Navigating the U.S. immigration process can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to understand the timelines for permanent residence. One option that many applicants consider is concurrent filing I-140 and I-485, a process that allows you to submit both your immigrant petition and Adjustment of Status application at the same time.
This approach can streamline your green card journey, reduce unnecessary waiting periods, and give you earlier access to important benefits like work and travel authorization. However, it also comes with specific eligibility requirements and potential risks that every applicant should understand before moving forward.
What Is Concurrent Filing I-140 and I-485?
Concurrent filing means submitting Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) and Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status) at the same time. This option is only available to certain employment-based green card applicants.
Who Is Eligible for Concurrent Filing?
If you’ve been hearing about concurrent filing I-140 and I-485 and wondering whether it applies to you, here’s how it works: concurrent filing lets you submit your I-140 and I-485 at the same time. You can file both forms together if:
- You’re applying under EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3.
These are the only employment-based categories that allow concurrent filing. - Your priority date is current on the Visa Bulletin. This means there’s an immigrant visa available for your category and country.
- You’re physically in the United States.
USCIS only allows concurrent filing for people applying through Adjustment of Status. - You meet the requirements for the I-485 (Adjustment of Status).
For example, you must have entered the U.S. legally and not have issues that make you ineligible. - Your spouse and children (under 21) also meet the requirements if they want to file their I-485s at the same time.
When You Can’t File Concurrently
There are situations where concurrent filing I-140 and I-485 simply isn’t allowed. You cannot file both forms together if:
- Your priority date isn’t current.
USCIS will not accept an I-485 unless a visa is available, e.g. the priority dates for EB2 and EB3 are not current. Therefore you cannot file both I-140 and I-485together for these two employment based categories. - You’re outside the United States and using consular processing.
Concurrent filing is for Adjustment of Status only. - You don’t qualify for the I-485.
For example, entering without inspection or certain immigration violations can make you ineligible.
Why Applicants Choose Concurrent Filing
1. Faster Total Processing Time
Concurrent filing eliminates the waiting period between I-140 approval and I-485 submission, potentially saving months.
2. Faster Access to Work & Travel Authorization
Once I-485 is pending, you can apply for:
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Advance Parole (travel permit)
These typically arrive within a few months, giving applicants more flexibility while their case is under review.
3. Family Benefits Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can also submit I-485, I-765 (work permit), and I-131 (travel permit) at the same time.
Risks & Drawbacks of Concurrent Filing Â
Concurrent filing can be a great option, but it’s important to understand the potential downsides before moving forward.
1. If your I-140 is denied, your I-485 is denied automatically
This is the biggest risk. When you file both forms together, your I-485 depends entirely on the I-140 being approved. So if the I-140 doesn’t go through, the I-485 is rejected as well and all the time, money, and effort put into the process is essentially lost.
2. Your visa category must stay current
Your ability to file and for USCIS to keep processing your I-485 depends on the Visa Bulletin. If the dates move backward (retrogress), your case may be paused. You won’t lose what you’ve already filed, but you won’t see progress until your priority date becomes current again.
3. Concurrent filing doesn’t eliminate backlogs Filing both forms at the same time gets the process started faster, but it doesn’t guarantee fast approval. USCIS backlogs, security checks, and processing times can still cause delays, even if you filed everything on day one.
How to File Concurrently: Step-by-Step GuideÂ
Here is a practical walkthrough of how concurrent filing works from start to finish:
Step 1: Confirm That You’re Eligible for Concurrent Filing Â
Before starting the process, you must confirm that your priority date is current and that USCIS allows your category to file the I-140 and I-485 together. This involves checking the latest Visa Bulletin and reviewing the USCIS Adjustment of Status Filing Chart for the month. If your date is not current, USCIS will reject your I-485 even if the I-140 is ready to file.
You must be inside the U.S. to adjust status concurrent filing is not available through consular processing.
Step 2: Prepare Your I-140 Immigrant PetitionÂ
The I-140 petition is the foundation of your employment-based green card case, whether it is employer-sponsored or self-petitioned. At this stage, either you or your employer gathers documents to prove your job qualifications and eligibility under your EB category. This step usually involves assembling evidence such as education credentials, experience letters, or achievements that support your petition.
Step 3: Prepare Your I-485 Adjustment of Status Application
While the I-140 is being prepared, you can begin working on your I-485, which is your actual green card application. This form checks your identity, immigration status, health, and admissibility. It also determines whether you are eligible to adjust status inside the U.S. without returning to your home country.
Some items commonly included in an I-485 package are:
- Completed Form I-485
- Government-issued identity documents
Medical exam (optional to submit immediately)
Step 4: Assemble Your Concurrent Filing Package
At this stage, you have both major applications ready: the I-140 and the I-485. USCIS allows you to submit them together in one combined package. It is important to label each form clearly and use separate payments for each filing fee.
