Please help: I-485 Process Update

[PAfiler]

Hello guys, seeking for your advice regarding I-485 please, i have already done with my biometrics since April this year and no updates received from USCIS on what to do next. Based on my case status online, it says: "we have received your fingerprint fee for Form I-485. Our NBC locations are working on your case."
It's been 5 months now, the waiting game is killing me. I need to travel to my home country on January 2018, should i need to wait more or do i need to file for a travel document? Is this the normal processing of USCIS these days?
Really appreciate your feedback, thank you.

[Pepsimax]

Did you file I131 along with your I485? Usually I765 and I131 would be approved earlier than I485.

[Walbrzyszanka21]

Did you file I131 along with your I485? Usually I765 and I131 would be approved earlier than I485.

If you haven't filed I-131 along with everything else, then you might not be able to travel. Not sure though. I-131 is the Advance Parole where it enables you to travel.

Also, you have to have a valid reason to go out of the country. Vacation is not really a good reason. If someone died in your family or it is work related, then maybe.

[scientist2016]

If you haven't filed I-131 along with everything else, then you might not be able to travel. Not sure though. I-131 is the Advance Parole where it enables you to travel.

Also, you have to have a valid reason to go out of the country. Vacation is not really a good reason. If someone died in your family or it is work related, then maybe.

Not correct. AP filed with AOS does not need any reason. You can travel for having a meal in a foreign country, if you choose to. The valid reason is for AP filed with petitions like DACA, not AOS.

This is the reason why almost everyone files for EAD and AP along with AOS applications. They are both free and give you the option to work or travel internationally during the AOS process.

[PAfiler]

Did you file I131 along with your I485? Usually I765 and I131 would be approved earlier than I485.

Thank you for your quick reply, no i did not. I was wrong, i should've filed it along with my I485. I have no idea that the process would take so long. Well, i guess i need to file I131 now. Would you know how long is the timeline for I131?
Thank you so much. Really appreciate it.

[PAfiler]

If you haven't filed I-131 along with everything else, then you might not be able to travel. Not sure though. I-131 is the Advance Parole where it enables you to travel.

Also, you have to have a valid reason to go out of the country. Vacation is not really a good reason. If someone died in your family or it is work related, then maybe.

Thank you for your prompt reply. Nope, i haven't filed I131 but we've been thinking about it few months ago since the I485 process was taking so long.
OMG i was really worried now, i think my reason's not valid 'coz it's just a vacation to visit my family.

Anyway, we might file for I131 then. Hopefully the process is quick prior to my travel date.
Thank you so much, really appreciate it.

[Walbrzyszanka21]

Thank you for your quick reply, no i did not. I was wrong, i should've filed it along with my I485. I have no idea that the process would take so long. Well, i guess i need to file I131 now. Would you know how long is the timeline for I131?
Thank you so much. Really appreciate it.

I-131 and I-765 usually should have the same timeline. Some people report receiving combo card where the card serves as a work permit and enables you to travel. And it is a long process, people who filed back in 2016 are just getting their interviews or are still waiting. What is the reason for your trip in January?

[anthoknee]

Thank you for your quick reply, no i did not. I was wrong, i should've filed it along with my I485. I have no idea that the process would take so long. Well, i guess i need to file I131 now. Would you know how long is the timeline for I131?
Thank you so much. Really appreciate it.

I believe they aim to process I-765 (Work permit) and the I-131 (Travel document) within 90 days, but it's not a hard guarantee, and if you need to travel in January, you are really pushing it with the time. File your forms *now* and hope for the best!

- - - Updated - - -

I believe they aim to process I-765 (Work permit) and the I-131 (Travel document) within 90 days, but it's not a hard guarantee, and if you need to travel in January, you are really pushing it with the time. File your forms *now* and hope for the best!

Also, forgot to mention that you should include a copy of the receipt for your pending I-485 as the I-131 has no filing fee if filed in connection with I-485, and they might reject your submission if no filing fee is included if you don't submit a copy of the I-485 receipt.

[PAfiler]

Not correct. AP filed with AOS does not need any reason. You can travel for having a meal in a foreign country, if you choose to. The valid reason is for AP filed with petitions like DACA, not AOS.

This is the reason why almost everyone files for EAD and AP along with AOS applications. They are both free and give you the option to work or travel internationally during the AOS process.

Thank you so much for this, I am a bit worried when i saw i wont be able to travel using AP. If i file EAD and AP, would it be possible to get approved in 90 days prior to my travel date?
Thank you so much, this really help a lot.

[PAfiler]

I believe they aim to process I-765 (Work permit) and the I-131 (Travel document) within 90 days, but it's not a hard guarantee, and if you need to travel in January, you are really pushing it with the time. File your forms *now* and hope for the best!

- - - Updated - - -



Also, forgot to mention that you should include a copy of the receipt for your pending I-485 as the I-131 has no filing fee if filed in connection with I-485, and they might reject your submission if no filing fee is included if you don't submit a copy of the I-485 receipt.

OMG i am getting anxious now, my bad i should never wasted my time waiting. Yeah, i've read some testimonies regarding the timeline of these forms. Thank you so much for your feedback, it really help a lot. Now i know what to prioritize. Will do your advice, it was very helpful.
Hopefully everything will fall into places, fingers crossed.

[PAfiler]

I-131 and I-765 usually should have the same timeline. Some people report receiving combo card where the card serves as a work permit and enables you to travel. And it is a long process, people who filed back in 2016 are just getting their interviews or are still waiting. What is the reason for your trip in January?

