The chances of EB2 India reaching July 2015 are 50%.

There is a spillover of about 50k expected from family based green cards to employment based ones in Oct 2026 but this is not guaranteed. The spillover may happen due to the Trump gov’s ban on immigrant visa issuance on several countries.

If the spillover happens, the dates for both EB2 and EB3 India will move forward by about 3 months each.

Our estimation is that they might move the DOF (Date of filing) chart to 1 Apr 2015 in Oct 2026 bulletin.

• Note that spillover is distributed among all EB 1-5 categories equally. Hence, if 50k is available, then each one of them will get about 10k extra green cards.
• Eb2 and EB3 combined will get about 20k and then India may not only get 50% of this 20k. This is because ROW (rest of world) also consumes the green cards.

Predictions for 2026-2027

Stay positive and hope for the best.

You can also estimate dates based on your priority date.

If you have already filed your i485 but have not submitted the medicals, we strongly recommend interfiling the i693 form and improving your chances of getting a Green card earlier than others in the queue.

This app uses publicly available i140 data from USCIS and then mimics the per-month visa allocation based on various factors.

The employment spillovers happen in this order:

1. EB4 and EB5 extra green cards are given to EB1.
2. EB1’s unused GC numbers are given to EB2 ROW (The rest of the world).
3. EB2’s ROW is shared horizontally with backlogged countries like India and China. The most backlogged country gets the most GCs as per the best understanding.
4. EB3 ROW is supposed to get unused GC from EB2 which is almost impossible since EB2 India and China have huge backlogs.
5. EB3 does not spill over to anyone as per our understanding.

In a nutshell, this is the funnel for spillovers within employment-based categories:

• Unused EB4+EB5 ->
• EB1 ROW ->
• Unused EB1 ->
• EB2 ROW ->
• EB2 Backlogged (most backlogged first) ->
• EB3 ROW ->
• EB3 Backlogged (most backlogged first)

If you want to understand how this whole setup works, head over to the HappySchools blog which has explained spillover sharing details within EB categories in a really simple way.

Estimate My Green Card Date

You can estimate your green card date based on the same AI algorithm that we use for predicting visa bulletins.

1. Visit the My Green Card Estimate App here.
2. Enter your country of birth and employment-based GC category. You can leave the options as default.
3. Click the ‘Estimate My GC Date‘ button and see the visa bulletin that may get you the Green card.

This is what the estimated values look like.

This will help you decide on filing EB2 to EB3 downgrade and collecting documents for filing i485 if you have a good chance of getting current soon.

You should be ready to file I-485 documents if the dates move forward quickly as the window might not stay open for long.

How to Get a Green Card Fast?

Unless the US Immigration law is changed, to remove country-based GC limits with a law like S386, there is no real possibility of any Indian joining the EB2 Green card queue, to get a Green card in his/her lifetime.

#1 US Citizen Child Sponsor

To circumvent this 150-year wait, your Adult US citizen child can sponsor you once he/she turns 21.

This will give you a Green card immediately as there is neither any yearly limit nor any priority date waiting for immediate relatives of US citizens.

#2 EB5 Filing

If you have the money, you should file the green card using the EB5 investor route.

The dates are current for Indians in EB5 rural and high employment (HUA) reserved categories. Filing the EB5 with 800k investment in rural or HUA will make you eligible for EAD, AP immediately and will also help lock your child’s age.

The post EB2 India Green Card Prediction – Visa Bulletin appeared first on AM22Tech.

This is cumbersome even if you are filling it using your phone or computer. We will show you how to easily fill out the form and your details on all the pages of form i-693.

A separate I-693 form needs to be filled out for each member of the family who is applying for the I-485 green card application.

How to fill out the I-693 form?

There are two parties involved in filling out the I-693 form:

• Applicant
• Doctor

The app is designed to help fill all sections including the applicant and the doctor. If you are an applicant, the doctor’s section should be ignored.

We strongly recommend using AM22Tech’s app which helps you validate all your data to make sure you do not make any mistakes.

If you are a doctor and want to fill out this form for your patient before they come for the USCIS medical appointment, you can also fill in all the fields and save time. The doctor’s office can then print two copies of the same form quickly to share one with the applicant and the other for USCIS’s sealed envelope.

The app will save your information to generate the form again anytime later from any device including your iPhone, Android, or Samsung mobile.

#1 Enter Your Details

Enter your full name and birth details in the first step. Make sure that there are no spelling mistakes and that all these details match your current valid unexpired passport.

