We had AOS interview yesterday and officer said your case will be approved and you should receive your green card in 30 days. Immigration officer didn't give us any approval letter after interview. On same day evening i-130 online status changed to "we approved your Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, Receipt Number MSCXXXX. We will mail your approval notice." But the i-485 status didn't change and it still shows status as "Interview Scheduled". I read that i-485 status also changes to case approved or card ordered for production or something like that. Why I-130 status says approved but no change on I-485 even though its a concurrent filing?
There are many reasons this can happen. First the online system is not always updated correctly, so the application could be approved. Second, the I-485 requires certain things that the I-130 does not (such as background checks) if those are still pending the I-485 would remain pending. USCIS could have seen issues with the I-485 and is looking into them as well. Lastly, it could just be some administrative delay in getting the I-485 approved at the same time. As stated previously, if you do not hear in 90 days contact USCIS again to see what is happening.
tuart Jonas ReichImmigration AttorneyNew York, NY ·
A couple of possible reasons for this.
First, might just be sync problems between the main USCIS system and the one that powers the status site - not unusual, though usually it's other way around (I-485 updates but I-130 doesn't). Keep checking over the next few days, may still update to a further stage like "card production ordered."
Next, may still be some outstanding issue with the I-485 - convinced of the basis for the I-130 and so approved that (marriage or other relationship determined to be valid, but some ground to NOT give a green card - what the I-485 checks for - may still be thought to exist, or the way to overcome it not yet properly documented). If so, they should be sending you something to explain what the issue would be.
Just because it's a concurrent filing doesn't necessarily mean they both get approved at the same time - both deal with separate things, and both must be approved to get the green card.
Speak with an attorney for further guidance.
I wouldn't worry too much at this point. The online case status system might not have been updated yet, or there could be an error.
Note that USCIS could be behind schedule with issuing green cards. That happens. Keep checking the case status online. If you don't see changes, follow-up by calling customer service, placing on online inquiry, or using InfoPass to make an appointment to go to the USCIS Field Office.
Words of caution: apply for an extension of your Employment Authorization Card and Advance Parole at least 4 months before the expiration date, just in case there is a delay with the I-485 process.
It is not unusual for I-130 to be approved before I-485. I have had the same experience representing clients at a Long Island Field Office in Holtsville, NY. USCIS could approve I-485 several weeks after I-130's approval. I-485 approval takes a lot more work on the part of the officers (including security check clearance). Give it a bit more time as you have no reason to get nervous at this time.
