Application Status

[Wizoz2]

You can contact the local SSA office and ask them to reissue the card without the "Not valid for work without INS authorization" printed on it (unrestricted SSN) and provide the Green Card copy as proof.

Thanks is it mandatory to do this? Being a little paranoid, I want to avoid the risk of having the social security office screw up something on my current ssn.

[Turbulent_Dragonfly]

Thanks is it mandatory to do this? Being a little paranoid, I want to avoid the risk of having the social security office screw up something on my current ssn.

It is not mandatory. Your GC is the proof of unrestricted authorization. The only reason I say to update it is if you join a new job and they do the I-9 compliance, if they see the SSN with restricted authorization, they are supposed to note it and all that so might as well take care of it. Most local offices will print a new card within a week or so and send it to you.

[NeelVohra]

I am not sure on what to expect next and would appreciate any information or experience someone could share.

Today, I received 2 updates in quick succession. One saying Card/Document Production, and another a short while after that saying Post Decision Activity with content as follows:

we reopened your Form I485, APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR ADJUST STATUS, Receipt Number XXXXXXXXX, and are reconsidering our earlier decision. We sent you a notice that describes how we will process your case.

We had responded in early May to a RFE request for I-485j and medicals. There were changes in job code as compared to the original PERM from 2009. I am not really sure whether that is causing a problem. My spouse's I-485 and most recent EAD/AP renewal application remains pending and there are no updates on that one.

[NeelVohra]

...we reopened your Form I485, APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR ADJUST STATUS, Receipt Number XXXXXXXXX, and are reconsidering our earlier decision. We sent you a notice that describes how we will process your case....

To complete the loop, received a New Card is being produced and Case was Approved notifications today. That is 2 days after the above note.

[kuku82]

Got RFE today for myself as well as spouse in mail. No online status update. For me: Medicals, W2, and paystubs. For spouse: Medicals, proof of marriage (joint property ownership, home lease, children bc with spouse name).

My FAD got current in June bulletin. The letter is dated June 1st and seems to be from the local USCIS office. My package was filed with NBC in Oct 2020.

[aGCHopefull]

Got RFE today for myself as well as spouse in mail. No online status update. For me: Medicals, W2, and paystubs. For spouse: Medicals, proof of marriage (joint property ownership, home lease, children bc with spouse name).

My FAD got current in June bulletin. The letter is dated June 1st and seems to be from the local USCIS office. My package was filed with NBC in Oct 2020.

Congrats for getting RFE Is this from your local field office?

[kuku82]

Congrats for getting RFE Is this from your local field office?

Yes, seems so. The RFE response needs to be sent to the local field office.

[krnashvom8]

Yes, seems so. The RFE response needs to be sent to the local field office.

good to see RFE come in.. can you let us know which is your local field office if you are ok with sharing that info?

[kuku82]

good to see RFE come in.. can you let us know which is your local field office if you are ok with sharing that info?

Philly field office

[getsaby]

Did you applied I485 recently, or in 2012?

Our PD is Oct 19, 2009, EB-2 filed I485 for spouse on 10/21/2020, FP is done on Feb 2021, still no medical RFE yet.

Raised an SR last week, response is, "Our records show that your I-485 application is currently pending adjudication. We regret that we are unable to provide you with a completion date at this time. We apologize for the delay."

[krnashvom8]

Philly field office

thanks, appreciate the info!

[kuku82]

Did you applied I485 recently, or in 2012?

Our PD is Oct 19, 2009, EB-2 filed I485 for spouse on 10/21/2020, FP is done on Feb 2021, still no medical RFE yet.

Raised an SR last week, response is, "Our records show that your I-485 application is currently pending adjudication. We regret that we are unable to provide you with a completion date at this time. We apologize for the delay."

Recently in Oct 2020. Straight EB2. Went to NBC and then seems got transferred to field office. The rfe is issued by the field office.

[kuku82]

Got RFE today for myself as well as spouse in mail. No online status update. For me: Medicals, W2, and paystubs. For spouse: Medicals, proof of marriage (joint property ownership, home lease, children bc with spouse name).

My FAD got current in June bulletin. The letter is dated June 1st and seems to be from the local USCIS office. My package was filed with NBC in Oct 2020.

Folks, I have a question regarding the paystubs they’re asking for in the RFE.

I applied I-485 in Oct 2020 together with the I-485J for confirmation of job offer with the I-140 petitioning employer. The supp J is still pending. After completing 180-days with this employer, in May 2021, I moved on to a new full-time job in same/similar category. The new company filed my H1-B. However, I haven’t yet filed another I-485J to use AC21 portability – since the new employer is where I intend to work once I get the GC.

Now that they are asking for the recent paystubs in the rfe, which would be with the new employer, what would be the likelihood of this triggering another rfe for supp J? Should I just file another suppJ….wait for few days….and then respond to the rfe with medicals + RFE?

Appreciate if @idliman, Q, or other gurus could chime in.

