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DV 2026 AOS (Adjustment of Status) Process Only

samlaryea said:
The insurance is called the Massachusetts Health Connector.
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Per the current DHS Final rule published on Dec. 23, 2022, medical coverage through Massachusetts Health Connector insurance does not count against recipient as public charge for immigration purpose. However, be mindful of the fact that the current administration could update what counts as public charge for immigration purpose at any point in time.
 
Sm1smom said:
Per the current DHS Final rule published on Dec. 23, 2022, medical coverage through Massachusetts Health Connector insurance does not count against recipient as public charge for immigration purpose. However, be mindful of the fact that the current administration could update what counts as public charge for immigration purpose at any point in time.
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Curious - in what way would any insurance (assuming you pay premiums) be considered a public charge? I always understood anything like this, including unemployment benefits from an unemployment insurance fund, counts as insured benefits and therefore by definition is not public charge?
 
SusieQQQ said:
Curious - in what way would any insurance (assuming you pay premiums) be considered a public charge? I always understood anything like this, including unemployment benefits from an unemployment insurance fund, counts as insured benefits and therefore by definition is not public charge?
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None that I know of - I'm just extra wary when it comes to this administration and immigration related issues.
 
Sm1smom said:
Per the current DHS Final rule published on Dec. 23, 2022, medical coverage through Massachusetts Health Connector insurance does not count against recipient as public charge for immigration purpose. However, be mindful of the fact that the current administration could update what counts as public charge for immigration purpose at any point in time.
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Thank you Mom!
 
Hello everyone,
I’m currently in the process of applying for my I-485, and my case is already current as of October. I plan to submit my application this week. Additionally, I’m considering filing the I-765 (Employment Authorization) and I-131 (Advance Parole) forms.
I’m on STEM OPT, and my visa is valid until 2027. I’m also currently employed and have no plans to travel outside the U.S. while my I-485 is pending, in order to avoid any risk.
My main question is about the typical processing times for the I-765 and I-131. Based on your experiences, how long do these approvals typically take, and how do they compare to the green card approval timeline?
I’m trying to figure out whether it’s worthwhile to file these forms now, or if it might be unnecessary if the green card is approved quickly. I’m looking for insights and advice from those who have gone through a similar process.
Thank you in advance for your help!
 
engineeringvine said:
Hello everyone,
I’m currently in the process of applying for my I-485, and my case is already current as of October. I plan to submit my application this week. Additionally, I’m considering filing the I-765 (Employment Authorization) and I-131 (Advance Parole) forms.
I’m on STEM OPT, and my visa is valid until 2027. I’m also currently employed and have no plans to travel outside the U.S. while my I-485 is pending, in order to avoid any risk.
My main question is about the typical processing times for the I-765 and I-131. Based on your experiences, how long do these approvals typically take, and how do they compare to the green card approval timeline?
I’m trying to figure out whether it’s worthwhile to file these forms now, or if it might be unnecessary if the green card is approved quickly. I’m looking for insights and advice from those who have gone through a similar process.
Thank you in advance for your help!
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1. EAD / AP processing time could be anywhere between 3 to 6 months (or longer).
2. Take a look at some of the previous timeline spreadsheets to get an idea of how long on average similar cases from your applicable FO (Field Office) took to process.

p.s. hope you're already of the additional fees required for filing forms I-765 and I-131, and the implications of using any of those upon approval while your AOS application is pending.
 
Sm1smom said:
1. EAD / AP processing time could be anywhere between 3 to 6 months (or longer).
2. Take a look at some of the previous timeline spreadsheets to get an idea of how long on average similar cases from your applicable FO (Field Office) took to process.

p.s. hope you're already of the additional fees required for filing forms I-765 and I-131, and the implications of using any of those upon approval while your AOS application is pending.
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Thank you so much for your reply.
1.Does the green card usually arrive before the EAD/AP approval? What is the typical scenario look like? I mean does the green card usually get approved before? Honestly, I am trying not to waste unnecessary money if it takes longer than the green card. I wanted to apply those just to be in the safer side just in case I had an emergency to travel home. But if both the green card and the EAD/AP get approves at the same time or later than the green card I wouldn’t do. I know it’s a personal decision but I still wanted to seek expert opinions. And about the field office I guess it’s Charleston since I am in SC.