At this stage, you have both major applications ready: the I-140 and the I-485. USCIS allows you to submit them together in one combined package. It is important to label each form clearly and use separate payments for each filing fee.
Step 5: Send Your Application to the Correct USCIS Filing Location
USCIS filing addresses change often, so it is essential to check the most recent instructions on the official USCIS website. The correct location depends on your category and the state where you live. Using an outdated or incorrect address can delay your case or cause USCIS to reject your package entirely.
Always double-check the address on uscis.gov before mailing.
Step 6: Wait for USCIS to Issue Receipt Notices
Once USCIS receives your package, they will generate receipt notices for the I-140, I-485, and any optional forms you included, such as the work permit (I-765) or travel document (I-131). These receipts confirm that your case is officially in the system and begin the processing timeline.
If USCIS identifies any missing items, they may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE).
Step 7: Attend Your Biometrics Appointment
After your receipts arrive, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment at your nearest Application Support Center. This is where they take your fingerprints, photo, and signature for background and security checks. Most applicants complete this step within 30–90 days of filing.
Step 8: Receive Your Work and Travel Authorization
If you submitted Form I-765 and Form I-131 along with your concurrent filing, you may receive a combined Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Advance Parole (AP). This card allows you to work legally and travel outside the U.S. while your green card case is still pending.
Processing times vary, but many applicants receive these benefits within 3–6 months.
Step 9: USCIS Reviews the I-140 and I-485
At this stage, USCIS reviews your immigrant petition and your adjustment application simultaneously. They may approve the I-140 first and continue reviewing the I-485, or they may complete both around the same time. If USCIS needs additional information, they may issue another RFE or schedule an interview.
Step 10: Receive Your Green Card Decision
Once the I-140 is approved and a visa remains available for your category, USCIS will finalize your I-485. If everything is complete and your background check clears, you will receive your approval notice followed by your physical green card in the mail. This marks the successful completion of the concurrent filing process.
2025 Trends & Processing Data for Concurrent Filing I-140 and I-485Â Â
If you’re considering concurrent filing I-140 and I-485, it helps to understand what the 2025 immigration landscape looks like. Recent trends show that employment-based green card demand is higher than ever, and that affects how long your case may take.
Green card demand is way up
More people are applying for employment-based green cards this year, which means USCIS is handling a much larger workload. Here’s the big picture:
- There are over 170,000 employment-based I-485 applications currently pending.
- Average processing time is about 14 months, but this can be shorter or longer depending on your category and your local field office.
Even with delays, applicants who file Adjustment of Status are still receiving their EAD (work card) and Advance Parole (travel permit) faster than the final green card.
How this impacts your concurrent filingÂ
Concurrent filing doesn’t guarantee a fast green card approval — USCIS backlogs are still very real but it does give you a valuable head start.
By filing your I-140 and I-485 together, you:
- Enter the queue immediately
- Become eligible for work and travel permits much sooner
- Stay legally in the U.S. while your case is pending
- Avoid waiting months just to submit your I-485
So even though final decisions can take time, concurrent filing I-140 and I-485 helps you lock in your place early and access key benefits while you wait.
Conclusion: Achieve a Faster Green Card Process by Making Informed Choices.
Concurrent filing I-140 and I-485 can be a powerful way to accelerate your Green Card process, but only when used strategically. By staying informed, preparing thoroughly, and understanding both the benefits and the risks, you give yourself the best chance of a smooth and successful application.
If you’re unsure whether concurrent filing is the right move for your situation, our team is here to guide you through the details and help you make a confident, informed decision every step of the way.
Ready to understand your eligibility or get professional support preparing your application?
Contact MyGreenCardStory.com today for personalized guidance from experienced immigration consultants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is concurrent filing faster than filing separately?
It is usually faster because you eliminate the wait time between I-140 approval and submitting I-485. However, USCIS processing times still depend on workload and visa availability.
Q2: What happens if my priority date retrogresses after I file concurrently?
Your I-485 will pause until the date becomes current again, but you can still keep your EAD/AP active.
Q3: Can my spouse and children file with me?
Yes. Your dependents may submit their I-485, I-765, and I-131 at the same time if they are physically present in the U.S. and meet eligibility criteria.
Q4: Should I file concurrently even if my I-140 isn’t very strong?
If there is a risk of I-140 denial, concurrent filing may expose you to losing both filings. In such cases, some applicants choose to file I-140 first, wait for its approval, then apply for I-485.
Final Thoughts
If you’re exploring whether concurrent filing I-140 and I-485 is the right step in your green card journey, our team at My Green Card Story is here to support you with clarity, strategy, and personalized guidance. While we are not immigration attorneys, we bring years of hands-on experience helping applicants understand their options, prepare stronger petitions, and navigate each stage with confidence. Don’t leave your future to guesswork—book a Consultation today to get expert consulting support and take the next informed step toward your U.S. permanent residence.
For official information on the EB-2 and NIW process, visit the USCIS website.
