Waiting for I485 still - though have quick questions - please reply ASAP.

[theshadow]

I filed my I-140/I-485 concurrentlyl on 04/05/2004 my I-140 got approved on Feb 2005, though I am still waiting for my 485 approval. I went to bio-metrics on Aug 20th (code 2) and I got second bio-metrics for Nov 23rd (code 1). I asked my lawyer and he says that the priority date is 05/2003 or something like that. I dont understand what a priority date is and I have couple of questions, If someone could answer it clearly and in simple english with examples, I would reall appreciate. (or If you have a green card for dummies source, I would gladly read it )

Additional Info : I am on EB3 and my center is NSC. I belong to India.

1) What is a priority date? How is it determined? My lawyer says my priority date is 05/2003

2) What is significance of priority dates with respect to my 485 processing or for my GC process ?

3) What is Code 1 and Code 2 bio-metrics.

4) At what point should I start worrying and contact USCIS or my lawyer for that matter ? Or should I started worrying already ?

5) Running out of visa numbers for EB3 what is the deal with this ? When this will be opened. ? or Is it alredy opened ?


I-140/I-485/EAD/AP - 04/05/2004 RD/AD
EAD/AP - Got in less than two months.
FP1 - results received by USCIS on 06/15/2004
I-140 - 02/03/2005 AD
EAD/AP - 2ND APPROVAL OBTAINED.
FP2 - 08/20/2005
FP1 - 11/23/2005
I-485- ??

So where am I?

Please let me know.
Thanks a lot.

 

[abansal0211]

I filed my I-140/I-485 concurrentlyl on 04/05/2004 my I-140 got approved on Feb 2005, though I am still waiting for my 485 approval. I went to bio-metrics on Aug 20th (code 2) and I got second bio-metrics for Nov 23rd (code 1). I asked my lawyer and he says that the priority date is 05/2003 or something like that. I dont understand what a priority date is and I have couple of questions, If someone could answer it clearly and in simple english with examples, I would reall appreciate. (or If you have a green card for dummies source, I would gladly read it )

Additional Info : I am on EB3 and my center is NSC. I belong to India.

1) What is a priority date? How is it determined? My lawyer says my priority date is 05/2003

2) What is significance of priority dates with respect to my 485 processing or for my GC process ?

3) What is Code 1 and Code 2 bio-metrics.

4) At what point should I start worrying and contact USCIS or my lawyer for that matter ? Or should I started worrying already ?

5) Running out of visa numbers for EB3 what is the deal with this ? When this will be opened. ? or Is it alredy opened ?


I-140/I-485/EAD/AP - 04/05/2004 RD/AD
EAD/AP - Got in less than two months.
FP1 - results received by USCIS on 06/15/2004
I-140 - 02/03/2005 AD
EAD/AP - 2ND APPROVAL OBTAINED.
FP2 - 08/20/2005
FP1 - 11/23/2005
I-485- ??

So where am I?

Please let me know.
Thanks a lot.

****************************************************
Hi TheShadow,

I appreciate you asking these questions as many people whose GCs are in process does know what exactly these terms mean. Anyways... here it is...

1. A Priority Date is the date when your Labour Application/petition (1st step towards your GC process) was filed by your employer. In your case its 05/2003.

2. The Priority Date has a great significance in your on going GC process. Immgrant VISA numbers become available only when your priority date gets current. Please refer USCIS VISA bulletin to know the status of your Priority dates. Once your Priority Date is current (means USCIS will be processing all pending 485 filed on 05/2003 (your priority dates) you should expect your 485 approval soon unless not stuck in FBI name check.

3. Its a very good question. Infact recently I also came to know the difference between the two. Code 2 means ------> Index finger print with signature and a photo will be taken when you go for your FP with code 2.
Whereas Code 1 -----> all 10 finger prints, your signature but no photo with this code.

4. As far as your FP is concerned you need not have to worry about it. USCIS keeps a close track of all the pending 485 and keep sending you FP (Biometrics) notice if your 485 is pending for more than 15 months. With subsequent 12 -15 months since your last FP you continue to get FP request from USCIS if your 485 is still awaiting decision.

5. Well each year USCIS gets a quota of x number of Immigrant visa under each category. Previous year the quota was of 50,000 immigrant visas for EB3 category only. Once this quota was over i.e. 50,000 I485 has been issued, they stopped processing more 485 under EB3 category. Last year on 06/2005 this quota got over and again from 10/2005 they got a fresh quota of 1,50,000 immigrant visa due to the growing demand of immigrant visas under EB3 category. Till they have visas aviailable for EB3 they will continue to provide immigrant visas i.e. I485 approvals...

Hope this answers all your doubts... Please do let me know if you have any more questions.

Thanks,

A