Key Takeaways
• Concurrent filing lets eligible applicants submit Forms I-130 and I-485 together if a visa number is available.
• Fees for concurrent filing in 2025 total $2,215 without optional forms, $3,005 with forms I-765 and I-131.
• Average processing time for concurrent filing is 8 to 14 months as of 2025.
Concurrent Filing of I-130 and I-485: A Detailed Guide for 2025
Concurrent filing is an important option for many people who want to become lawful permanent residents of the United States 🇺🇸. This process allows certain applicants to submit Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) at the same time. By doing so, eligible applicants may save time and move through the immigration process more quickly. This guide explains what concurrent filing is, who can use it, the costs involved, the steps to follow, and what to expect during the process.
Understanding Concurrent Filing
Concurrent filing means submitting both the I-130 and I-485 forms together in one package to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Normally, people file Form I-130 first, wait for it to be approved, and then file Form I-485 when a visa number becomes available. With concurrent filing, both forms are filed at the same time, but only if a visa number is immediately available for the applicant’s category.
This process is especially helpful for Immediate Relatives of U.S. citizens because visa numbers are always available for them. It can also help others in certain family and employment categories when a visa number is open.
Who Is Eligible for Concurrent Filing?
Not everyone can use concurrent filing. The rules are clear about who qualifies. Here are the main groups who can file both forms at the same time:
Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens
– Spouses of U.S. citizens
– Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens
– Parents of U.S. citizens (if the citizen is at least 21 years old)
Other Eligible Groups
– Preference relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, but only when a visa number is available right away
– Widow(er)s of U.S. citizens
– Most employment-based applicants and their eligible family members, if a visa number is available
– Special Immigrant Juveniles, if an EB-4 visa number is available
– Self-petitioning battered spouses or children under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), if they meet certain requirements
– Certain members of the armed forces applying for a special immigrant visa
– Special Immigrant International Organization Employees or their family members
If you are not sure whether you qualify, it is important to check the current visa bulletin from the U.S. Department of State. The bulletin shows which categories have visa numbers available. You can find the latest visa bulletin on the U.S. Department of State website.
Why Is Visa Number Availability Important?
A visa number is like a spot in line for a green card. For some categories, there are only a limited number of visas each year. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens do not have to wait for a visa number because there is always one available for them. Other categories, like siblings of U.S. citizens or certain employment-based applicants, may have to wait months or even years for a visa number to become available. Concurrent filing is only possible when a visa number is open for your category.
Fees for Concurrent Filing in 2025
Filing immigration forms can be expensive, and it is important to know the costs before you begin. As of July 8, 2025, the fees for concurrent filing are as follows:
Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
– $675 for paper filing
– $625 for online filing
Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status)
– $1,440 for applicants aged 14 to 78
Optional Forms
– Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization): $260
– Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document): $630
Total Costs
– Filing both I-130 and I-485 together (without optional forms): $2,215
– Filing both forms plus I-765 and I-131: $3,005
Important: Each form requires a separate payment. If you include optional forms, you must pay for each one. If you do not pay the correct fee, USCIS may reject your application.
For the most up-to-date fee information, always check the USCIS Fee Schedule.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Concurrent Filing
The process for concurrent filing involves several steps. Here is a simple breakdown:
1. Check Eligibility
– Make sure you belong to a group that can file both forms at the same time.
– Confirm that a visa number is available for your category by checking the visa bulletin.
2. Prepare Forms and Documents
– Complete Form I-130 and Form I-485.
– Gather supporting documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of U.S. citizenship for the petitioner, and proof of lawful entry for the applicant.
– If you want to work or travel while your application is pending, also complete Form I-765 and Form I-131.
3. Pay the Fees
– Write separate checks or money orders for each form, or pay online if filing electronically.
– Double-check the fee amounts to avoid mistakes.
4. Submit the Application
– Mail all forms, supporting documents, and payments to the correct USCIS lockbox facility. The address depends on where you live and whether you are filing by mail or online.
– Keep copies of everything you send.
5. Attend Biometrics Appointment
– USCIS will send you a notice for a biometrics appointment, where they will take your fingerprints, photo, and signature.
6. Respond to Requests for Evidence (if needed)
– Sometimes, USCIS may ask for more information. Respond quickly and provide the requested documents.
7. Attend Interview
– Most applicants must attend an interview at a local USCIS office. Bring originals of all documents and copies of what you submitted.
8. Wait for Decision
– USCIS will review your case and make a decision. If approved, you will receive your green card in the mail.
