How to use My Progress to track Form I-485 Green Card Application

USCIS is getting better and better at letting applicants know the progress of their immigration applications! Today we will talk about how you can use this new tool from USCIS, "My Progress", to track several applications, including Form I-130, I-765, I-485 and more!

How to use My Progress to track Form I-485 Green Card Application

Here are the steps:

1. create an online account with USCIS here if you don't have one yet
2. select your pending application
3. once you link your application to your account, you will see a my Progress tab for your application
4. You will now be able to see the estimated wait time until your case has a decision, along with a checkmark beside three milestones as they are completed
1. Confirmation that the application was received
2. Biometric services appointment (if required) has been completed; and
3. The decision on the pending case.

What forms are now available for tracking?

• Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status - NEWLY ADDED!
• Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status - NEWLLY ADDED!
• Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
• Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
• Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
• Form I-90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
• Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative

Have you tried My Progress yet? Share your progress with all of us in the comment below! Learn more here

USCIS Now Provides Tracking for Form I-131 & I-765 Progress!

Are you anxious about your travel permit and work permit progress? You will love this great news! USCIS is now providing tracking to your Form I-131 & Form I-765. Let's check out more details:

USCIS Adds Form I-131 & I-765 to My Progress Tracking Tool

Exciting news! USCIS is getting better and better. Now the agency announced that they are updating its processing time tool "My Progress" for Form I-765 (Work Permit) & Form I-131 (Travel document)

What is "My Progress" from USCIS?

USCIS My Progress is a tool within USCIS online account that helps applicants to get personalized estimation of their wait times, including the final decisions. Although the estimates are based on historical patterns of similar cases and can't be guaranteed, it does give applicants some insights where their cases are at.

What Forms are Available for USCIS My Progress?

Currently several forms are available within the tool:

• Form I-765 and Form I-131 - newly added!
• Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
• Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
• Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
• Form I-485 & I-821 are also added! - Updated on 11/21/2023!

Where do I use USCIS My Progress?

To view estimated case timelines, you need to:

1. create an online account with USCIS here if you don't have one yet
2. select your pending application
3. once you link your application to your account, you will see a my Progress tab for your application
4. You will now be able to see the estimated wait time until your case has a decision, along with a checkmark beside three milestones as they are completed
1. Confirmation that the application was received
2. Biometric services appointment (if required) has been completed; and
3. The decision on the pending case.

Click here to learn more from USCIS's news post>>

What do you think? Is this tool helpful? Any thoughts? Leave me a comment!

Keep learning....

• How many G-1145 forms and cover letters should I include in my I-485 application package?
• How many photos do I need for I-485 concurrent filing?
• Where do I mail my I-485 Package?

How I prepared for N-400 Interview by myself with Ease

I started my preparation about 1-2 weeks before my N-400 citizenship interview and I believe that's more than enough for most people. I reviewed the tests and the dates of my trips during the last 5 years (the officer may ask about the most recent trip)

If you want to know the process of applying for I-751 or N-400, click here to read: 

DIY How to Apply for Form I-751 Green Card Renewal by Yourself with No RFE! (Timeline Updated again!)

How to prepare for the N-400 Citizenship Tests

There will be three main tests and possibly some questions for the N-400 Yes/no questions. I gathered some great preparation materials here for your convenance. These really helped me prepare with ease and very efficiently. 

1. English reading test

For this part, the officer will show you a sentence on the tablet screen and ask you read it out loud.

Click here to download the Reading Vocabulary for the Naturalization Test

Click here to see a video for practicing the English reading test!

2. English writing test

For this part, the officer will read out loud a sentence and ask you to write down the answer on a tablet with a pen. He will then check for your spelling and correctness. Remember to spell out numbers and no abbreviations such as NYC, otherwise those will be considered incorrect! (very important)

Click here to download the Writing Vocabulary for the Naturalization Test. 

3. Civic test 

There's a list of 100 civic test questions on USCIS's website with answers. Click here to download it! 

You need to remember all questions. Unless you are over age of 65, then you can just study the questions with * symbol. 