[Wizoz2]

Hi Everyone,
So this may not be a question relevant to this thread. Please feel free to move it to the appropriate thread mods.

How soon after getting the green card can one switch jobs from GC sponsoring employers? I have been with the sponsoring employer all along and continue to this day post getting the GC in May 2021. Can I switch jobs after 6 months or is it recommended to wait a year since GC?

[idliman]

Folks, I have a question regarding the paystubs they?re asking for in the RFE.

I applied I-485 in Oct 2020 together with the I-485J for confirmation of job offer with the I-140 petitioning employer. The supp J is still pending. After completing 180-days with this employer, in May 2021, I moved on to a new full-time job in same/similar category. The new company filed my H1-B. However, I haven?t yet filed another I-485J to use AC21 portability ? since the new employer is where I intend to work once I get the GC.

Now that they are asking for the recent paystubs in the rfe, which would be with the new employer, what would be the likelihood of this triggering another rfe for supp J? Should I just file another suppJ?.wait for few days?.and then respond to the rfe with medicals + RFE?

Appreciate if @idliman, Q, or other gurus could chime in.

You should respond with cover letter saying that you had availed AC21 job portability and are working for a new employer (attorneys know this). Send a new I-485 Supp J for current job. In addition provide them everything else already asked in RFE.

There is no way to hide where you are working. GC is based on a future FT job. Unless this contract is clear to USCIS, they will not issue GC. Also put effort to make sure that "same or similar" justification is as good as it can be.

[idliman]

Hi Everyone,
So this may not be a question relevant to this thread. Please feel free to move it to the appropriate thread mods.

How soon after getting the green card can one switch jobs from GC sponsoring employers? I have been with the sponsoring employer all along and continue to this day post getting the GC in May 2021. Can I switch jobs after 6 months or is it recommended to wait a year since GC?

Six months at a minimum and six to tweleve months is adviced by most attorneys. Law expects you to stay in your GC FT job for a "reasonable" time.

[Noesis]

Hello Guys,

Question on H4 and H4EAD: My spouse's H4EAD status shows a new card is being produced today, however we got her fingerprinting appointment for H4 (COS, 539 from h1 to h4) on 28th of June. I am not sure how H4 EAD can be approved without underlying 539 still in process.?

Her 539 and 765 were filed in May of 2020 and finally we got fingerprinting for 539 today after almost 13 months and on the same day the H4EAD status changed to new card being produced. We did go for our 485 and 765 Fingerprinting on May 26 and both status shows that FP was taken but I am not sure how they are related to 539 COS and 765 (H4 EAD). Could this trigger approval.?

[vsivarama]

Hello Guys,

Question on H4 and H4EAD: My spouse's H4EAD status shows a new card is being produced today, however we got her fingerprinting appointment for H4 (COS, 539 from h1 to h4) on 28th of June. I am not sure how H4 EAD can be approved without underlying 539 still in process.?

Her 539 and 765 were filed in May of 2020 and finally we got fingerprinting for 539 today after almost 13 months and on the same day the H4EAD status changed to new card being produced. We did go for our 485 and 765 Fingerprinting on May 26 and both status shows that FP was taken but I am not sure how they are related to 539 COS and 765 (H4 EAD). Could this trigger approval.?

My 2 cents, Don't worry if the H4-EAD gets approved. Just take a deep breath and be relieved. We try to find a method to the USCIS madness but there is none. It's a govt entity with all the inefficiencies and flaws baked in to the organization. Just make sure your spouse attends the BM appointment on the 28th of June. Don't try and read too much into it. It's a USCIS decision and you are not on the hook for any of its decisions. The approval could just be the result of Biometrics cancellations for H4 and L2 EADs since May 17th. But to be safe it's better to honor the appointment anyway.

[Noesis]

My 2 cents, Don't worry if the H4-EAD gets approved. Just take a deep breath and be relieved. We try to find a method to the USCIS madness but there is none. It's a govt entity with all the inefficiencies and flaws baked in to the organization. Just make sure your spouse attends the BM appointment on the 28th of June. Don't try and read too much into it. It's a USCIS decision and you are not on the hook for any of its decisions. The approval could just be the result of Biometrics cancellations for H4 and L2 EADs since May 17th. But to be safe it's better to honor the appointment anyway.

Thank you much. A strange notification again today, today her i539 shows that the case is approved.! and her 765 status changed from "a new card is being produced" to "case is approved". This is beyond belief but that is where it stands as of now. As you suggested, we still plan to visit the local ASC and have her appear for fingerprinting and would leave it upto the local ASC and officer to determine. I do not know or understand if we should be doing anything else.

[kuku82]

You should respond with cover letter saying that you had availed AC21 job portability and are working for a new employer (attorneys know this). Send a new I-485 Supp J for current job. In addition provide them everything else already asked in RFE.

