This case study is based on actual matters handled by Song Law Firm. To protect client confidentiality, all identifying information — including names, nationality, affiliations, and specific dates — has been anonymized and generalized. The narrative consolidates common patterns from multiple cases so that no single matter is identifiable, and certain facts have been altered for confidentiality. Song Law Firm makes no guarantee or promise of any particular outcome. This document is not advertising that promises results. Visa and immigration outcomes vary substantially based on USCIS review, facts, evidence, and policy changes; past results do not guarantee future outcomes. For specific legal advice, please consult an attorney directly.
Client Profile
Korean-American clients who had received I-140 approval (or applied for AOS under spouse/Immediate Relative basis), filing I-485 (Adjustment of Status). EB-2/EB-3 employer-sponsored or NIW/EB-1A self-petition applicants, plus family-based applicants. The client group maintained valid status in the U.S. and proceeded through the AOS path. This pattern consolidates common profiles among I-485 AOS cases handled by Song Law Firm.
Background
Concurrent filing of I-140 and I-485 — where priority date is current — significantly reduces total timeline. Applicants gain interim work authorization (EAD) and travel permission (AP) during adjustment, allowing continued life and work in the U.S. The client group sought to use these advantages to the maximum.
Legal Framework
The statutory basis is INA § 245, with regulations at 8 C.F.R. § 245. Required forms include I-485 (Adjustment of Status), I-693 (Medical Examination), I-765 (EAD), I-131 (AP), I-864 (Affidavit of Support, family-based), and others.
Key eligibility requirements include: (1) inspected and admitted or paroled, (2) immigrant visa immediately available (priority date current), (3) admissible to the U.S., (4) not subject to bars under INA § 245(c).
Song Law Firm Strategy
Song Law Firm executed AOS in four phases.
First, concurrent filing preparation — confirmed I-140 and I-485 concurrent filing was beneficial, then assembled the document package together.
Second, EAD/AP filing — I-765 and I-131 forms enabled clients to maintain work and travel during the AOS process.
Third, biometrics and medical exam — biometrics at USCIS ASC and medical exam (I-693) with a civil surgeon were managed with proper timing.
Fourth, interview preparation — for employment-based AOS, interviews are sometimes waived; for family-based AOS, interviews are conducted, so document review and Q&A practice were completed.
Process and Timeline
After AOS filing, EAD/AP were issued within a few months, biometrics within a few weeks. Interviews (if held) took place within several months thereafter, with final approval following.
Outcome
Adjustment of Status was approved, the client received a green card (Form I-551) and obtained Permanent Resident status. The path to N-400 naturalization opened thereafter.
Key Takeaways
AOS is a compounding process of multiple documents and procedures, where missing any one element risks rejection or RFE. Concurrent filing and EAD/AP filing are critical strategies for time and continuity of work, and AOS planning must always be done together with I-140 strategy.
Consultation — Four Channels
📞 (201) 461-0031
✉ office@songlawfirm.com
🌐 songlawfirm.com/consultation/
📍 Parker Plaza, 400 Kelby St, 19th Floor, Fort Lee, NJ 07024
⚠ Notice
This case study is based on actual matters handled by Song Law Firm. To protect client confidentiality, all identifying information — including names, nationality, affiliations, and specific dates — has been anonymized and generalized. The narrative consolidates common patterns from multiple cases so that no single matter is identifiable, and certain facts have been altered for confidentiality.
Song Law Firm makes no guarantee or promise of any particular outcome, and this document is not advertising that promises results. Visa and immigration outcomes vary substantially based on USCIS review, facts, evidence, and policy changes; past results do not guarantee future outcomes. For specific immigration legal advice, please consult an attorney directly.