During the civic test, the officer will ask you 10 questions of the 100 questions randomly and you will need to get 6 correct answers out of 10 to pass.

Here's a video of the Civic test questions in Chinese and English

Having trouble remembering the answers? Try this video! It separates the questions by group.

4. N-400 Application Questions

The last part is the application questions. Sometimes the officer will test your understanding of the N-400 Yes/No questions. So just be prepared if you are being asked! Here is a great video that explains in more details.

Finally, if you think you are all prepared, I recommend watching this mock interview for more practices before you go to your real interview!

That's it! You may be interested in learning more here:

• DIY How to Apply for Form I-751 Green Card Renewal by Yourself with No RFE! (Timeline Updated again!)

• I-751 and N-400 Combined Interviews with Real Questions!

USCIS Waives Interviews for Low-Risk I-751 Petitioners

Great News! Are you in the process of removing your conditions on residence? If your Green Card is marriage-based and you are considered "low-risk", then there's a good chance that your immigration interview can be waived! Let's hear more about it:

USCIS Waives Interviews for Low-Risk I-751 Petitioners 

Previously, all conditional permanent residents are required to undergo an interview if they obtained their Green Card via consular processing, however, USCIS announced recently that they are going to adopt a risk-based approach when waiving interviews for conditional permanent residents (CPR) who have filed to remove conditions on residence. 

When will this go into effect?

This new update is effective immediately! This new update is one of the actions the agency takes to increase efficiencies and improve processing times. This is expected to allow for a better use of staffing resources.

Who is considered "low-risk"?

An agency offer will determine:

• There is sufficient evidence about the bona fides of the marriage. 
• There's no indication of fraud or misrepresentation in supporting documents
• No complex facts or issues to resolve
• No criminal history that render the CPR removable
• Joint-filing requirement is also eligible for a waiver if applicable. 

You may be interested in these posts too:

• DIY How to Apply for Form I-751 Green Card Renewal by Yourself with No RFE!
• New USCIS Naturalization Eligibility Tool - No Accounts Required!

USCIS Confirmed to Separate EAD & AP Combo Cards

As you may know, USCIS has been issuing EAD (Employment Authorization Document) and AP (Advanced Parole, aka travel permit) together as a 'combo card' a while now. 

However, due to long delays in processing these documents, USCIS has confirmed that they will decoupling these two cards and make standard, separate documents in an effort to expedite the processing times.

How does this affect my application?

The current processing times are around 11-13 months for EADs. Most applicants apply concurrently EAD and AP cards along with their Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Status (Green Card). USCIS has been trying to clear the backlog and avoid employment interruption. Now with the decoupling decision, we should be the processing times being shortened. 

These new EAD cards will no longer have a notation "serves as I-512 Advance Parole" and can not be served as a travel permit. You need a separate AP document to be able to travel internationally. 

You may also want to read these:

• USCIS Now Accepts Credit Cards for Most Form Fling Fees!
• The 7th Edition E-Book is published! My Marriage-Based Green Card Application Experience
• DIY How I Applied for My I-485 Green Card with No RFE! (Updated March 2022)

When Can I Expect My Biometrics Appointment?

Great News - After being delayed a long time, USCIS's Application Support Centers are finally back in full service! Now the big question is, when will we receive our biometrics appointments?

When Can I Expect My Biometrics Appointment?

Due to Pandemic-related protocols, USCIS hasn't been keeping up with the biometrics appointments; but now they are back in full operation and will be rescheduling or issuing new biometrics appointments!

Noe that it can take 90 days (or even longer) depending on the locations to schedule biometrics appointments. For those whose appointments were canceled, it may be rescheduled also. So be patient! 

Keep learning:

• New USCIS Naturalization Eligibility Tool - No Accounts Required!
• Do I Need to Update My SSN After Getting My Green Card?

DIY How to Apply for Form I-751 Green Card Renewal by Yourself with No RFE! (Timeline Updated again!)

I can not believe that it’s been almost two years since I received my Green Card! It’s time to renew my Green Card. This time is a fairly easy process compared to what we have gone through when applying for the original Green Card. 

