3 Things to do while waiting for your green card. You know that green card processing can take two to three years. That is a long time to sit back on your heels. But while waiting, there are immigration policies that you should be following. In this video, I’m going to talk about three things you can do while waiting for your green card.
Hi, I’m Andres Mejer immigration attorney and an immigrant myself. And our Tip of the Week covers some of the things you can do to be productive and proactive. While your green card application is pending, please consider subscribing to my channel and checking out my other videos. Now let’s get into it. Here are some of the things you can do while waiting.
Tip number one. Keep your address updated with USCIS. If you move you must inform USCIS within 10 days of moving to your new address. If you do not update your address, you may not receive important notices about your case. Missing out on appointments could result in denial of your green card, you don’t want that. Take note that changing your address with the US Postal Service will not change your address with USCIS, you must update your information with both USCIS and USPS.
Tip number two, apply for Advanced Parole. Advanced Parole allows you to travel while your green card is in process. Just because you can do something does it mean you should. If you need to travel outside the United States you can file for Advance Parole using Form I-131. Also called the application for travel document, you should be okay with Advanced Parole if you don’t have immigration deportation orders from the past or any prior criminal issues. Advanced Parole also gives you permission to re-enter the US even before you leave. Remember, leaving is easy. It’s coming back that’s a little bit harder. You can do so multiple times. But you will need to renew your Advanced Parole. There is no extra filing fee because it is included in your green card application. You should file for Advanced Parole with your green card application just in case you need to travel outside the US for an emergency United States your application may be considered abandoned. I would advise that you stay in the US until you’re fingerprinted. After the interview and the appointments are over and done. Ideally, you should wait until your green card is approved. Failure to personally appear in these appointments could jeopardize your application entirely. If you absolutely must travel do not stay out of the US for more than 90 days. If it is longer than that the USCIS may think you are no longer residing in the US and consider your application abandoned. Again, Advanced Parole you should apply for but you should only see you keep it for emergency use only. If you’re talking about going on vacation. I respectfully request you wait until after your green card holder to go on vacation.
Tip number three, check your green card application category. Before you go on applying for any work. One of the top questions we get is can I work while waiting for my green card? And the answer is it usually depends on your application. If you currently live in the United States and want to work for a US employer while your family based green card application, which is for my 45 days pending, you will need a work permit first, which is officially called an employment authorization document or e a d also known as form I-765. But if you live abroad, you may not apply for a work permit to work in the US. Honestly, you won’t need until you’re here anyway, so don’t worry about it. If you already have a valid work visa such as an h1 B or an L one visa or an E two visa or a TN Visa, then you continue working in the United States with that status even while your green card application is being processed. You cannot submit a work permit application until you filed your green card application. As such, it is better to file for your I-765 with your I-45 green card application. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay a separate fee and you will have to deal with further delays.
There you have it three tips about what you can do while waiting for your green card.
Keep your address updated with USCIS.
Apply for Advanced Parole for emergency uses.
Don’t apply for work without checking with immigration policies.
If you have questions about what else to do while waiting for your green card, comment them below and I will do my best to respond to your query. I do get a lot of messages and comments. So if you want immediate answers, you can go ahead and schedule consultations through my web website. andresmejerlaw.com. Don’t worry, even if you spell it wrong, you’re gonna find me.

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