Leaving the US without Advance Parole while your I-485 is pending automatically abandons your green card application. Form I-131 fee: $630. Processing: 4-8 months. EAD/AP combo card (I-766) available for many applicants. Complete 2026 guide to who needs it, how to apply, and emergency expedite options. [...]
The DV-2027 Diversity Visa Lottery registration opens October-November 2025. 55,000 immigrant visas available. Entry is free and done only at dvlottery.state.gov — never pay a third party. Mexico, China, India, Philippines, Brazil, and Nigeria are ineligible. UK is eligible for DV-2027. Complete entry guide. [...]
The EB-1 green card requires no PERM labor certification and has priority dates current for most nationalities. EB-1A: extraordinary ability, self-petition. EB-1B: outstanding researcher, employer required. EB-1C: multinational manager or executive. Complete 2026 guide to all three subcategories. [...]
The EB-2 National Interest Waiver lets qualified professionals self-petition for a green card without a job offer or PERM labor certification. Based on Matter of Dhanasar (2016). USCIS updated NIW guidance January 2025. Filing fee: $800. Processing: 6-12 months standard, 15 business days premium. [...]
Adjustment of status (I-485): stay in the US, get EAD in 3-7 months, 12-22 months total. Consular processing: must be abroad, ~$1,500 cheaper, 6-18 months, no US work auth during process. Consular denials cannot be appealed. Complete 2026 comparison guide. [...]
USCIS returned to mandatory in-person green card interviews in 2026, ending most interview waivers. Interviews last 15-45 minutes. Many field offices now separate spouses and interview them individually in marriage cases. Complete preparation guide. [...]
File Form I-751 within the 90-day window before your 2-year conditional green card expires. Processing: 28-32 months in 2026. USCIS extends your status 48 months via I-797 receipt. Complete guide including joint filing, waivers, and interview preparation. [...]
Green card renewal costs $415 online or $465 by mail in 2026. Processing takes about 11 months. USCIS extends your status 24 months via I-797 receipt. File Form I-90 up to 6 months before expiration. Complete 2026 guide. [...]
Form I-485 lets eligible immigrants apply for a green card without leaving the US. Fee: $1,440. Employment-based: 9–16 months. 72% of employment-based cases qualify for interview waiver. Full 2026 guide. [...]