Many of my readers are asking if I would share my experience on renewing the conditional Green Card, aka Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. So here I am! Before we get into details, be sure to check your eligibility first!

Your current Conditional Green Card is only valid for 2 years and it can not be renewed. What we need to do is to apply for a NEW Green Card. Once your I-751 application is approved, you will receive a 10-year Green Card. Click here to learn more. 

When can you apply for US citizenship? Click here to find out.

Click here to learn about the Form I-751 processing time.

How to Renew My Conditional Green Card without RFE

Step 1: Download the latest version of forms

Step 2: Download the cover letter sample

Step 3: Collect Bona Fide marriage evidence

Step 4: Make a copy of your Green Card 

Step 5: Prepare Fees 

Step 6: Put your package together 

Step 7: Find a shipping carrier 

Step 8: Do a final review! 

Step 9: The Interview 

Step 10: Wait for the notifications!

Step 1: Download the latest version of forms 

What Form do I need to include to remove my conditional Green Card? 

1) Form I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence 

I can’t stress enough that you should download the latest version of forms directly from USCIS’s official website! You don’t want to be rejected by submitting an outdated version of forms. So let’s head over to this webpage to download form I-751 

2)  Form G-1145 e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance 

If you’d like to be notified by email or text, remember to also download Form G-1145, e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance. I highly recommend including this! It’s so hard to keep waiting for the notification letters to show up in your mailbox…. Just sign this up and you will be the first to get notified when they receive your package! 

3) G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions (Optional) 

This form is only needed when you choose to pay by Credit Card or Debit Card. 

These are really the only forms you needed!

Step 2: Download the cover letter sample(with a final review checklist!)

Having a cover letter makes your application organized and it also helps you review what is missing! If you need an example, definitely take advantage of my cover letter template:) I appreciate your support! 

I am asking for $8 for this document so I can continue to update you all with the latest information. Plus, you will also receive a final review checklist to help you make sure everything is all set. 

No one wants to make easy mistakes that can ruin or delay the application process!

Step 3: Collect Bona Fide marriage evidence

For renewing a conditional Green Card, your bona fide marriage evidence is the biggest part of the application. So what do you need to provide? Short answer - anything that can prove the relationship between you and your US citizen spouse. 

One thing that’s worth mentioning is that you should include evidence since the date of your marriage. Many people made mistakes by providing only evidence from the date they received their Green Card (that’s not enough!) 

What evidence should I include for a bona fide marriage? 

You may have submitted some of these already when you applied for your original Green Card, but it doesn’t hurt to include them again. Here are some example: 

• Marriage Certificate 
• Birth Certificates of your child(ren) 
• Family Health Insurance Daily life photos 
• Download my cover letter sample to see the full list! 

Click here to learn more about preparing for Bona Fide Marriage Evidence.

Step 4: Make a copy of your Green Card

Check your Green Card again to make sure it’s not expired first and then make a photocopy of it. Remember to do both front and back! Black and white is totally fine.

Step 5: Prepare Fees

How much do I have to pay to remove conditions on residence?

Well, there are two key payments: 

•  The Biometric Service Fee: $85 
•  The Form I-751 fee: $595 

I separate the payment into two because I think it’s more clear what each fee is for. It’s totally fine to combine them if you wish though! 

What payment methods are accepted? 

Several options are available for you: 

• Credit Card/Debit Card - remember to fill out the authorization form.
• Personal Check 
• Money Order 
• More options

Check out this blog post to see how to write a money order and a personal check correctly to USCIS.

Do I need to include biometric service?

This is an interesting question. It’s quite confusing on the instructions actually. It did mention below: 

1. Conditional Resident. Each conditional resident and conditional resident dependent included in the principal petitioner’s Form I-751 is required to submit a biometric services fee with this petition, in addition to the required filing fee. (See the What Is the Filing Fee section of these Instructions.) 
2. U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident Spouse. If you are the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, you do not need to include a biometric services fee at the time this petition is submitted. If USCIS later notifies you that you must submit your biometrics, you will receive a biometric services appointment notice with instructions on how to submit the additional fee. 

