1. about 2 to 3 weeks after receiving the confirmation application
if your i485 materials have been submitted correctly, USCIS will send you an email informing you that your application has been confirmed. The official name of the receiptletter is I-797C form, and the NoticeofAction of action is notified. Generally, this email will be received within 2-3 weeks after the materials are submitted. This is a notification email to confirm that you have officially become an applicant for "status adjustment", and it is also the beginning of the I-485 process.
if your I-485 form (and related materials) are not submitted correctly, USCIS will send an action notice to notify NoticeofAction to reject the application, or it may send a request for supplementary materials, which will delay your whole processing time. Therefore, it is very important to fill in the I-485 form correctly and submit all necessary related application materials.
second, 485 fingerprinting notice
about 3 to 5 weeks after submission
Next, you will receive a fingerprinting notice, specifying the time and place for fingerprinting. (The location is usually the nearest USCIS application support center _USCISApplicationSupportCenter. USCIS requires the applicant to carry out fingerprint identification for security audit and criminal background investigation. Don't worry, all applicants must go through the background check.
note: it is best to fingerprint on time according to the scheduled time. If there is any delay, it will take a long time to reschedule USCIS fingerprint.
3. Fingerprinting
About 5 to 8 weeks after submission
Fingerprinting biometricsappointment, also known as biometric screening, usually takes half an hour, and USCIS will collect your fingerprints, photos and signatures. Your appointmentnotice will tell you what you need to pay attention to. On the day of fingerprinting, in addition to bringing the I-797C notice, you also need to provide your photo ID to enter the USCIS application support center. USCIS can accept identity documents, such as:
passport issued by your country
driver's license
military photo identification
This is not an interview. But just to collect your biometric information.
Tip: If you have a previous criminal history (even a record of drunk driving), please contact an immigration lawyer before making a biometric appointment. Some crimes may make you ineligible for immigration benefits. Lawyers can conduct background checks before USCIS and deal with them when necessary.
IV. Receiving your EAD card
The general approval time for EAD is about 12 to 16 weeks after the submission of i485
If you also submit the I-765 form (EAD application form, which is more complicated to fill in because of the recent update of FormI-765 by USCIS) and the I-131 travel document application form (re-entry permit), after you successfully submit the i485 identity adjustment package, EAD application form (I-765 form) can be submitted at the same time as I-485 or at any time after that. EAD and AdvanceParole(AP card, that is, return to the United States card) documents are combined on one card, which is called Combo card. With it, applicants can enter the United States directly without a visa.