#2 Alien Number

Step 2 requires you to enter your A number. It is possible that you do not have any A-number at this time and you can leave it blank.

The same is true for the USCIS account number.

You can check this page to find your A-number.

For example:

A family of H1B and H4 dependents may have this scenario:

• H1B primary has an A number issued with his I-140. Find it on his i140 approval page.
• H4 dependent spouse might have her own A number on the H4 EAD card if she was issued one at any time.
• H4-dependent kids may not have an A number issued at all. In that case, you can leave the A number for your H4 child blank.

#3 USCIS Account Number

The USCIS Online Account Number is different from an A-Number (Alien number).

Most people do not have it.

1. If you have previously filed an application, petition, or any request using the USCIS online filing system (previously called USCIS Electronic Immigration System (USCIS ELIS)), your USCIS Online Account Number can be used here.
2. You can find your USCIS Online Account Number by logging in to your account and going to the profile page. Suppose you previously filed certain applications, petitions, or requests on a paper form via a USCIS Lockbox facility. In that case, you may have received a USCIS Online Account Access Notice issuing you a USCIS Online Account Number.
3. If you received such a notice, your USCIS Online Account Number can be found at the top of the notice.

You can leave it blank if you do not have it.

#4 Contact Details

The last step is to fill in your current USA residential address and contact details.

We recommend entering your email and mobile phone number.

Doctor Steps

The i693 medical form is extensive and there are many details that doctor needs to fill in before they can sign and issue the completed form.

The AM22Tech’s i693 app makes the task of filling the doctor’s section a breeze.

A doctor can:

• Copy the whole form contents for a family and then edit only the relevant portions to save time refiling the same lengthy form.
• Doctors can save and reuse their name, and address and just select it from the dropdown menu for each new patient’s form. No need to write the same thing twice.
• Select the dates, and vaccination names easily just with a tap and the app takes care of filling them in correctly on the USCIS form.
• Save and fill data as it becomes available. The app saves all entries automatically and securely.
• All records are available immediately on mobile, desktop, and office tabs as the doctor edits them.
• Get the completed form securely over your registered email.

Fill Form & Email

The last step is to Fill Form. The app validates all the data before it allows you to buy the service. Once validated and paid, the app will automatically pick up the current USCIS i693 form, fill it out, and will be available for download.

You only need to fill in your details on this form and take it to the USCIS-approved physician’s office. The doctor will fill in all other details and sign.

FAQ

The post How to Fill USCIS i693 Medical Form (For Doctors & Applicants) appeared first on AM22Tech.

Many applicants face delays because their photos do not meet Canadian IRCC standards.

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you get your photos right the first time as per Canada photo guidelines for Visa or Permanent residency.

Official Canada Photo Requirements

To avoid delays and rejections, your application photos must strictly follow the official Canada government photo specifications.

• Size: 2 inch width x 2-3/4 inches height (50mm x 70mm)
• Head Position: Head height must be between 1-1/4 inch and 1-7/14 inches (31–36 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair.
• Background: A plain white or off-white background is required, with no patterns or shadows.
• Expression: Maintain a neutral facial expression or a natural, subtle smile. Both eyes must be open and visible.
• Eyewear: Glasses are not permitted in the photo, except in rare instances of medical necessity with a signed doctor’s statement.
• Print Quality: Photos must be high-resolution, printed on photo-quality paper (matte or glossy), and free of smudges or creases.
• Digital Size:Between 715×1000 and 2000×2800 pixels in JPEG or PNG format; file size must 4MB or less

Important: Do not use selfies, casual snapshots, or heavily filtered photos. Ensure the lighting is even and there are no dark shadows on your face or the background.

Where to Get photo Clicked In USA?

You can visit Walmart, CVS or Walgreens to get your photos clicked.

At some locations, even Costco and Sams club also offer reasonably proceed passport size photos. They can also edit the photo as per USCIS requirements.

They usually charge upwards of $14.99 for two pictures.

The other option is to click the photo yourself using the mobile phone camera or your digital camera. There are softwares and websites available online which can help you edit your photos to exact specifications.

You should remember that editing is complex as the final edited image should print to exact measurements of 2 inch x 2-3/4 inch on paper. The image’s DPI (dots per inch) also matter as they control the quality of the final printed output.

