I-485 Concurrent Filing in Brea: Family and Employment Green Card Strategy
File your immigrant petition and green card application simultaneously for faster processing
Quick Answer
Concurrent filing allows Brea residents to submit Form I-485 (green card application) at the same time as the underlying immigrant petition (I-130 for family or I-140 for employment), saving months of processing time and providing immediate work authorization eligibility.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For Arab families in Brea seeking to obtain green cards through family sponsorship or employment, concurrent filing offers a strategic advantage. SoCal Immigration Services helps Brea residents understand when concurrent filing is available and how to maximize its benefits for faster green card processing.
What is Concurrent Filing?
Normally, the immigration process works in two stages:
1. First, file the immigrant petition (I-130 for family or I-140 for employment)
2. Wait for approval (often 12-24 months)
3. Then file I-485 for the green card
Concurrent filing eliminates the waiting period between steps 2 and 3, potentially saving 12-24 months of total processing time.
Who Qualifies for Concurrent Filing in Brea?
- •Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouse, unmarried children under 21, parents) - ALWAYS eligible for concurrent filing
- •Family preference categories (F1, F2A, F2B, F3, F4) - Only when visa numbers are current
- •Employment-based categories (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3) - Only when visa numbers are current for your country
- •Special immigrants (EB-4) - Depends on visa availability
- •Applicants must be physically present in the United States
- •Applicants must have maintained lawful status or be eligible for an exception
Benefits of Concurrent Filing
- •Time savings: Potentially save 12-24 months compared to sequential filing
- •Work authorization: Apply for EAD (work permit) immediately with Form I-765
- •Travel document: Apply for Advance Parole with Form I-131 to travel while pending
- •Protection from aging out: Children's ages may be protected under CSPA
- •Combo card: Often receive single card providing both work and travel authorization
- •Earlier biometrics: Schedule fingerprinting sooner in the process
- •Peace of mind: Start the final green card stage immediately
Required Documents for Concurrent Filing
- •Form I-130 (family) OR Form I-140 (employment) - the underlying petition
- •Form I-485 - Application to Register Permanent Residence
- •Form I-765 - Application for Employment Authorization (optional but recommended)
- •Form I-131 - Application for Travel Document (optional but recommended)
- •Birth certificate with certified English translation
- •Passport biographical page and all visa stamps
- •I-94 arrival/departure record
- •Two passport-style photos (USCIS specifications)
- •Medical examination (Form I-693) from USCIS-designated civil surgeon
- •Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) for family-based cases
- •Evidence of relationship (for I-130) or job offer (for I-140)
- •Filing fees (currently $1,225 for I-485 plus underlying petition fee)
Concurrent Filing Process Timeline
- 1Prepare Complete Package
Gather all documents for both the immigrant petition and I-485. Ensure medical exam is completed and sealed. Organize evidence chronologically.
- 2Submit Applications Together
Mail both applications in the same package to the appropriate USCIS lockbox. Include I-765 and I-131 if desired. Pay all filing fees.
- 3Receive Receipt Notices
Within 2-4 weeks, receive receipt notices for all applications filed. Each form gets a separate receipt number for tracking.
- 4Biometrics Appointment
Attend fingerprinting at the nearest Application Support Center (typically Santa Ana or Los Angeles for Brea residents). Usually scheduled 3-6 weeks after receipt.
- 5Receive EAD/Advance Parole
If filed, work permit and travel document typically arrive 3-6 months after filing. Often combined into single 'combo card.'
- 6Interview (if required)
Many family-based cases require interviews at the local USCIS field office. Employment-based cases may have interviews waived.
- 7Green Card Approval
Upon approval, receive welcome notice followed by green card in mail. Total timeline typically 12-24 months for concurrent filing.