2.And I think the fees are $260 and $630 right?

3.Also the EAD&AP gets activated and upon only returning back to US right? If I do not travel it’s not activated right?

4.Can someone only apply for AP if he already has an EAD from stem opt? Can he work on stem opt EAD after returning back to the using AP? Or does the stem EAD gets invalid as the F1 status gets invalid after returning to the US while I-485 is pending?

And thanks again for the wonderful forum and y’alls time.
 
engineeringvine said:
Thank you so much for your reply.
1.Does the green card usually arrive before the EAD/AP approval? What is the typical scenario look like? I mean does the green card usually get approved before? Honestly, I am trying not to waste unnecessary money if it takes longer than the green card. I wanted to apply those just to be in the safer side just in case I had an emergency to travel home. But if both the green card and the EAD/AP get approves at the same time or later than the green card I wouldn’t do. I know it’s a personal decision but I still wanted to seek expert opinions. And about the field office I guess it’s Charleston since I am in SC.

2.And I think the fees are $260 and $630 right?

3.Also the EAD&AP gets activated and upon only returning back to US right? If I do not travel it’s not activated right?

4.Can someone only apply for AP if he already has an EAD from stem opt? Can he work on stem opt EAD after returning back to the using AP? Or does the stem EAD gets invalid as the F1 status gets invalid after returning to the US while I-485 is pending?

And thanks again for the wonderful forum and y’alls time.
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1. I already explained the EAD and or AP can take anywhere between 3 - 6 months (or longer). I also recommended you take a look at some of the previous timeline spreadsheets to get an idea of how long on average it takes for your FO to approve a DV based AOS application. Once you know the processing time for your FO, you should be able to determine if these two extra applications are worth it for you or not. In the interim, I also recommend going through the FAQ tab of the AOS process spreadsheet (as a minimum read) to get an insight into the process.

2. Yes, that is the applicable filing fees as of today.

3. Take a look at the FAQ tab of the AOS Process spreadsheet.

4. Yes they can.
 
Sm1smom said:
1. I already explained the EAD and or AP can take anywhere between 3 - 6 months (or longer). I also recommended you take a look at some of the previous timeline spreadsheets to get an idea of how long on average it takes for your FO to approve a DV based AOS application. Once you know the processing time for your FO, you should be able to determine if these two extra applications are worth it for you or not. In the interim, I also recommend going through the FAQ tab of the AOS process spreadsheet (as a minimum read) to get an insight into the process.

2. Yes, that is the applicable filing fees as of today.

3. Take a look at the FAQ tab of the AOS Process spreadsheet.

4. Yes they can.
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Thank you so much.
 
Sm1smom said:
1. I already explained the EAD and or AP can take anywhere between 3 - 6 months (or longer). I also recommended you take a look at some of the previous timeline spreadsheets to get an idea of how long on average it takes for your FO to approve a DV based AOS application. Once you know the processing time for your FO, you should be able to determine if these two extra applications are worth it for you or not. In the interim, I also recommend going through the FAQ tab of the AOS process spreadsheet (as a minimum read) to get an insight into the process.

