion Topics:
My I-485 is pending, and my PD is from October 2014. So, it will take a while for my case to be adjudicated. I have an EAD and AP that are valid for five years.
1. Can I go back to India through the same employer, work for 2 to 3 years, and return when my case is current?
2. Can I convert my case to consular processing and go back to India, but can the derivative continue working in the USA until my case is adjudicated?
You can stay in India for an extended period while your Form I-485 is pending, especially if you have a valid Advance Parole document and Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for five years. However, maintaining continuity in your job is crucial. If you're still working remotely for the same employer or a different one under the same or similar job, there shouldn't be significant issues.
Quitting your job may raise questions about your green card eligibility. However, if you obtain a job offer from another company, filing a supplement J to demonstrate job continuity is advisable. This ensures that you can re-enter the US smoothly using your Advance Parole upon green card approval.
You can return to India to work for the same employer for multiple years and then come back to the US. You can also convert your case to consular processing if needed, provided there's continuity in your job. As long as your Advance Parole is valid, there shouldn't be any significant impact on your pending Form I-485 until your priority dates become current.