Whoah, that really makes me worried now. The reason for my trip in January is just a vacation, to visit my family. If i am not mistaken, I-765 is for work permit to be able to work here legally, right? I have no idea, i just realized now that i need to prioritize the travel documents and i am running out of time.
Would you know guys, why is it taking so long for I-485 processing? I was stucked after they got my fingerprint scan and have no idea what to do next.
I am really worried now. Thank you for your feedback, really appreciate it.

[Walbrzyszanka21]

Whoah, that really makes me worried now. The reason for my trip in January is just a vacation, to visit my family. If i am not mistaken, I-765 is for work permit to be able to work here legally, right? I have no idea, i just realized now that i need to prioritize the travel documents and i am running out of time.
Would you know guys, why is it taking so long for I-485 processing? I was stucked after they got my fingerprint scan and have no idea what to do next.
I am really worried now. Thank you for your feedback, really appreciate it.

Well you are not the only one applying for AOS. There have been people before you who have applied and are still not done with their process. USCIS is backlogged so I would see if you have the option of not going. I do not want to be mean but if this is an important process for you, then I would not go on your vacation. Yes it is nice to go out of the country but if you do, you may run into some issues. I have been in this country for 16 years and I have not left. So I would really prioritize this process over vacation because 1) you put your sweat, time and money into it and 2) you will be able to do anything after you go through it. I sent my forms 6/2, my PD dates are 6/5 and 6/6 (I-485), biometrics were done 6/28 and I have not receive my EAD and that is almost 120 days out. From this point on, I am 100% sure that the process will just slow down and people would have to wait more for their EADs. Before the processing time for I-765/I-131 or combo card was between 75-90 days now it takes longer. There is no consistent processing time for everybody. You have to factor in RFE, what state they are in and what their story is (what visa they entered on). I am from Chicago and in the first quarter, the city received almost 4,000 applications.

Yes it is frustrating, but this is not an easy process. You have to be patient.

[PAfiler]

Well you are not the only one applying for AOS. There have been people before you who have applied and are still not done with their process. USCIS is backlogged so I would see if you have the option of not going. I do not want to be mean but if this is an important process for you, then I would not go on your vacation. Yes it is nice to go out of the country but if you do, you may run into some issues. I have been in this country for 16 years and I have not left. So I would really prioritize this process over vacation because 1) you put your sweat, time and money into it and 2) you will be able to do anything after you go through it. I sent my forms 6/2, my PD dates are 6/5 and 6/6 (I-485), biometrics were done 6/28 and I have not receive my EAD and that is almost 120 days out. From this point on, I am 100% sure that the process will just slow down and people would have to wait more for their EADs. Before the processing time for I-765/I-131 or combo card was between 75-90 days now it takes longer. There is no consistent processing time for everybody. You have to factor in RFE, what state they are in and what their story is (what visa they entered on). I am from Chicago and in the first quarter, the city received almost 4,000 applications.

Yes it is frustrating, but this is not an easy process. You have to be patient.

Yup that is absolutely true. It is really frustrating, but we have to be patient here. I could imagined all the efforts, time, money etc. other people spent just to go through this process. I know it won't be easy but the outcome is really rewarding.
Wow you've been here for 16 years and never left since then. You haven't received your EAD yet? Well, i am hoping it won't take long for you. I am from Pennsylvania, haven't heard from other threads that someone from PA was also going through this like me lol. I mean haven't seen anyone yet in the thread.
Now, like you said, i really need to consider my trip in January. Honestly, it will be hard for me 'coz everything was already settled including the airfare and everything. We just assumed that the process will gone smoothly. I will still try to apply for I-765, hopefully, in God's perfect and permissive will, i might be granted prior to the date of trip. But if not, i have no choice but to wait and hope for the best.
Thank you for your time and sharing your stories. Let's hope and stay positive about it. I really appreciate it. Hope you don't mind if you would share the status of your case. I would be happy and might get inspired with the positive results. Good luck!

[Walbrzyszanka21]

Yup that is absolutely true. It is really frustrating, but we have to be patient here. I could imagined all the efforts, time, money etc. other people spent just to go through this process. I know it won't be easy but the outcome is really rewarding.
Wow you've been here for 16 years and never left since then. You haven't received your EAD yet? Well, i am hoping it won't take long for you. I am from Pennsylvania, haven't heard from other threads that someone from PA was also going through this like me lol. I mean haven't seen anyone yet in the thread.
Now, like you said, i really need to consider my trip in January. Honestly, it will be hard for me 'coz everything was already settled including the airfare and everything. We just assumed that the process will gone smoothly. I will still try to apply for I-765, hopefully, in God's perfect and permissive will, i might be granted prior to the date of trip. But if not, i have no choice but to wait and hope for the best.
Thank you for your time and sharing your stories. Let's hope and stay positive about it. I really appreciate it. Hope you don't mind if you would share the status of your case. I would be happy and might get inspired with the positive results. Good luck!

I have not received my EAD yet but I do have a work permit from DACA which has ended and my card is expiring in January. So even though I have "a" card and I can work, I need to get the new one before January.

[scientist2016]

Thank you so much for this, I am a bit worried when i saw i wont be able to travel using AP. If i file EAD and AP, would it be possible to get approved in 90 days prior to my travel date?
Thank you so much, this really help a lot.

The 90 day thing is just a guideline. Some get it sooner, some later and a few much later. It varies case by case. Hence the recommendation to apply it with your I485 or in your case ASAP.