2. Yes, that is the applicable filing fees as of today.

3. Take a look at the FAQ tab of the AOS Process spreadsheet.

4. Yes they can.
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Hello,
1.While checking the field office what should I select for form category? Because I do not see diversity visa under form category. I can only see employment based, family based and other different types. What should I chose?
2. My field office is Charleston, South Carolina and for the other categories it shows time more than 10months. So shall I choose a field office with relatively less processing time? I am going to submit my applications so I need your assistance in this matter so that I can come to a decision.
Thanks
Sm1smom said:
1. EAD / AP processing time could be anywhere between 3 to 6 months (or longer).
2. Take a look at some of the previous timeline spreadsheets to get an idea of how long on average similar cases from your applicable FO (Field Office) took to process.

p.s. hope you're already of the additional fees required for filing forms I-765 and I-131, and the implications of using any of those upon approval while your AOS application is pending.
Click to expand...
 
Hello,
1.While checking the field office what should I select for form category? Because I do not see diversity visa under form category. I can only see employment based, family based and other different types. What should I chose?
2. My field office is Charleston, South Carolina and for the other categories it shows time more than 10months. So shall I choose a field office with relatively less processing time? I am going to submit my applications so I need your assistance in this matter so that I can come to a decision.
Thanks
 
engineeringvine said:
Hello,
1.While checking the field office what should I select for form category? Because I do not see diversity visa under form category. I can only see employment based, family based and other different types. What should I chose?
2. My field office is Charleston, South Carolina and for the other categories it shows time more than 10months. So shall I choose a field office with relatively less processing time? I am going to submit my applications so I need your assistance in this matter so that I can come to a decision.
Thanks
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Looks like you haven’t gone through the AOS process spreadsheet as recommended. Going through that spreadsheet is the best way to help yourself through this process, just so you know.

USCIS does not separately track DV based AOS applications, which is why we’ve created the DV Timeline spreadsheets in this forum to track DV based AOS applications. These timeline spreadsheets (and not the USCIS’s processing website) is what I pointed you towards in my earlier response. If you take a look at the AOS process spreadsheet, you will see one of the tabs labeled as “Timelines”, that is where you will find the link to the timeline spreadsheets for the past couple of years.

p.s. when you file for AOS, your FO is automatically determined based on your home address, you cannot shop around for a FO with a relatively short processing time. So again, spend some quality time to go through the AOS process spreadsheet before rushing to send in your AOS package.
 
KISS2025 said:
Hi,

In the list of documents for AOS package, there is a section for AOS fee payment: whether personal check or money order needs to be included.
Should the copy of dv admin fee payment receipt be enough?

Sorry for such a silly question, I can't find the copy of the cashier's check.
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The DV administrative fee payment is different from the AOS processing fees. You should have seen the section you’re referencing indicates copy of DV administrative fee receipt should be included in addition to the personal check or money order for the AOS application itself.
 
By the way, AOS filing can no longer be made with check or money order. Effective Oct. 28th, credit or debit card are the only two acceptable form form payment for AOS application filing fees.
 
Hello, I filed my Form I-485 on October 2, 2025, and my case status changed to “Case Is Ready to Be Scheduled for an Interview” on October 23, 2025.
I did not receive any biometric appointment notice, but I had given biometrics for my F-1 visa about 1.5 years ago.
Please confirm if USCIS reused my previous biometrics for this I-485 application.
 
hello. said:
Hello, I filed my Form I-485 on October 2, 2025, and my case status changed to “Case Is Ready to Be Scheduled for an Interview” on October 23, 2025.
I did not receive any biometric appointment notice, but I had given biometrics for my F-1 visa about 1.5 years ago.
Please confirm if USCIS reused my previous biometrics for this I-485 application.
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The biometrics used by the embassy for your F1 visa application cannot be used by USCIS. Reach out to EMMA to confirm if your bio notice already got sent to you.
 
Hi,

I have a question regarding the Notice of Action forms (Form I-797 and I-797C). Should I include the Notice of Action related to my Form I-765 in my submission package?
Additionally, I have a Notice of Action (Form I-797C) issued to the qualifying family member of a U-1 visa recipient. Should I attach those notices as well? Are those forms I-797 and I-797 C forms are the same?
Lastly, could you please advise where notarized translations of birth and marriage certificates can be completed?

thank you very much for your time.
 
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