 I wasn’t sure which category I am supposed to be in so I just included the biometric service fee anyways. I figured if it’s not needed, they can just ignore it. Another good reason to keep each payment separate. 

Update: It turns out that they do require a biometric service fee! They cashed out my bio payment at the same time and I got my bio appointment again even though they already took the bio last time.

Step 6: Put your package together

As usual, all payments have to be on top so the agent can see them right away. Without correct payments, they will reject directly without further review. After that you need to include your Green Card copy, and other evidence together. I used a paper clip to hold all documents together and labeled them nicely. Here's my order:

Form I-751 Checklist

• 2 Payments on top
• The Cover letter
• Form I-751
• A copy of  your current Green Card
• Bona Fide marriage evidence
• Other supporting documents
• Download the cover letter sample to learn more

Step 7: Find a shipping carrier

There are really only two main addresses depending on which carrier you are using: (This is just an example) 

If you use U.S. Postal Service (USPS): 

USCIS 

Attn: I-751 

 P.O. Box 21200 

 Phoenix, AZ 85036-1200 

If you use FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: 

 USCIS 

 Attn: I-751 (Box 21200) 

1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S 

Suite 100 

 Phoenix, AZ 85034-4850 

Be careful - Remember to triple check the correct address on USCIS’s website before you mail as they change them from time to time!

I shipped mine with UPS this time because we all heard about the long wait time and delays on USPS packages. The fee is slightly higher than USPS but it’s worth it for me. At least I don’t have to worry about losing track of the package or the package being delivered late, etc.

Step 8: Do a final review!

It’s always good to do a final review on a few things before you wrap up everything! 

Here are a few tips: 

• Use black ink for handwriting parts 
• Write “Original Submission” on the package if this is the first time you apply 
• Make sure all forms are current and not expired 
• Learn More! 

Download my cover letter sample and you will also receive a complete checklist!

Step 9: The Interview

While an interview for Form I-751 application is generally required, some applicants did report that they did not need to do an interview. Maybe when USCIS determines that your application is perfect then you might be able to skip the interview process (if you are lucky!) 

My personal application is still in the process, so I will come back and update you all on this part!

Step 10: Wait for the notifications!

How long does it take to receive notifications/updates? 

It was about 2-3 weeks after I mailed my application before I received a text message notifying me that they had received my application. After a couple of days, I received an official I-797 notice in the mail. Check out my real timeline below! My application is still ongoing so stay tuned! 

• 4/9 Mailed out the I-751 application package 
• 4/12 Package tracking showed that it’s arrived 
• 5/1 Received a confirmation text message from USCIS 
• 5/3 Received the I-797 notice in the mail 
• 8/24 Received a mail notice for biometrics appointment 
• 9/8 Completed the bio appointment 
• 4/10 Submitted N-400 Application online
• 4/14 I-751 Case Transferred to another USCIS office
• 6/18 Received I-751 Interview notice
• 6/19 Received N-400 Interview notice (same day as I-751 interview)
• 7/20 Combined interviews conducted. Oath ceremony scheduled for 8/30!
• My application is going, so check back for more updates!

How is your application going? What do you want to know more about? Share with me in the comment!

Learn more:

• How long does it take to receive Form I-751 Approval?

• When can I File Form I-751 to Remove Conditions on Residence?

How long does it take to receive my EAD card in 2021? (Updated November 2021)

 I know many of you are anxious about when you will be able to receive your I-765 Employment Authorization Card (EAD). Therefore, I put together some of my readers' timelines to give you an idea. 

How long does it take to receive my EAD card in 2021?

As USCIS struggles to clear up a huge backlog on issuing EAD cards, many applicants are worried and waiting anxiously. Here are a few real timelines from my dear readers for your reference. I hope this will ease your mind a little bit and give you an idea of what to expect:

According to USCIS's website, the current processing time for I-765 application is around 9 to 10 months. (see the chart below)

This is a new system of calculating the processing time. They give you a range of time instead of a firm number. 

• The first number means the time they need to process 50% of the cases;
• The second one is the time they need to process about 93% of the cases. 