USCIS requires the image to be high resolution which can be attained if you click the image by your iPhone and then edit it to at least 300 DPI. AM22Tech’s AI photo editor takes care of checking the photo resolution and edits it to minimum 300 Dots per inch thereby making it extremely easy to satisfy government requirements.

If you would like to click them yourself to save money, here is how to take photo at home.

Step 1 of 4

Lighting

How to Take Your Passport or Visa Photo at Home

Save time and money by capturing a professional-quality photo right from home. All you need is a smartphone and a few minutes. Follow these steps for the perfect shot.

1 Right Lighting

Stand against a plain white or off-white wall. Face a window for natural daylight to ensure even lighting and avoid harsh shadows.

2 Set Up Your Camera

Use a tripod or ask a friend. Keep the lens at eye level and about 2 to 4 feet away. Always use the back camera for sharper quality.

3 Strike the Correct Pose

Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression. Keep your head straight, shoulders relaxed, and ensure your full head and shoulders are visible.

4 Capture & Upload

Take the shot and upload it to an AI photo editor. It will adjust background, crop correctly, and produce a high-resolution photo that matches government standards.

Expert Tip

Avoid using a flash. It creates glare on skin and glasses. Natural light is your best friend!

FAQ

The post Canada PR, Passport Photo Online – 50x70mm Guidelines [Avoid Rejection] appeared first on AM22Tech.

In USA, VFS instructions are a little different:

1. Paper printed photo size: 2×2 inch
2. Upload Photo size: 35×45 mm

Many applicants face delays or rejections because their photos do not meet Indian gov standards while uploading it on website.

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you get your photos right the first time as per Indian gov photo guidelines for passport or OCI.

Indian Passport Photo Requirements

To avoid delays and rejections, your application photos must strictly follow the official Indian government photo specifications.

• Size: 45 x 35 mm
• Head Position: Head height must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair.
• Background: A plain light gray background is required, with no patterns or shadows.
• Expression: Maintain a neutral facial expression or a natural, subtle smile. Both eyes must be open and visible.
• Eyewear: Glasses are not permitted in the photo, except in rare instances of medical necessity with a signed doctor’s statement.
• Print Quality: Photos must be high-resolution, printed on photo-quality paper (matte or glossy), and free of smudges or creases.
• Quantity: Unless specified otherwise on your form, you must submit two identical photos.

Important: Do not use selfies, casual snapshots, or heavily filtered photos. Ensure the lighting is even and there are no dark shadows on your face or the background.

Where to Get Indian Passport photo Clicked?

You can visit Walmart, CVS or Walgreens to get your photos clicked for Indian passport renewal.

At some locations, even Costco and Sams club also offer reasonably priced passport size photos. They can also edit the photo as per Indian government’s 45×35 size requirements.

They usually charge upwards of $14.99 for two pictures.

The other option is to click the photo yourself using the mobile phone camera or your digital camera. There are softwares and websites available online which can help you edit your photos to exact specifications.

You should remember that editing is complex as the final edited image should print to exact measurements of 2 inch x 2 inch on paper. The image’s DPI (dots per inch) also matter as they control the quality of the final printed output.

Indian government requires the image to be high resolution which can be attained if you click the image by your iPhone and then edit it to at least 300 DPI. AM22Tech’s AI photo editor takes care of checking the photo resolution and edits it to minimum 300 Dots per inch thereby making it extremely easy to satisfy government requirements.

If you would like to click them yourself to save money, here is how to take Indian passport photo at home.

Step 1 of 4

Lighting

How to Take Your Passport or Visa Photo at Home

Save time and money by capturing a professional-quality photo right from home. All you need is a smartphone and a few minutes. Follow these steps for the perfect shot.

1 Right Lighting

Stand against a plain white or off-white wall. Face a window for natural daylight to ensure even lighting and avoid harsh shadows.

2 Set Up Your Camera

Use a tripod or ask a friend. Keep the lens at eye level and about 2 to 4 feet away. Always use the back camera for sharper quality.

3 Strike the Correct Pose

Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression. Keep your head straight, shoulders relaxed, and ensure your full head and shoulders are visible.

4 Capture & Upload

Take the shot and upload it to an AI photo editor. It will adjust background, crop correctly, and produce a high-resolution photo that matches government standards.

Expert Tip

Avoid using a flash. It creates glare on skin and glasses. Natural light is your best friend!

Making Your Photo Indian Gov-Ready

Even with a perfect shot, technical details like resizing, cropping, and cleaning the background can be a headache. Indian government is very strict and will reject photos if the head ratio or dimensions are even slightly off, leading to frustrating delays.

