Form I-485 Processing Times 2026

As of April 2026, I-485 processing takes 10–24 months depending on your service center and preference category. EB-1 applicants typically see 8–14 months. EB-2 and EB-3 applicants with a current priority date face 14–24 months. Family-based cases (F2A, F2B, F1) vary widely by country of birth. After filing, you receive an I-797 receipt notice, and USCIS will schedule you for a biometrics appointment (if not waived) and an interview. Check current processing times at usvisastack.ai/processing-times/i-485.

Yes — with conditions. Work authorization: If you filed I-765 concurrently with I-485, you can work with the pending EAD while awaiting approval (pending EAD work authorization is legal). Travel: You need an approved I-131 (advance parole) to travel internationally without abandoning your I-485. Without advance parole, international travel while I-485 is pending generally constitutes abandonment of the application. Pending I-485 applicants on H-1B or L-1 status can travel on those visas without advance parole.

Almost certainly yes. USCIS requires an in-person interview for most I-485 applicants. At the interview, a USCIS officer reviews your documents, asks about your immigration history, and may ask questions about the information in your application. For employment-based cases, interviews focus on the legitimacy of the employment relationship and the employer-sponsored green card offer. For family-based cases, the interview focuses on the bona fides of the relationship. Prepare: bring originals of all documents, evidence of continuing eligibility, and understand your case details.

When your priority date becomes current per the monthly Visa Bulletin (travel.state.gov), you are eligible to have your I-485 adjudicated. If you have not yet filed I-485, filing becomes available once your date is current. If you already filed I-485, USCIS will begin adjudicating your case when a visa number is available. For current cases with a pending I-485, check your case status regularly — USCIS processes cases in chronological order within each category and chargeability area. Processing times vary significantly by applicant country of birth.

As of April 2026, I-485 filing fees depend on age and concurrent filings: $1,440 base fee for I-485 alone. If filed concurrently with I-765 (EAD) and I-131 (advance parole): $1,440 + $520 + $630 = $2,590. Children under 14 filing with a parent pay $950. The fee increased significantly from the previous $1,225 under the April 2024 USCIS fee rule. Military veterans filing under INA 245(a) may qualify for fee waivers. Always verify current fees at uscis.gov/fees before filing.

An approved I-485 grants you lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. Your green card (I-551) will be mailed to the address on file within 7–21 days of the approval notice. As a lawful permanent resident, you can live and work in the US indefinitely. You should receive your actual green card card within 4–6 weeks. If you do not receive it, contact USCIS at 1-800-375-5283. Your status as LPR begins on the approval date, not when you receive the card. You can use the I-797 approval notice as proof of status for employment verification (I-9) in the interim.