See more details in this post: USCIS Tests a New Way of Calculate Processing Times

As you can see, some of my readers' real cases are actually taking longer than what USCIS posts on their website. I think this may be because the estimated time range from USCIS is being updated every months and it really various case by case. So I would suggest you check the processing time range once a month to make sure your case is still within the range before you contact the agency!

I hope this information helps! Good luck!

More USCIS Updates here:

• Conditional Permanent Residents with Pending Form I-751 Now Valid for 24 Months!
• Certain Hong Kong Residents are Eligible for Employment Authorization
• COVID-19 Vaccine Record Will be Required for all Green Card Applicants

How to Interpret Your USCIS Receipt Number Correctly: WAC, EAC, LIN, What do they mean?

Did you know that your USCIS case number can be more than just random letters and numbers? Many of my readers are curious about how to interpret their 13-character case/receipt number so here we go --

How to Interpret Your USCIS Receipt Number

The receipt/case number can be found on your I-797C notice on the upper left. The beginning letters on your case number actually tell you where your case is being processed.

Why does this matter? Oh well, each center/office is different and has a different processing time. USCIS’s website provides a tool for you to estimate the processing time and you need to know where your case is being processed so you can get a more accurate estimate.

So get your case number out and check out this list to find out where your application is being reviewed:

• CSC: California Service Center 
• EAC: Eastern Adjudication Center (Vermont Service Center) 
• WAC: Western Adjudication Center (California Service Center) 
• LIN: Lincoln Service Center (Nebraska Service Center) 
• SRC: Southern Regional Center (Texas Service Center) 
• NBC: National Benefits Center 
• MSC: Missouri Service Center (National Benefits Center) 
• IOE: USCIS Electronic Immigration System (ELIS) 
• NSC: Nebraska Service Center 
• TSC: Texas Service Center 
• VSC: Vermont Service Center

Learn more about applying for your Green Card by yourself here:

• How I applied for my Green Card with No RFE! (November Updated)
• Cover Letter Samples

3 Latest USCIS Policy Updates that Affect Your Green Card Application

Great news! U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued new updates in the Policy Manual to improve immigration services and process. There are three main areas to update. Let's check out what this is all about!

USCIS Issues New Policy Updates for Better Immigration Services

1) USCIS Begins to Issue an Requests for Evidence and (RFE) Notices of Intent to Deny (NOID) Again

Remember the new rule about denying applications without issuing an RFE? USCIS is going back to the old rules now!

USCIS will be issuing an RFE or NOID when additional evidence could potentially demonstrate eligibility for an immigration benefit. 

What does this mean? This updated policy will give applicants a chance to correct innocent mistakes and unintentional omissions.

2) Two-year Employment Authorization Documents (EAD)

To ease the problem of ongoing processing delays, USCIS will now increase the one-year validity period on both initial and renewal EADs to two years for certain adjustment of status (AOS) applicants. 

3) Warranted Expedited Processing

USCIS officers are provided guidance on when expedited processing may be warranted. Also, nonprofit organizations may request a benefit for expedited processing even if premium processing is available for that benefit. 

There you go! Don't forget to also check out:

• USCIS Suspends Biometric Requirements for H-4, L-2 and E visa holders
• DIY How I Applied for My I-485 Green Card with No RFE! (Updated April 2021)
• I-485 Adjustment of Status Cover Letter Samples
• DIY I-485 Adjustment of Status Part II: Immigration Interview (with real questions!)

February 2021 USCIS News Updates

Time to recap what has happened this February with USCIS! There has been some revamping from Biden administration and USCIS for immigration work permits, H-1B visa selection rules and more. Let's check them out in a glance here:

Don't forget to check out my newly published E-BOOK: How I Applied for My Green Card with No RFE! (Updated January)

February 2021 USCIS News Updates

• The Effective Date of H-1B Selection Final Rule is Delayed - The new H-1B wage-based selection rule is not happening yet! USCIS is delaying the new rule so they have time to make the transition go smoothly.
• Can I Stay Over the 60-day Grace Period with a Pending OPT Receipt? - For OPT applicants, watch out your timeline! Read this article to see what you need to know about your OPT application.
• H1B Spouse Can Work in the US Again - Great news for H-1B spouses! These H-4 visa holders can now be issued a work authorization again and be able to work in the US like a while ago (pre-Trump era).
• More updates about DACA: There are more news updates for childhood arrivals (DACA) that I don't have time to cover. If you are part of the program, remember to hop over to USCIS's website to get the latest regulation updates!
• Biden administration also mentioned that they may be changing the citizenship test back. We will keep following this news thread for next month!