There is no way to hide where you are working. GC is based on a future FT job. Unless this contract is clear to USCIS, they will not issue GC. Also put effort to make sure that "same or similar" justification is as good as it can be.

Thanks @idliman. I checked with both my prior and new employer lawyers and they too agree filing Supp J with RFE response is best strategy.

I'm considering responding to the RFE myself -- seems simple as they are asking for a specific set of documents in both mine and spouse RFEs.

If I do respond myself, what's the best way to organize this when it comes to sending via Fedex? I'm thinking:
- one main envelope that contains two envelopes for me and spouse.
- in envelope for me, include: 1) Cover letter for J supp + J supp itself, 2) Cover letter for RFE response + docs they are requesting.
- in envelope for spouse, only cover letter for RFE response + docs they are requesting.

Thank you in advance.

[idliman]

Thanks @idliman. I checked with both my prior and new employer lawyers and they too agree filing Supp J with RFE response is best strategy.

I'm considering responding to the RFE myself -- seems simple as they are asking for a specific set of documents in both mine and spouse RFEs.

If I do respond myself, what's the best way to organize this when it comes to sending via Fedex? I'm thinking:
- one main envelope that contains two envelopes for me and spouse.
- in envelope for me, include: 1) Cover letter for J supp + J supp itself, 2) Cover letter for RFE response + docs they are requesting.
- in envelope for spouse, only cover letter for RFE response + docs they are requesting.

Thank you in advance.

It all depends on how close your current job description is when compared to the PERM/I-140 job. You need to match "same or similar job classification". Are your SOC codes same and the job titles similar? That is more than 50% match in my book. If so, you can DIY. If the SOC classifications are different then you may be better off going with an attorney. And put in serious effort to match every single word or skill in PERM.

It does not matter if you use one evelope or two envelopes as long as it is clear to lockbox people processing your mail. They will open envelope and file it with existing I-485 file. I had always sent everything in one USPS / FedEx envelope. But I will make sure that there is a covering letter on top and each packet/application has a big binder clip to separate the applications. Just explain it clearly in coverletter and make it painfully obvious to the AO what you are trying to do. You can also use colored Post-It Tabs on bottom (USCIS uses top 2 hole filing system so tags should be on the bottom) and tag supporting material.

[kuku82]

It all depends on how close your current job description is when compared to the PERM/I-140 job. You need to match "same or similar job classification". Are your SOC codes same and the job titles similar? That is more than 50% match in my book. If so, you can DIY. If the SOC classifications are different then you may be better off going with an attorney. And put in serious effort to match every single word or skill in PERM.

It does not matter if you use one evelope or two envelopes as long as it is clear to lockbox people processing your mail. They will open envelope and file it with existing I-485 file. I had always sent everything in one USPS / FedEx envelope. But I will make sure that there is a covering letter on top and each packet/application has a big binder clip to separate the applications. Just explain it clearly in coverletter and make it painfully obvious to the AO what you are trying to do. You can also use colored Post-It Tabs on bottom (USCIS uses top 2 hole filing system so tags should be on the bottom) and tag supporting material.

Thanks for the quick response. To clarify, the new company lawyer is working with the employer and me to fill out the J Supp. However the RFE, which doesn't ask for Supp J, is something I'm considering responding myself. The Supp J will just be part of the package. The SOC codes are the same. I have the PERM job description and trying to ensure Supp J matches with that. The titles sound different but in reality they are the same.

My RFE response is going to uscis field office.....not lockbox or service center. Not sure if this changes anything. Thanks for the tip on post-its and other things related to the organization.

[andhraguy]

Do we get 485-J approval before getting GC ? Did anyone get 485-J approval or Just the receipt notice with "Fees Were Waived" then got direct 485 approval ?

[GCWait2011]

I have a PD of April 2011. I filed EB3 downgrade last year in November 2020. My EB3 I140 is in progress and premium processing is not getting accepted. My biometrics is also not done. Please let me know if it is advisable to file in EB2. My son will become 21 in a year.
Please advice what will be the best approach for me to move forward.

[vsivarama]

I have a PD of April 2011. I filed EB3 downgrade last year in November 2020. My EB3 I140 is in progress and premium processing is not getting accepted. My biometrics is also not done. Please let me know if it is advisable to file in EB2. My son will become 21 in a year.
Please advice what will be the best approach for me to move forward.

I know it's frustrating you may want to retry PP for EB3 i140. If you want to sleep better at night and don't mind spending money, then may be it's better to file a brand new 485 application for EB2. Interfiling may not be an option for you as the underlying i140 petition of your current 485 is not yet approved. Even if it were an option, interfiling is a different beast in itself. You will never get any confirmations from USCIS as to whether your interfiling was accepted/processed. So you will be in a limbo, till you get your GC one fine day. I am sure you DO NOT want to be in this limbo while your son's future hangs in the balance. Filing a new 485 may not speed up your GC on the contrary it may slow it down because of confusion caused by multiple petitions, but it could help save your son from ageing out.