Form I-693 is required for most adjustment of status applicants. It must be completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. Validity: 2 years. Covers physical exam, TB testing, HIV screening, and required vaccines. Cost: $200-$500. Do not open the sealed envelope. Complete 2026 guide. [...]
The monthly Visa Bulletin controls when you can file for or receive a green card. Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing are different charts — using the wrong one can delay your case by months. EB-2 India remains retrogressed. F2A is current. Complete 2026 guide to reading the Visa [...]
PERM labor certification is required before most EB-2 and EB-3 green card petitions. DOL OFLC processing: approximately 503 days (16-17 months) in 2026. Employers must complete mandatory recruitment including a 30-day SWA job order, 2 Sunday newspaper ads, and 3 of 10 additional activities. Complete 2026 guide. [...]
The I-601A provisional waiver lets immediate relatives of US citizens apply for the unlawful presence waiver BEFORE leaving the US for their immigrant visa interview. Fee: $800. Processing: 6-12 months. Requires proof of extreme hardship to a qualifying US citizen spouse or parent. Complete 2026 guide. [...]
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. [...]