More Executive Orders Signed this Month

The Biden administration is moving fast to make changes on immigration laws! Here are some more immigration executive orders signed in February:

• Establishment of Interagency Task Force on the Reunification of Families
• Create a Comprehensive Regional Framework to address the causes of migration and to manage migration throughout North and Central America
• Provide safe and orderly processing of asylum seekers at the border
• Restore faith in our legal immigration systems and strengthen integration and inclusion efforts for new Americans

Remember to come back for more updates!

USCIS News Updates: January 2021

It's 2021! We are looking forward to some good changes on immigration laws this year. Firs thing first, what's new with USCIS this January? In case you missed them, I put them all together for your reference. Let's find out!

USCIS News Updates: January 2021

• USCIS Cancelled Thousands of Immigration Biometric Appointments: If you are still waiting for your biometric appointment to be rescheduled, don't worry, it's coming up! Read this post to learn what USCIS is doing to minimize delays.
• Biden's First Day in the Office - 8 Key Immigration Changes You Should Know About: Biden has a lot of immigration plans in his agenda! Check out this post to see the key changes he already started!
• USCIS Replaces Green Card Extension Stickers: If you have a sticker for your I-551 (Green Card), pay attention to this new update from USCIS! USCIS is going to issue revised I-797 as your temporary extension proof. 
• USCIS Clarifies Certain Green Card Holders' Ineligibility for Naturalization: Some Green Card holders may not be eligible for naturalization, make sure you are not disqualified!
• USCIS Suspending In-Person Services: USCIS suspended in-person services temporary for the 19th & 20th. Make sure you check with your field office before you visit there!
• Watch Out! USCIS Updated the I-485 Form Filing Locations: Are you using the correct mailing address? Time to check again. 
• How Long Does it Take to Receive My Receipt Notice During COVID-19? Many applicants are still waiting for their receipt notice. If you are one of them, read this post to see what you can expect!
• USCIS Extends Response Time for RFEs During COVID-19 - Updated Jan 2021 Don't forget that you have additional time to prepare for your RFEs during COVID-19. USCIS recently issued another extension on the response time. 

That's it for now! Check back to see more updates soon. Meanwhile, don't forget to keep reading and staying on top of immigration updates:

• DIY How I Applied for my Green Card with No RFEs (Updated January 2021)!
• Form I-944 Declaration of Self-Sufficiency In the Know - Updated July 2020
• How to Overcome Public Charge I-944 Declaration of Self-Sufficiency

Green Card EAD Timeline - 2020 Summer Filers (April to August)

Long waiting time for you work authorization card can be very stressful and I totally feel all of you! It's been a while since last time I shared some real case timelines here. I finally got some time to collect these for your reference. Hopefully this will ease your mind a little bit, knowing what you can expect ahead of you:

2020 April to August Filers EAD Timelines

Delivered Date	Biometrics App.	EAD Produced	Total Wait Time
4/2/2020	N/A	Not yet as of 10/27/2020	7 months so far
4/2/2020	10/20/2020	Not yet as of 10/27/2020	7 months so far
4/16/2020	9/18/2020	9/21/2020	5 months
4/17/2020	8/10/2020	Not yet as of 10/27/2020	6.6 months so far
5/4.2020	N/A	Not yet as of 10/27/2020	6 months so far
5/8/2020	9/30/2020	10/6/2020	5 months
5/10/2020	8/25/2020	10/8/2020	5 months
5/15/2020	N/A	10/25/2020	5.5 months
5/18/2020	8/11/2020	9/29/2020	4.5 months
5/29/2020	10/9/2020	10/15/2020	4.5 months
6/2/2020	7/16/2020	8/6/2020	2 months
6/7/2020	N/A	9/30/2020	3.5 months
6/10/2020	N/A	10/21/2020	4 months
6/10/2020	8/25/2020	10/19/2020	4 months
6/12/2020	8/12/2020	10/21/2020	4 months
6/30/2020	N/A	10/20/2020	4 months
7/16/2020	10/21/2020	Not yet as of 10/27/2020	3.5 months so far
8/17/2020	10/23/2020	Not yet as of 10/27/2020	2 months so far

