Moving while 485 is pending

[crystal_yajing]

I will change to a new job and move to another state. But I still have some concerns regarding the job change during 485 pending:

1. Is it OK to change jobs multiple times while 485 is pending? Will this affect my Green Card processing such as delaying?

2. Where will the finger print be done? Will INS choose a place close to my new address or old address? Will my attorney receive finger print notice as well?

3. I heard that even you call INS Customer service to update address, they still use the old address on the 485 form to send notices. Is that true?

4. I will move to a state different from my original INS center, will the case be transferred to the new center?

Thank you so much!

 

[registrationid]

> 1. Is it OK to change jobs multiple times while 485 is pending? Will this affect my Green Card processing such as delaying?
- It is ok for the most part and depends on various factors such as 140 process completion, ac21 filing, new employer willing to support any RFE's etc. Please see other threads in this forum to get a general idea. ALso post more details such as ur 140 status, ac21, etc


2. Where will the finger print be done? Will INS choose a place close to my new address or old address? Will my attorney receive finger print notice as well?
- If you notify USCIS of the address change , they will ask u to go to the location closest to your new address.

3. I heard that even you call INS Customer service to update address, they still use the old address on the 485 form to send notices. Is that true?
- You have send a form called AR-11 address change form.

4. I will move to a state different from my original INS center, will the case be transferred to the new center?
- Case should not be transferred. However if ur case might (I am not very sure) get transferrred in the later stages to the local district office closest to ur new address.

 

[pralay]

1. Is it OK to change jobs multiple times while 485 is pending? Will this affect my Green Card processing such as delaying?

It's OK, as long as your I-140 is approved and you changed job after 180 day of applying I-485. Multiple times job change does not matter. But they must be similar job (same job code) and your salary must comply with prevailing wage specified in your LC.


2. Where will the finger print be done? Will INS choose a place close to my new address or old address? Will my attorney receive finger print notice as well?

If you update your address to service center where your application(s) is/are, you should get your FP location somewhere in your new local area. If you don't update them with your new address, you will get FP location near your old address.
Yes, your attorney receives a copy of FP notice too.

3. I heard that even you call INS Customer service to update address, they still use the old address on the 485 form to send notices. Is that true?

Yes, sometimes they do that kind of silly mistakes. Normal rule is fax/call your service center and update your address. Then callback after few days or a week and confirm if your address is updated properly.
If they send FP notice to your old address by mistake, call them and request to reschedule it to your new location.

4. I will move to a state different from my original INS center, will the case be transferred to the new center?

That depends on various USCIS internal factors. For example, what stage of adjucation your application is, or if that service center has too much load, or the adjucating officer is in a good mood or not. Some people get transferred, but some don't.

 

[crystal_yajing]

Thank you Pralay and Registrationid so much! My I-140 was approved on Oct 2002 and 485 was filed on Dec of 2002. My new job is in the same category of the old one (Software Engineer) although it's in a state belonging to another service center. I think I am qualified to use ac21 to continue my green card application, right? I feel much better to know that my attorney will also receive finger print notice, just in case that INS messed up my address. There is still one way or another for me to get notified.