The Final Editing Steps

• Crop and center the head to the exact specifications.
• Ensure precise 45x35 mm dimensions.
• Professionally remove background shadows and ensure a light-gray background.
• Generate print-ready files (JPEG/PNG) for easy printing at home or a store.

FAQ

The post Indian Passport Photo Online in USA – Gov & VFS Guidelines [Avoid Rejection] appeared first on AM22Tech.

Many applicants face delays or RFEs because their photos do not meet USCIS standards.

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you get your photos right the first time as per USCIS photo guidelines for H4 EAD.

Official USCIS Photo Requirements

To avoid delays and rejections, your application photos must strictly follow the official U.S. government photo specifications.

• Size: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
• Head Position: Head height must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair.
• Background: A plain white or off-white background is required, with no patterns or shadows.
• Expression: Maintain a neutral facial expression or a natural, subtle smile. Both eyes must be open and visible.
• Eyewear: Glasses are not permitted in the photo, except in rare instances of medical necessity with a signed doctor’s statement.
• Print Quality: Photos must be high-resolution, printed on photo-quality paper (matte or glossy), and free of smudges or creases.
• Quantity: Unless specified otherwise on your form, you must submit two identical photos.

Important: Do not use selfies, casual snapshots, or heavily filtered photos. Ensure the lighting is even and there are no dark shadows on your face or the background.

Where to Get H4 EAD photo Clicked?

You can visit Walmart, CVS or Walgreens to get your photos clicked for H4 EAD.

At some locations, even Costco and Sams club also offer reasonably proced passport size photos. They can also edit the photo as per USCIS requirements.

They usually charge upwards of $14.99 for two pictures.

The other option is to click the photo yourself using the mobile phone camera or your digital camera. There are softwares and websites available online which can help you edit your photos to exact specifications.

You should remember that editing is complex as the final edited image should print to exact measurements of 2 inch x 2 inch on paper. The image’s DPI (dots per inch) also matter as they control the quality of the final printed output.

USCIS requires the image to be high resolution which can be attained if you click the image by your iPhone and then edit it to at least 300 DPI. AM22Tech’s AI photo editor takes care of checking the photo resolution and edits it to minimum 300 Dots per inch thereby making it extremely easy to satisfy government requirements.

If you would like to click them yourself to save money, here is how to take H4 EAD photo at home.

Step 1 of 4

Lighting

How to Take Your Passport or Visa Photo at Home

Save time and money by capturing a professional-quality photo right from home. All you need is a smartphone and a few minutes. Follow these steps for the perfect shot.

1 Right Lighting

Stand against a plain white or off-white wall. Face a window for natural daylight to ensure even lighting and avoid harsh shadows.

2 Set Up Your Camera

Use a tripod or ask a friend. Keep the lens at eye level and about 2 to 4 feet away. Always use the back camera for sharper quality.

3 Strike the Correct Pose

Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression. Keep your head straight, shoulders relaxed, and ensure your full head and shoulders are visible.

4 Capture & Upload

Take the shot and upload it to an AI photo editor. It will adjust background, crop correctly, and produce a high-resolution photo that matches government standards.

Expert Tip

Avoid using a flash. It creates glare on skin and glasses. Natural light is your best friend!

Making Your Photo USCIS-Ready

Even with a perfect shot, technical details like resizing, cropping, and cleaning the background can be a headache. USCIS is very strict and will reject photos if the head ratio or dimensions are even slightly off, leading to frustrating delays.

The Final Editing Steps

• Crop and center the head to the exact specifications.
• Ensure precise 2x2 inch (51x51 mm) dimensions.
• Professionally remove background shadows and ensure a pure white background.
• Generate print-ready files (JPEG/PNG/PDF) for easy printing at home or a store.

FAQ

The post How to Get H4 EAD Photo Online – USCIS Guidelines [Avoid Rejection] appeared first on AM22Tech.

An alien number, commonly known as ‘A number’ is assigned to each person who intends to immigrate to the USA.

This 7 to 9-digit number, prefixed with the letter ‘A’ can be found in various documents that have been issued to you by USCIS.

The 9-digit USCIS number printed on US permanent resident green cards is the same as the A-number.

Please note that the PERM ETA number is not the same as the A (Alien) number.

