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Stay in US During Processing

Adjustment of StatusExpert I-485 Services

Stay with your family in the US while your green card processes. Work authorization and travel documents available during 8-15 month timeline. Married couples can also explore marriage green card pathways.

8-15
Months Processing
I-485 Timeline
4-8
Months Work Auth
EAD Processing
92%
Approval Rate
Our Success

Stay Home, Stay Together

Complete your green card process without leaving the US

Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing

Understanding the key differences to choose the best path for your situation

Adjustment of Status (I-485)

Stay in US with family during processing
Work authorization available (I-765 EAD)
Travel documents available (I-131 AP)
Continue current employment/studies
No consular interview abroad
Protection from departure requirements

Best for: Individuals already in the US with valid status

Consular Processing

Must be outside US for processing
No work authorization during process
Limited travel during processing
Interview at US embassy/consulate
Potentially faster in some cases
Lower application fees

Best for: Individuals living outside the US

Comprehensive I-485 Services

Complete adjustment of status support from filing to green card approval

I-485 Adjustment of Status application preparation and filing

Concurrent filing strategies (I-130/I-140 with I-485)

I-765 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) applications

I-131 Advance Parole travel document applications

Combo card (EAD/AP) processing and renewals

Adjustment of status interview preparation and representation

Your I-485 Adjustment Process

Step-by-step guidance through adjustment of status to permanent residence

1

Eligibility Assessment & Strategy Development

Assessment

We evaluate your current immigration status, basis for adjustment (family or employment), and potential inadmissibility issues. We determine the optimal filing strategy including concurrent filing opportunities and timing considerations.

1-2 weeks eligibility review
2

Document Preparation & Evidence Gathering

Preparation

We prepare comprehensive I-485 packages with supporting evidence, medical examination coordination, and required civil documents. This includes gathering birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other vital records.

2-4 weeks document preparation
3

Concurrent Applications Filing

Filing

We file I-485 adjustment applications along with I-765 (work authorization) and I-131 (travel document) applications. Current processing allows for combo cards within 4-8 months of filing.

Initial filing and biometrics
4

Status Monitoring & Maintenance

Processing

We monitor your case status, respond to any RFEs or additional evidence requests, and ensure continued eligibility throughout the process. We coordinate biometrics appointments and case updates.

4-8 months work/travel authorization
5

Interview Preparation & Final Adjudication

Interview

We provide comprehensive interview preparation for USCIS interviews, including mock interviews and document review. We represent clients at interviews and coordinate final green card receipt.

8-15 months total to approval

2025 Processing Times & Benefits

Current USCIS processing times and adjustment of status benefits

I-485 Processing

8-15 months

Adjustment of status application timeline

$1,440

Work Authorization

4-8 months

I-765 EAD processing time

Included

Travel Document

4-8 months

I-131 advance parole processing

Included

Combo Card

4-8 months

Combined EAD/AP document

Standard

Adjustment of Status Expert Answers

Get expert answers to common I-485 adjustment of status questions

What are the advantages of adjustment of status vs. consular processing?

Adjustment of status allows you to remain in the United States with your family during processing, obtain work authorization and travel documents, and avoid consular processing delays. You can continue your current employment and maintain stability while your green card processes. The total timeline is often similar to consular processing but with the benefit of staying in the US.

How long does adjustment of status take in 2025?

Current I-485 processing times range from 8-15 months depending on your USCIS field office and case complexity. Family-based adjustments through marriage to US citizens typically process faster than employment-based cases. Work authorization (I-765) and travel documents (I-131) are usually approved within 4-8 months.

Can I work while my adjustment of status is pending?

Yes, you can apply for employment authorization (Form I-765) concurrently with your I-485 adjustment application. Once approved, you receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) that allows you to work for any employer in the United States. EAD processing currently takes 4-8 months.

Can I travel outside the US during adjustment of status?

You can travel with advance parole (Form I-131) approval. However, traveling without advance parole can abandon your adjustment application. We help you obtain advance parole before any international travel. The combo card combines EAD and advance parole in one document.

What is concurrent filing and how does it benefit me?

Concurrent filing allows you to submit your underlying petition (I-130 or I-140) together with your I-485 adjustment application. This saves time and allows you to immediately apply for work authorization and travel documents. It's available for immediate relatives of US citizens and employment-based cases with current priority dates.

What happens if my adjustment of status is denied?

If your I-485 is denied, you may face removal proceedings unless you have another valid status. However, many denials can be appealed or refiled with additional evidence. We analyze denial reasons and develop strategies for appeals, motions to reopen, or alternative relief options.

Do I need a medical examination for adjustment of status?

Yes, all adjustment of status applicants must complete a medical examination with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. The exam includes vaccination requirements, physical examination, and review of medical history. We coordinate with approved doctors and ensure all requirements are met.

Ready to Stay in the US During Your Green Card Process?

Expert I-485 adjustment of status guidance with work authorization and travel benefits

Related Family Immigration Services

Explore other pathways for your family immigration journey

Marriage Green Card

IR-1 and CR-1 spouse visa processing and requirements

Learn more →

Consular Processing

Embassy interview process for overseas beneficiaries

Learn more →

Removal of Conditions

I-751 filing for conditional residents after 2 years

Learn more →

Official Immigration Resources

Access official government resources and stay informed about immigration policies

USCIS Official Forms

Download official immigration forms and instructions directly from USCIS

Visit Resource
Processing Times

Check current USCIS processing times for all immigration applications

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Immigration & Nationality Act

Access the complete text of U.S. immigration law

Visit Resource

Disclaimer: These resources are provided for informational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified immigration attorney for legal advice specific to your case.

Ready to Start Your Immigration Journey?

Partner with our Connecticut and New York teams for focused immigration guidance. We combine individualized strategy, multilingual support, and real-world insight across family, employment, humanitarian, and business immigration matters.

Call Hartford Office
(860) 938-1850
Law Offices of M. Riaz Musani
Call Latham Office
(518) 698-0347
Musani & Imtiaz Law Group, LLP
Email Us
riaz@musanilaw.com
Response within one business day
Consultations Available
Weekdays 9 AM - 5 PM
Five languages | 12+ years experience

Contact us to discuss your immigration case and explore strategic options with experienced counsel.

New York Bar (2012)
128+ Client Reviews
5 Languages Spoken
Serving Clients Since 2013
ML
Musani LawLaw Offices of M. Riaz Musani | Musani & Imtiaz Law Group, LLP

Attorney M. Riaz Musani leads a multilingual team delivering strategic immigration counsel to families, professionals, students, and employers. With offices in Hartford, Connecticut and Latham, New York, we provide personalized representation in immigration, personal injury, real estate, and contract matters.

Languages We Speak
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Contact Info

Law Offices of M. Riaz Musani (Connecticut)

41 S Main Street, Suite 6

Hartford, CT 06710

Musani & Imtiaz Law Group, LLP (New York)

22 Century Hill Dr., Suite 101

Latham, NY 12110

Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Weekend consultations by appointment

Connecticut Service Areas

The Law Offices of M. Riaz Musani represent clients throughout Connecticut:

West Hartford|Hartford|Hartford County|Waterbury|New Haven|Bridgeport|Stamford|New Britain|Bristol|Meriden|Middletown|Danbury|Norwich

New York Service Areas

Musani & Imtiaz Law Group, LLP assists clients across the Capital Region and New York State:

Albany|Latham|Colonie|Schenectady|Troy|Saratoga Springs|Clifton Park|Albany County|Rensselaer County|Saratoga County

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