What happens after your petition is approved?
Asked by: Penelope Dietrich | Last update: September 3, 2025Score: 5/5 (45 votes)
After USCIS approves the petition, the case is sent to the
What is the next step after I-130 is approved?
Generally, after we approve the petition, your relative may apply for a Green Card. If your relative is already in the United States and an immigrant visa is available, they may be eligible to apply for their Green Card by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
What happens when your USCIS case is approved?
Upon approval, the applicant is mailed a Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card. The date the Form I-485 is approved becomes the date of adjustment, which in turn determines how soon the newly adjusted Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) may apply for U.S. citizenship.
How long does it take to get a green card after a petition?
Approximately 12 Months to Several Years After Filing
The length of the wait depends on the specific category and the date the petition was filed. This is called your priority date.
What is the next step after an H1B petition is approved?
H-1B petitions approved by USCIS for consular processing are forwarded to the Department of State for review. After review, a U.S. Consulate or Embassy may issue a visa for travel to a United States' port of entry.
My I-130 family Petition is Approved. What Happens Next?
What does H-1B petition approved mean?
If Your H-1B Petition Has Been Approved as a Change of Status: If the H-1B approval notice was issued as a change of status, you are eligible to work in the United States as of the H-1B validity date. If you plan to travel abroad, you will need a new visa if you leave the country and seek to reenter the United States.
What is the next step after I-797 approval?
Once USCIS sends your I-797 approval notice, they will send your approved petition to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing. At NVC, we will create your visa case and enter the data from your petition into the system.
How long after case approved to card mailed?
The Green Card is mailed to the applicant after production is complete. Applicants can expect to receive their card typically within 30 to 90 days after receiving the approval notice.
What is next after a case is being actively reviewed by USCIS I-130?
After your case status shows “Case is being actively reviewed by USCIS,” several possible updates could follow. Here's what might happen next: Request for Evidence (RFE): Sometimes, USCIS needs more information or documents to make a decision. If this happens, they'll send you an RFE explaining exactly what they need.
How long to get a green card after paying the immigrant fee?
If you do not receive your Green Card within 90 days of paying the USCIS Immigrant Fee or entering the United States (if you paid the fee before you arrived) please submit our online help form to request assistance. You can also submit an inquiry online using our e-request tool.
Can I travel immediately after getting a green card?
Permanent residents are free to travel outside the United States, and temporary or brief travel usually does not affect your permanent resident status. If it is determined, however, that you did not intend to make the United States your permanent home, you will be found to have abandoned your permanent resident status.
Is I-485 approval the same as green card?
Once the I-130 is approved, the I-485 can be processed to grant the applicant a green card. However, if both forms are filed together (concurrent filing), especially in immediate relative cases, USCIS may process and approve them around the same time.
How long does it take for USCIS to send approval notice after approval?
A Form I-797 Notice of Action (as compared to I-797A, I-797B, etc) is simply a receipt notice or approval notice. After filing a USCIS petition, you can usually expect to receive a receipt notice within two to three weeks. For petitions with premium processing, you may receive the notice within a few days.
What is the next step after USCIS case was approved?
After USCIS approves your petition, they will transfer your case to the Department of State's National Visa Center (NVC) for pre-processing. The first step in this processing is the creation of your case in our system. Once this is complete, we will send you a Welcome Letter by e-mail or physical mail.
What to expect after I-130 is approved?
After Form I-130 is approved, you must first determine whether your priority date is current (does not apply to spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of US citizens). If your priority date is current and you are present in the US, you might be eligible to file Form I-485 with USCIS.
How do I know if USCIS is reviewing my case?
Online: Use the case status online tool to check for updates about your immigration case. You will need your 13-character receipt number from your application or petition. By phone: If you are calling from the U.S., contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 or TTY 1-800-767-1833.
How long does it take to get card after approval?
Usually, you can expect to receive your credit card within a couple of weeks after approval. But a few factors can affect how long it takes to get your card. This process can include a review of your credit history and shipping timelines.
How long does it take to get a letter in the mail from USCIS?
The paper Receipt Notice is received by mail from USCIS normally within 2-3 weeks of filing the application. We do advise that students mail their application to USCIS using Express Mail through the U.S. Post Office or via an express mail courier (such as FedEx, UPS, DHL).
Is USCIS approving I-485 without interview?
USCIS will evaluate your application and accompanying materials without requiring an in-person interview if you are eligible for an interview waiver. This can speed up the procedure, but make sure your application is complete and well-prepared.
Who receives i-797 approval notice?
Approval of Petition or Application: If USCIS approves your petition or application, they'll send you an I-797 to let you know. This form signifies that you've been granted the immigration benefits you applied for, whether it's a visa, green card, or employment authorization.
How long is the wait for NVC interview?
According to recent statistics from the U.S. Department of State, the average wait time for scheduling an immigrant visa interview at the National Visa Center (NVC) can range from 60 to 90 days once all documents are submitted and deemed complete.
What is next after USCIS received my application?
You will receive results of your interview and tests via Form N-652, or you may find out on the spot after your interview. Based on results, USCIS will approve, continue or deny your application. Once approved, USCIS will send you notice N-445 with a date and time to take the Oath of Allegiance.
What is the next step after H-1B petition approved?
After your H-1B visa petition is approved, your dependents can apply for their H-4 visas at any US Consulate or Embassy. Once they have their H-4 visa, they can enter the United States. They will need to present their passport, visa, and I-797 Approval Notice to the Immigration Officer at the port of entry.
What is the minimum salary for H-1B?
The H-1B nonimmigrant, whether full-time or part-time, must actually receive hourly wages or an annual salary totaling at least $60,000 in the calendar year. The salary must be paid “cash in hand” and “free and clear.” It must also be paid when due.
What does approved petition for immigrant visa mean?
approved petition may apply for an immigrant visa and consular process with the DOS while outside. of the United States. In this case, USCIS forwards the petition to DOS' National Visa Center (NVC).5. Some beneficiaries who are already in the United States may be eligible to adjust their status to that.