Where Can I find my Alien Number?

i140 – A number on i797 form

The most common place is the i140 approval i797C form that carries ‘A number’ assigned to you:

Many times, the H1B visa employer does not share i140 approvals with the employee. In that case, you can use the FOIA request and may need this A-number to improve your application.

EAD card – Alien Number

You can find your unique A number on your EAD card if any was ever issued to you. This includes OPT EAD, H4 EAD, L2 EAD, etc.

On the EAD card, the USCIS# is the same as your A number and can be used whenever you need to enter the Alien number.

Example:

A number will be required on the i-485 green card medical application form i-693.

Green Card Alien Registration Number

Green card also uses the term ‘USCIS#’ to mean Alien number.

Immigrant visa – Alien registration number

On your US immigrant visa, the same A number is referred to as the ‘Registration number’.

A number is assigned only to people who file any visa application with the USA with the intent of permanent residence.

Hence, an H1B visa will not have the USCIS# or A number listed on the visa.

i485 Receipt Notice

You can find your A-number on the i485 receipt notice as well if you do not have access to your i140.

You will need this A-number if you want to interfile the i-693 medical form before USCIS issues an RFE for your pending ‘Adjustment-of-status’.

H1B Receipt Notice A Number

H1B applicants are assigned the A number once their employer files a Green Card PERM application and then i140.

A Number format: A-XXX-XXX-XXX

FAQ

The post Where Is My Alien Registration Number or A number? appeared first on AM22Tech.

I have written down the basic rules for EB5 investment here.

Most people are worried about the money needed to file EB5 and how to collect those funds.

I try to list down all possible options for you.

How to Collect EB5 Funds

You will need at least $800k to file your EB5 Green card.

Realistically, you will also need an additional $50k to pay for the attorney fee, USCIS fee, and EB5 project admin fee.

Hence, plan for at least 880k to have in hand to take the jump for EB5 investment.

There are various creative ways of collecting funds for your EB5 Investment. We share some of them which are not commonly known to people.

#1 Use 401K Money

You can use your 401k directly as the EB5 investment. The most important thing to understand here is that the project you invest in should be available as the investment in your 401k provider portfolio.

What’s the solution then?

The solution is to move your 401K money from Fidelity to a provider that has the specific project that you chose for EB5 as an investment option. To find this 401K provider, you can ask the EB5 project’s team as they have all the information.

As an example, the Alto IRA has Behring’s EB5 project listed as an investment.

So, you would need to move your 401K money from Fidelity to Alto IRA to use it as an EB5 investment.

Can I move my 401K to another provider If I am currently working for the same company?

That’s a problem. You can only move the amount of money in your 401K to another provider that is not from your current employer.

This is an IRS rule and has nothing to do with USCIS, Fidelity, or any other 401k Provider.

#2 Roth IRA

You can use the same strategy as we mentioned for 401K above for using your Roth IRA for EB5 investment.

The other method is to withdraw your Roth IRA and use it as cash for the EB5 project.

You will be able to withdraw the Roth IRA amount that you contributed without any tax penalties.

If you withdraw the growth (the amount that increased due to the market), you will have to pay the penalty and the tax as per withdrawal rules.

#3 EB5 Project Unsecured Loan

Most EB5 project companies also give you an unsecured loan at the market rate.

This can then be used as the EB5 investment in your name to become eligible for the Green card.

You can get a loan of up to 500k for an investment of 800k. You will have to put in your 300k.

This loan follows the market APR rate and is usually 3-4% above the normal APR.

#4 Money from India/China or Home Country

You can get money from your home country like India or China by selling your assets there.

1. Sell Home Country Property – Many people sell their homes or other property to collect money for EB5.
2. Mortgage/ Loan on the property – The other way is to take a loan on the property in the Home country and then use it to fund the EB5 project in the USA.
3. Borrow from Family & Friends – You can also borrow from relatives, parents, or friends but will need all their proofs of income which may be a little cumbersome to collect.

This is allowed as long as you can prove that money to buy a home was earned legitimately and no taxes are due to the respective home country government.

#5 Other Sources

Whatever sources of money you use, make sure that it is the legitimate source as you will need to submit proof of it.

EB5 Green Card Processing Time

These times can vary but we have provided an estimate based on our understanding.

