Tips for Filing I-130 & I-485 Together: Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction: Understanding the Power of Concurrent Filing

For most families making their way through the U.S. immigration process, time is critical. If you and your family member are already here in the U.S and the non-immigrant in the relationship is eligible for a family-based immigrant visa, submitting Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status) at the same time can help drastically to shorten the process of getting a green card. This filing procedure, known as concurrent filing, permits eligible parties to seek lawful permanent residence without needing to await the approval of their petition ahead of time.

But before diving in, it’s important to know who is eligible, what is the process, and what is important to avoid. This guide is for anyone asking, “should I file I-130 and I-485 simultaneously?”

What Is Concurrent Filing and Who Is Eligible?

The term concurrent filing I-130 and I-485 is used to describe the simultaneous filing of the immigrant petition (I-130) and the green card application (I-485). This can only be done in certain situations — normally when the green card candidate is physically present in the U.S. and a visa is available in the family-based immigration category.

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are eligible for concurrent filing of the I-130 and I-485. This is because visas are always available for the immediate relative category or family-based Green card petitions. Immediate relatives are spouses, parents, or unmarried children under 21 years of age.

Other family members in other family-based preference categories may be able to concurrently file the I-130 and I-485. This is true if the priority date for their category is current in the proper chart in the Visa Bulletin. The Visa Bulletin is updated each month. Each month, USCIS determines which chart must be used for family-sponsored (and employment-based) filings.

Those who request can I file form I-130 and I-485 together? have to ensure:

• The beneficiary is present in the U.S.
• If applicable, the immigrant category is current in the Visa Bulletin
• The applicant was lawfully admitted or paroled into the country

When Should You Not File Concurrently

If the intending immigrant is abroad, they will have to undergo consular processing, making concurrent filing impossible. Likewise, if you are applying in a preference category (F2A, F3, etc.) and the priority date is not available, concurrent filing will not be accepted. It’s also important to note that sometimes the dates move backward in the Visa Bulletin charts. If the I-485 hasn’t been filed before the date is no longer current, you may have to wait until the date is current again.

Common Disqualifiers:

• Illegal entry without parole
• Pending removal proceedings
• Inadmissibility grounds

If you’re wondering, can I file I-130 and I-485 concurrently online?, the answer is no — USCIS accepts concurrent filings only by mail to specified lockbox facilities and not on the online platform.

Step-by-Step Analysis: How to Concurrently File I-130 and I-485

If you’re ready to proceed, here are the steps to take so that you can submit a complete and accurate application:

1. Prepare All Necessary Forms

You’ll need the following USCIS forms for a concurrent I-130 and I-485 filing:

• Form I-130 – Petition for Alien Relative
• Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence
• Form I-864 – Affidavit of Support (by petitioner)
• Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization (optional)
• Form I-131 – Application for Travel Document (Advance Parole, optional)
• Form I-693 – Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record

2. Gather Supporting Documents

• Evidence of the petitioner’s U.S. citizenship or permanent residence
• Evidence of legal entry (I-94 record, visa stamp)
• Government ID and passport photos
• Financial records indicating adequate income (tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs)
• Evidence of relationship: i.e., marriage/birth certificate, joint lease, joint bank accounts, photos, etc.

Fees: What Is the Cost to File I-130 and I-485 in 2025?

The “fee for I-130 and I-485” depends on the age and immigration category of the applicant. For most applicants in 2025:

Therefore, the total cost for filing both I-130 and I-485 together in 2025 ranges from $2,215 without optional forms to $3,005 with optional forms.​

Be sure to check the official USCIS Fee Schedule for any recent updates.

Where to Mail the Application: I-130 and I-485 Concurrent Filing Address

The I-130 I-485 concurrent filing address varies by state of residence. Applications should be sent to the relevant USCIS lockbox facility, which forwards them to a service center.

For the latest concurrent filing I-130 and I-485 address, go to USCIS’s Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-485.

What Happens After You File?

After USCIS receives your packet, this is what happens:

1.     Receipt Notices (Form I-797C) acknowledging receipt
2.     Biometrics appointment notice (5–8 weeks)
3.     EAD and Advance Parole approval in approximately 3–5 months
4.     Interview Notice (9–16 months based on case)
5.     Final decision — green card approval or RFE (Request for Evidence)

The current I-130 and I-485 concurrent filing processing time in 2025 is between 8 and 14 months, depending on your USCIS field office.

Filing for Spouse or Parents: What to Know

Concurrent filing of I-130 and I-485 for parents is allowed only if the petitioner is a U.S. citizen and the parent is present in the U.S. with legal status.

For spouses, USCIS pays close attention to:

• Authenticity of the relationship
• Shared assets
• Interviews for possible marriage fraud detection

Make sure to include ample relationship evidence to avoid delays or suspicion.

Consular Processing vs. Adjustment of Status

A common question we hear is: “Should I file I-130 and I-485 together or choose consular processing?”

Let’s compare the two:

If you’re wondering “how to file adjustment of status” as someone already in the U.S., concurrent filing is likely the fastest route, as long as you’re eligible.

What to Expect at Your USCIS Interview

If you file your I-130 and I-485 concurrently, you’ll likely have a combined interview at your local USCIS field office. This interview is the key to your final green card approval.

Be prepared to be asked:

• For information regarding your relationship (in case of spouse application)
• Inquiries about household arrangements and joint finances
• Inquiries regarding previous immigration history
• Questions about your work and background

Have originals of your documents, such as recent tax returns, pay stubs, passports, and copies of everything you’ve filed.

For applications through marriage, officers will search for signs of fraud. Real couples should provide:

• Joint photos with captions and dates
• Joint bank account information
• Joint utility bills or joint leases

This process is significant in the application for adjustment of status process and determines if the I-485 will be approved.

Timeline: I-130 and I-485 Concurrent Filing Processing Time (2025)

Current USCIS concurrent filing processing times are different by service center and field office. Below is an estimate for concurrent I-130 and I-485 filing in 2025:

•       Receipt Notice (NOA1): 2–3 weeks
•       Biometrics Appointment: 5–8 weeks
•       EAD/AP Approval: 3–7 months
•       Interview Scheduled: 9–16 months
•       Final Green Card Approval: 9–14 months total

Monitor real-time updates through your receipt number on the USCIS case status tool and remain informed about the Visa Bulletin.

Legal Help vs. Filing Yourself: What’s Best for You?

If you’re good with paperwork, forms, and deadlines, you can do it yourself. But if your case has:

• Unlawful presence
• Previous visa overstays
• Criminal history
• Immigration infractions or denials
• Waivers of inadmissibility

Then it’s best to hire an immigration attorney.

Can I submit form I-130 and I-485 together without an attorney? Theoretically, yes. But doing it yourself usually results in RFEs or unnecessary delays that can be avoided.

Require Professional Assistance? Let Passage Law Be Your Guide

Need peace of mind with your green card process? At Passage Law, we assist families like yours in making timely and accurate applications, stress-free and confusion-free. Our specialists can help it happen.

Seek professional assistance today — and save from expensive errors or delays.

DISCLAIMER: This article offers general legal information, not legal advice. Do not rely upon this information without seeking legal counsel. If you need legal advice, you may contact us directly to speak with an attorney. We disclaim all liability with respect to actions taken based on any information presented. Every case is different and outcomes will vary depending on the unique facts and legal issues of your case.