Work permit in 22 days
No gap after OPT
Spouse of a Green Card Holder Adjusts Status in the U.S.
Background
Ms. Z was in the U.S. on F-1 status, working on her final period of OPT. Her husband is a U.S. green card holder. The couple had built their home in the U.S., and they wanted Ms. Z to keep working here so the household would have a steady second income.
Challenges
Ms. Z's OPT was set to expire in early 2027. If her work authorization lapsed, she would have to stop working.
Strategy
- We used the open visa bulletin window to file the I-130 family petition, I-485 adjustment of status, I-765 work permit and I-131 advance parole together in one package, so the work permit and travel document moved forward alongside the green card case instead of waiting for the green card itself.
- We timed the work permit application so the new authorization would arrive before her OPT ended, leaving no gap in employment.
Case Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Late June 2026 | First consultation; in-country adjustment plan confirmed |
| September 15, 2026 | USCIS accepted the full filing |
| October 7, 2026 | Work permit approved |
Closing Note
It took just 22 days from USCIS acceptance to work permit approval. Ms. Z no longer has to worry about losing the right to work when her OPT runs out. She can keep her job and keep contributing to the family while the green card is pending.
Outcome
Work permit approved October 7, 2026, 22 days after USCIS accepted the filing.