1. EAD & AP:
   • 5-6 Months to get EAD for work, 10-12 months to get Advance parole for travel.
2. Conditional Green Card:
   • Consider 2-6 years based on your EB5 sub-category and the status of your visa bulletin.
   • If your EB5 priority date (I526 receipt date) is current in the visa bulletin, then you are eligible for a 2-year conditional green card.
   • Your i526 will not be approved until the date gets and remains current.
3. Final Green Card
   • Your I526 should be approved.
   • You will have to apply using the I829 form and request to remove conditions from your conditional green card. This can take several months/years too based on USCIS processing time.
4. Citizenship/Naturalization
   • Your time on a conditional green card should be counted for your Naturalization/Citizenship but you can’t apply for citizenship until your I829 is approved.

Child Age Protection Using EB5

Your child’s age will be locked when you file I485 with your I526e application.

The child should stay unmarried until they get the greed card though.

FAQ

More Questions?

Ask them in the comments and I will try to answer them to the best of my knowledge.

The post How to collect money for USA EB5 Green Card? appeared first on AM22Tech.

Documents Required

Forms

#1 Form I-485 – for Green card

This form is called ‘adjustment of status’ because you are asking USCIS to change your status from a current visa like H1B or L to a permanent resident (Green card)

#2 Form I-765 – for Employment Authorization (Optional but recommended)

You can use this app to fill out the EAD form, validate all, and make sure the form is not rejected or an RFE is sent by USCIS.

You are eligible to file an i-485 EAD along with your green card application.

#3 Form I-131 – for Advance Parole (Optional but recommended)

AP or Advance parole is used to return to the US instead of your H1B or L work visa while your I-485 is pending.

You may use the advance parole for returning to the US but there are some important points to consider before you take this step. It affects your ability to return to H1B, L1, or K visa status.

The i485 denial should also be kept in mind while deciding to use advance parole.

#4 Form I-693 (Medical Report)

This form is required to be filled out by your doctor (should be accredited by USCIS) to certify your health.

Here is the complete step-by-step process, costs, and issues for the USA green card medical test.

They will check your TB (tuberculosis) and other communicable diseases presence and your Green card can be denied if you have a medical issue.

You can find a doctor in your area using the USCIS doctor search facility.

The doctor will issue the report in a sealed envelope and it should be submitted to USCIS as it is (without opening). If you open it to see your results, your report will not be acceptable to USCIS.

• You can avoid filing form i693 and save the doctor’s fee if you think that your PD date will not get current in the next 24 months.
• The doctor’s report is only valid for 24 months.
• USCIS will send an RFE as and when your date is current and then you can submit this form i693.

#5 I-140

You will need to submit your approved i-140 i-797 copy.

If you are waiting for your i140 approval, you can upgrade it to premium to save time.

I140 can be filed concurrently with i485 too after your PERM approval.

#6 Supplement J (Optional)

Confirmation of job offer (on Form I-485 Supplement J) if you have changed the job after filing i485.

#7 Form I-864 (Optional)

An affidavit of Support form is required for all dependents in your family that you will support with your income.

#8 Form G1145

This form is for getting notifications as soon as the USCIS accepts your application. They send an email and a text message on your mobile if you send this form.

We strongly recommend filling out this form and keeping it at the top of your application bundle.

Personal Documents

Personal documents are required for each member of the family separately.

#1 Birth Certificate

You will need your birth certificate in English.

It should have been issued by the relevant government authority from your country of birth.

What to do if a Birth Certificate is not available?

You will need to get it translated to English and notarize it if it is in other languages like Chinese, Hindi, Gujarati, etc.

The name field is blank on my birth certificate?

You can write the name on the birth certificate by hand. This usually happens in countries like India where electronic computer-generated certificates are being issued these days and they have no record of the name from the past.

You can write the name by hand on the computer-generated birth certificate.

If unavailable or does not exist, provide other evidence of birth such as

• a church certificate
• school (like a Class X mark sheet in India), or
• medical records, and
• proof of unavailability or nonexistence, if applicable – get a letter from your home country’s authorized government agency that a birth certificate cannot be issued.

#2 Passport

Your most recent valid passport copies (all pages including blank) are required.

• Your old expired passport copies are required only if they have any US Visa stamps. Blank pages for old expired passports are not required.
• Copies of any lost or stolen passport are required too if you have them.
• Copy of your passport that was used to enter the USA anytime in the past.

I always recommend keeping a scanner at home and scanning and saving everything for that rainy day.

#3 All prior i-94 copies, i-797 approvals, I-20, EAD card, Passport

Collect all prior i94 copies.