Processing Time for Concurrent Filing
The time it takes to process concurrent filings can vary. As of 2025, the average processing time is 8 to 14 months, depending on the USCIS field office handling your case. Some offices are faster than others, and delays can happen if more information is needed or if there are many applications.
Recent Changes and Policy Updates
On January 20, 2025, USCIS announced a change in how officers handle certain applications. Officers will no longer issue Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs) for some cases. This change may help speed up processing times, but it does not affect the fees or who can use concurrent filing.
It is important to stay updated on policy changes by checking the USCIS website regularly.
Practical Implications of Concurrent Filing
Concurrent filing can make the green card process faster for many people. Here are some practical things to keep in mind:
Faster Processing
– Filing both forms together can save several months compared to filing them one after the other.
Work and Travel While Waiting
– If you file Form I-765 and Form I-131 with your I-485, you can get permission to work and travel while your green card application is pending.
Careful Preparation Needed
– You must submit all required documents and pay the correct fees. Mistakes can cause delays or even rejection.
No Need to Leave the United States 🇺🇸
– If you are already in the United States 🇺🇸 and eligible for adjustment of status, you do not have to leave the country to get your green card.
VisaVerge.com reports that concurrent filing is a popular choice for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens because it allows families to stay together and move through the process more quickly.
Comparing Concurrent Filing to Separate Filing
To understand the benefits of concurrent filing, it helps to compare it to the traditional process:
Traditional (Separate) Filing
– File Form I-130 first.
– Wait for approval and for a visa number to become available.
– Once a visa number is available, file Form I-485.
– This process can take much longer, especially for categories with long waiting times.
Concurrent Filing
– File both forms at the same time if a visa number is available.
– Start the green card process sooner.
– May receive work and travel permits while waiting.
Real-World Example
Let’s look at a simple example:
Maria is married to a U.S. citizen and lives in the United States 🇺🇸. Because she is an immediate relative, a visa number is always available. Maria and her husband can file Form I-130 and Form I-485 together. They also include Form I-765 so Maria can work while waiting. Maria attends her biometrics appointment, goes to her interview, and after about 10 months, she receives her green card.
If Maria had filed separately, she would have had to wait for the I-130 to be approved before starting her green card application, which could have added several months to the process.
Rights and Pathways After Concurrent Filing
Once you file both forms, you have certain rights and options:
While Waiting
– If you filed Form I-765, you can work legally in the United States 🇺🇸 once it is approved.
– If you filed Form I-131, you can travel outside the United States 🇺🇸 and return, as long as you have advance parole.
After Approval
– You become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
– You can live and work in the United States 🇺🇸 permanently.
– After a certain number of years, you may be able to apply for U.S. citizenship.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not checking visa number availability: Only file concurrently if a visa number is available for your category.
- Missing documents: Double-check the checklist for each form.
- Incorrect fees: Make sure you pay the right amount for each form.
- Not responding to USCIS notices: Always reply quickly to any requests for more information.
Tips for a Smooth Process
- Use the official USCIS forms and instructions. Here are the direct links:
- Keep copies of everything you send.
- Track your case status online using your receipt number.
- If you move, update your address with USCIS right away.
Future Outlook
Immigration policies and fees can change. It is important to check the USCIS website and the visa bulletin regularly for updates. Any changes to fees, eligibility, or processing times will be announced by USCIS.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Concurrent filing of I-130 and I-485 is a helpful option for many people who want to become lawful permanent residents of the United States 🇺🇸. It can make the process faster and easier, especially for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. Before starting, check your eligibility, gather all documents, pay the correct fees, and follow the steps carefully. If you have questions, consider speaking with an immigration attorney or a trusted legal service provider.
For more details and the latest updates, always use official sources like the USCIS website. This will help you avoid mistakes and make your immigration journey as smooth as possible.
Learn Today
Concurrent Filing → Submitting Forms I-130 and I-485 together when a visa number is available for faster processing.
Form I-130 → Petition filed by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to establish a family relationship.
Form I-485 → Application to adjust status to lawful permanent resident within the United States.
Visa Number → A limited annual allocation allowing eligible immigrants to obtain permanent residency.
Request for Evidence (RFE) → USCIS’s request for additional documents or information to support an application.
This Article in a Nutshell
Concurrent filing of I-130 and I-485 accelerates lawful permanent residency by submitting both forms simultaneously when visa numbers are available, saving months. Immediate relatives benefit most with consistent visa availability, enabling work and travel permissions during processing. Understanding eligibility, fees, steps, and timelines is key to a smoother green card process.
— By VisaVerge.com