Immediate Relatives vs. Preference Categories
| Category | Concurrent Filing | Typical Wait Time | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immediate Relative | Always available | No visa wait | Spouse/parent/child under 21 of U.S. citizen |
| F1 Preference | Only when current | 7-23 years | Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens |
| F2A Preference | Often available | 2-5 years | Spouse/children of green card holders |
| F2B Preference | Only when current | 7-12 years | Unmarried adult children of green card holders |
| F3 Preference | Only when current | 15-24 years | Married adult children of U.S. citizens |
| F4 Preference | Only when current | 15-24 years | Siblings of adult U.S. citizens |
Current Visa Bulletin and Filing Dates
Final Action Date: The date when green cards can be approved
Dates for Filing: The earlier date when I-485 can be filed
USCIS announces each month which date applies. When 'Dates for Filing' is in effect, more people can file I-485 concurrently even if their Final Action Date isn't current yet.
For Arab families in Brea with longer waiting times (F3, F4 categories), monitoring the visa bulletin monthly is essential to catch concurrent filing opportunities.
Common Concurrent Filing Mistakes
- •Filing when visa numbers aren't current for your category
- •Incomplete medical examination or expired I-693 (valid 2 years from exam date)
- •Missing signatures on forms
- •Incorrect filing fees or outdated fee amounts
- •Sending to wrong USCIS lockbox address
- •Not including Form I-864 Affidavit of Support for family cases
- •Photos that don't meet USCIS specifications
- •Failing to include required translations of foreign documents
- •Not maintaining lawful status while waiting for decision
Traveling While I-485 is Pending
Advance Parole Required: If you leave without Advance Parole, your I-485 is automatically abandoned (with some exceptions for H-1B, L-1, K visa holders).
Combo Card: The EAD/Advance Parole combo card authorizes both work and travel. Keep it with you when traveling.
Re-entry: When returning, inform CBP you're returning on Advance Parole with pending I-485.
Emergency Travel: If you must travel before receiving Advance Parole, contact USCIS about expedited processing.
Why Choose SoCal Immigration Services in Brea
- •Arabic and English-speaking staff who understand your situation
- •Experience with concurrent filing strategies for all categories
- •Assistance with complex family situations and documentation
- •Medical exam coordination with local civil surgeons
- •Visa bulletin monitoring and timely filing notifications
- •Complete document preparation and organization
- •Interview preparation for USCIS appointments
- •Ongoing case status updates throughout the process
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:How much does concurrent filing cost in Brea?
A: The I-485 filing fee is currently $1,225 (includes biometrics). Add $535 for I-130 family petition or employer-paid fees for I-140. The I-765 (work permit) and I-131 (travel document) have no additional fee when filed with I-485. Document preparation fees vary.
Q:Can I work while my concurrent filing is pending?
A: Yes, once you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD). File Form I-765 with your concurrent filing package. Processing typically takes 3-6 months. The combo card allows both work and travel.
Q:What if my priority date becomes unavailable after I file?
A: If you've already filed I-485 through concurrent filing and visa numbers later become unavailable (retrogression), USCIS cannot approve your case until numbers become available again, but your pending I-485 remains valid.
Q:Can my spouse and children also file concurrently?
A: Yes! Derivatives (spouse and unmarried children under 21) can file their own I-485 applications concurrently with the principal applicant. Each person needs their own forms, photos, medical exam, and fees.
Q:Do I need an interview for concurrent filing?
A: Most family-based I-485 cases require interviews at your local USCIS field office (Santa Ana or Los Angeles for Brea). Employment-based cases increasingly have interviews waived, though USCIS reserves the right to require one.
Q:How is concurrent filing different from premium processing?
A: Concurrent filing means submitting I-485 with your petition simultaneously. Premium processing is a paid service ($2,805) for faster I-140 processing (15 business days) only. You can use both: premium processing for I-140 with concurrent I-485 filing.
Ready to File Concurrently in Brea?
Let our experienced team help you maximize your concurrent filing opportunity. We understand the complexities and timing strategies that lead to success.
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