• Online i94: Most i94 copies can be downloaded from the CBP i94 website. If you ever entered the USA through a land border in Mexico or Canada, then you may have paper I94 too. This is generally updated online on the CBP website.
• Paper i94 copies may not be available online. You will find them attached to your i797 approvals.

#4 Six (6) passport-style photographs

You need 6 Passport-size photos clicked within the last 30 days as per US size (2×2 inch).

• 2 Photo for i-485 (Green Card)
• 2 Photo for i-765 (EAD)
• 2 Photo for i-131 (Advance parole)

You can reduce the number of pictures if you are not applying EAD and AP with your i485.

This is the same as you would have gotten for a US visa application. Your photos and fingerprints will also be taken at the USCIS ASC Biometric Center.

You can get these pictures clicked at Walmart, CVS, or Walgreens. Walmart is the cheapest here selling 2 pictures for $8 whereas CVS and Walgreens charge double the amount for 2 pictures.

Passport photos online would be a cheaper option as compared to a retail store.

#5 Driver License

Copy of current valid driver’s license.

Spouse & Dependent Documents

You need to provide all personal documents as mentioned above for your spouse and each kid separately.

Additional documents required for dependents:

#1 Marriage Certificate

A copy of your marriage certificate is required for your spouse.

Check what all proofs can be used for Indian marriage (Hindu, Islamic style, etc.).

#2 Child Relationship Proof

Proof of relationship as a child to the principal applicant is required.

• A child’s BIRTH certificate can act as proof of the family unit if it has a father and mother’s name.
• A child’s passport, if mentions the parent (applicant) name can be used as evidence of the family unit.

#3 Divorce Certificate (if Any)

Get a free divorce Consultation by lawyers.com if you are thinking of separating before getting a green card!

Traffic Tickets

Should I mention my traffic tickets on the i-485 application is a common question and here is the answer.

Unless the traffic incident was alcohol or drug-related, do not include incidents where you were not arrested and the only penalty was a fine of less than $500 and/or points on your license.

Another important detail required on the I485 form is about arrests.

Have you ever been arrested or detained by any law enforcement officer for any reason?

• What was the reason for the arrest or detention?
• What law enforcement agency performed the arrest or detention?
• When did the incident occur and how old were you at the time?
• Were charges filed against you? If so,
  • What was your plea?
  • What was the disposition of the case?
  • When was the final order entered?
  • Please provide all documents in your possession.

i485 Processing Time

i485 processing time varies a lot by USCIS service center. There is no one straight answer. You should keep checking the USCIS website for estimations.

FAQ

Source: USCIS i485 Checklist

The post i485 Adjustment of Status Document Checklist (Employment-Based) appeared first on AM22Tech.

You can use this app to fill out the EAD form, validate all, and make sure the form is not rejected or an RFE is sent by USCIS.

EAD Processing Time

You will receive the new EAD card (i-485 EAD, F1 OPT-EAD, L2 EAD, H4 EAD, or other) by mail within 5-10 working days after the “New card is being produced” USCIS case status update.

The EAD (Employment Authorization Document) is filed using USCIS form I-765.

I485 New Card is Being Produced

The i485 adjustment of status application can also have the “New card is being produced” status. This means that your green card is approved. You should get it by USPS mail within 5-10 working days after this status.

It is possible that the case status directly shows the New card is being produced without any USCIS notification about case approval. There is no need to worry as the card will not be produced until the case is approved first.

As an example, see the case history for this i-485 application where the status changed to “New card is being produced” even when the expedited request was denied.

It seems that the USCIS website only shows the most recent update if there have been multiple status changes within the same day. I am just guessing here.

SSN Card with EAD

The SSN request is sent to the SSN office after your EAD has been approved. It will take about 4-5 weeks for the SSN card to arrive by USPS mail.

There is no biometric required for H4-EAD and SSN.

SSN card Not Received After EAD approval?

If you do not receive the SSN in 6 weeks, you can directly visit your local SSN office. They can check if any SSN application is pending for you.

If no application is pending, you can request a new SSN.

EAD, AP Combo Card

The i485 EAD + AP (advance parole) combo card is also approved with a “New card is being produced” status.

In many cases, if USCIS thinks that your Green card can be approved earlier than your EAD/AP, they may even deny your EAD application. This is normal and no need to worry.

It would help if you planned to travel outside the USA only after your I131 advance parole card has been approved.  

