Frequently Asked Questions About U.S. Immigration

Processing times for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) filed alongside an adjustment of status application vary by USCIS service center and current caseloads, typically ranging from a few months to longer. An immigration attorney can review your specific filing and current processing trends to give you a realistic estimate.

Yes. Unlike many other nonimmigrant visa categories, the O-1 visa does not require you to maintain a foreign residence you do not intend to abandon, meaning O-1 holders may pursue permanent residency (such as an EB-1A green card) while on O-1 status.

The EB-1A is an employment-based, first-preference immigrant visa category for individuals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, evidenced by sustained national or international acclaim. It does not require a job offer or labor certification.

The EB-2 NIW allows certain individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability to self-petition for a green card by demonstrating that their proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance, waiving the standard job offer and labor certification requirements.