Don't forget to check USCIS's case processing time here to get an idea.  The current processing time is 4.5 to 6.5 months:

WWell, if you look at my data, some may be faster than others but most people do get their cards produced within 4-6 months, so I think it's still pretty reliable! What is your timeline, care to share with us?

Can I still work without an EAD card?

Can't wait endlessly? The great news is - Yes some of you can! Some applicants are qualified to use their I-797 Notice of Action as their temporary work authorization proof and your employer will use that to report in the I-9 form. Your notice date has to be between December 1st, 2019 and August 20th, 2020. Read this article to see if you are qualified!

Click here to see more filers' timelines!

Have you checked out my personal experience yet? DIY How I Applied for My Green Card with No RFE!

How Long Does it Take to Receive My EAD Card During COVID-19? 2020 Filers

Let's hear something positive - Several readers have got some good news to share today! More and more applicants who filed Form I-765 in January and February finally got their approval notice for the EAD card (work permit). Considering that the timeline during COVID-19 might be a little different from the usual timeline, I decided to collect some data to let other applicants know what to expect!

Form I-765 is an optional form that you can file concurrently with Form I-485, Adjustment of Status. It is a work permit for the transition time while your green card application is pending. 

Most people file Form I-765 along with Form I-131 (travel documents or called Advanced Parole) to get a combo card that gives you the ability to work and travel while waiting for your final decision on the green card application (I-485).

View Form I-765 Checklist

How Long Does it Take to Receive My EAD Card During COVID-19?

From a few of my kind readers who were willing to share their experience, I was able to put together this timeline chart below to give you an idea of how long it takes for people to receive their EAD card. Note: This chart only included people who didn't get RFEs and have received an approval.

Here are some takeaways:

• Most January filers have received a response from USCIS (either RFE or approval)
• Most January filers waited for 4-5 months before their EAD was approved. 
• Most February/March filers are still waiting - I will come back and give updates when I hear more from them!

Please note that every case is so different, and this chart is meant for giving you an idea of roughly how long the wait time can be, it does not represent how your real case would be.

When Should I Call USCIS? 

First of all, if your case is still within the normal processing time, USCIS agents won't be able to give you more updates on your case. So Click Here to check USCIS's case processing time first before you call. 

The current processing time I see is 4.5 to 6.5 months, which matches what my readers' real experiences. In the chart below (click the chart to see it close up) you can see the column that says "Receipt date for a case inquiry". This means your filed date have to be after December 22nd/23rd before they can accept your inquiry for further information. So if your date is still within the range, don't bother contacting them.

Can I Expedite My EAD Card?

To expedite your case, you need to have a legit reason AND have received a receipt notice. Some examples include:

• Severe financial loss and the need for urgent action is not the result of the applicants' failure to:
• File the benefit request or the expedite request in a reasonable time frame, or
• Respond to any RFE in a timely manner
• Urgent humanitarian reasons
• Urgent cases for Department of Denfense or DHS, or other public safety or national security interests
• USCIS error

Learn more details on USCIS's website here.

How to Expedite an EAD Card

Wait until you have your receipt notice and call USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 to create a service request to the office with jurisdiction over your application. They won't be able to reder the expedite request to the dedicated office without your receipt number.

What's your experience on expediting the EAD card? How long does it take for your EAD card to show up in your mail box?

Many readers were surprised to hear that I actually didn't receive my EAD card at all! My green card was approved and arrived earlier than my EAD and the travel permit. I would love to hear your experience!