USCIS Case History

Other status updates for the EAD i765 application may look like this:

FAQ

The post New Card Is Being Produced Meaning (USCIS Case Status) appeared first on AM22Tech.

The good thing about i485 EAD is that you get an automatic 180-day extension if you file your renewals before the current card expires.

The EAD application is filed using USCIS form i765 and advance parole requires filing a separate form i131. The USCIS may issue both in the form of a combo card if you applied them together and got approved too.

The form i765 is a common form for various types of EADs like H4, and L2, in addition to i485, and hence makes it a little difficult for a non-lawyer to fill up correctly. The i765 form is a little less complex than the i131.

If you miss any relevant field on the form for your case-specific situation, USCIS may simply reject the application and send it back to you. Note that there is a difference between rejection and RFE.

How to Fill the i131 Advance Parole Form?

Log in to apps.am22tech.com and start filling in your details. The app is smart enough to detect the fields you need to fill in based on your selections at each step.

It will also validate the correct USCIS form to avoid straight rejections.

The app has a lot of built-in checks and validations to make sure you fill the right fields with the correct data. USCIS rejects the applications even when you make an innocent mistake or leave a required field blank.

The app will make sure you do not leave anything.

Once all the required fields have been set, you can generate the form. At this point, the app will automatically get the correct i131 USCIS form and fill in the details.

You will get this form by email and the instructions about what to do next.

Documents For AP (i131)

The document list may vary based on the purpose of your travel and then the type of underlying application with USCIS.

We will take the example of pending i485 and share the list of documents. We recommend sending color copies of all proofs but blank & white are also acceptable.

1. Pending i485 Receipt
2. Travel Reason Cover Letter – USCIS requires you to write an explanation letter as to why you need to travel.
3. Passport Copy (first page with your biometric information like photo etc. and last page with your address)
4. Two (2) identical passport-style photographs of yourself taken within 30 days of the filing of this application
5. Current i94 Copy
6. Approved/Pending i485 EAD card copy (if any)
7. US Driving License (if any)
8. Current EAD + AP combo card copy (if applying for AP renewal).
9. A copy of the U.S. consular appointment letter, if you are traveling to Canada to apply for an immigrant visa (Green card at the US embassy in Canada).

Advance Parole Processing Time

The current AP processing time can be found on the USCIS website or using one of the crowd-sourced case trackers.

• USCIS website – Select form i131 and then the service center based on your receipt number.

The normal time varies from 7 to 12 months. In most cases, the advance parole is approved or denied at the same time as their pending EAD application.

If your EAD has been approved, you can expect your i131 application to reach a result within the next 1-10 days as the USCIS aims to produce the combo card rather than a separate card for each.

Advance Parole Card

EAD with Advance Parole (AP)

The EAD card category will be listed as C09P if the card also works as a travel document. This is a combo card that acts as:

• EAD work Permit
• Advance Parole for Travel (I-512)

EAD without Advance Parole (AP)

For people who do not have advance parole but only an EAD approval, the card will look like this.

The EAD card will have the category listed as C09 instead of C09P and also have the annotation “NOT VALID FOR REENTRY TO U.S.” at the bottom of the card.

This can happen if:

• Your i131 was denied
• You applied only i765 EAD and did not file any i131 travel application

i131 is Denied

USCIS is supposed to deny your i131 advance parole application if you travel while it is pending. The only problem with travel apart from the i131 denial is the reentry to the US. You will need some other visa type to return to the US if you do not have an AP approval.

This is fine with people who have a visa like H1B, L1, F1, etc to return without an issue. We have discussed the status issues and how you can use AP to avoid H1B visa stamping issues here.

This can happen even if you just traveled on a cruise to Mexico or visited any US border for an i94 extension, or used an AVR to return from Canada. There are some cases in which USCIS may still approve your i131 but most attorneys suggest refiling the i131 to be on the safe side.

i131 Fee

USCIS added an advance parole application fee starting 1 Apr 2024 for people who will be filing new i485.

Anyone who filed i485 before 1 Apr, 2024 will still be eligible for free filing.

• If you filed your i485 on or after 1 Apr 2024, then, your i485 EAD application fee is $630.
• If you filed i485 before 1 Apr 2024, then there is no fee for i485 EAD renewal. It is FREE.

You can calculate the current fee using the USCIS fee calculator here. It is important to send the correct fee check if any, to avoid rejections. It can be a personal check.

FAQ

The post How to File i131 Advance Parole While i485 is Pending appeared first on AM22Tech.