Processing times at NBC take several months due to backlogs. The USCIS continues to manage a high volume of applications, and certain factors, like the complexity of the case or the need for additional evidence, can extend the normal processing time. Once your case is transferred to the National Benefits Center, you will be notified.
As USCIS works to address these delays, applicants are encouraged to regularly check the USCIS processing time tool and utilize the online case tracker to monitor the progress of their applications.
What happens when my adjustment of status case reaches the National Benefits Center?
Hi, I’m Jim Hacking, an immigration lawyer practicing law throughout the United States out of our office here in St. Louis, Missouri. Today’s question comes from Akash. Akash wants to know, “Hey, Jim. My case just reached the National Benefits Center. What happens next?” That’s a really good question.
So when you file for adjustment of status, if it’s unemployment, or if it’s based on marriage, eventually your case, when you file it, first it gets sent to the lockbox.
Here’s what the process looks like:
• You’re going to file that application to Adjust Status at the address that the 45 tells you to.
• Depending on what state you live in, you’re going to send it to a different lockbox.
• When you file it with the USCIS, a case number is assigned, and then it takes a few weeks for the case to reach the National Benefits Center.
• Also, USCIS will send transfer notices once your application is sent to the National Benefits Center, including an online case status update.
Hacking Immigration Law, LLC can help you navigate each step of this process. With expert guidance, you can avoid delays and stay informed about your case status.
Your dream of living in the U.S. shouldn’t be complicated—let our experts handle the process for you!
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Once the I-485 is transferred to the National Benefits Center, it’s going to be under analysis by an immigration employee. They have approximately a thousand cases, and when they get to yours, they’re going to open it up and review the basis of Form I-485.
One of their primary tasks is checking for missing documents. If there’s anything missing, one of the main jobs of the National Benefits Center is to send you a request for evidence. So, if anything is missing, they’re going to do a lot of processing before the case has to get set for interviews.
The NBC’s role is to streamline the process before your case reaches the local field office. They try to narrow down issues so that the interview focuses only on essential questions. This preliminary work includes:
• Sending requests for evidence if key documents are missing.
• Issuing checklists (e.g., a reminder to bring your medical exam to the interview).
• Requesting additional marital evidence if needed.
• Dismissing cases if the applicant is ineligible for adjustment of status.
Essentially, NBC does the heavy lifting to prescreen cases before sending them for interviews.
Currently, the I-485 National Benefits Center processing time can last many months. For employment-based applicants, this adds to an already lengthy PERM processing time, making the overall green card timeline especially long.
They’re trying to slow down immigration. That makes them happy. So it’s a feature, not a bug. And that’s just sort of the way it is.
If you have questions about what happens at that point, what I can tell you is you’re going to be at the National Benefits Center for a while. Then, once they’re satisfied, once they have everything, and once you’ve fully responded to the request for evidence, they will move the case along to the local field office for an interview and final adjudication.
Once a green card is issued, applicants should also be aware that green card rescission after 5 years remains possible if the original approval was improper.
Additionally, the NBC also processes applications for:
• Advance parole (travel authorization)
• Work authorization (EAD card)
So that’s what the National Benefits Center does. And then they send it out. So if, let’s say, you live in Idaho, you’re going to be sent to the local field office for your interview. But before then, it’s going to spend all that time at the National Benefits Center. So, track your receipt date to monitor progress and see if advance processing applies.
Let us take the stress out of your I-485 process—explore your options.
Form I-485 is used to register permanent residence or to adjust your status. Unlike the application for employment authorization with fast processing, I-485 processing time can be slower due to various factors, such as the kind of green card you’re applying for, the USCIS office that handles your case, and if an interview is needed.
It is important to note that if the I-485 results in a Green Card based on a marriage of less than two years old, the applicant will receive a conditional residence. To remove these conditions and obtain the 10-year permanent Green Card, it will be necessary to subsequently file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, within the 90 days prior to the expiration date of the conditional card.
