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Good news

“Case Was Approved”on your I-485 · Green card from inside the U.S.

Your I-485 approval means you are now a lawful permanent resident.
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WHICH STEP ARE YOU ON?
Receipt notice
Biometrics appointment
Interview (often)
Decision · here
Green card produced and mailed

What to do, in 4 steps

Watch for the approval notice (Form I-797) by mail.
Check that all details on the notice are correct.
Learn the next step for your specific form.
Keep your address current so cards or documents reach you.
24months
16 to 24 monthsTypical time for a complete I-485. USCIS published times. Typical ranges, never an exact date.
In this statusThe approval notice usually arrives within a few weeks; the next step's timing depends on your form.

What it means for your I-485

Your I-485 approval means you are now a lawful permanent resident. The physical green card comes next by mail. If your marriage was less than two years old at approval, it will be a 2-year conditional card, and you will later file Form I-751 to remove conditions.

In general, on any form:

USCIS approved your application or petition. An approval notice is being mailed to you. What happens next depends on your form: a card may be produced, the case may go to the Department of State, or you may get a document. Keep the approval notice safe.

Avoid these mistakes

Thinking a petition approval (like I-130) is the same as a green card.
Moving before the card or document arrives without updating the address.

Quick questions

What does "Case Was Approved" mean on an I-485?

Your I-485 approval means you are now a lawful permanent resident. The physical green card comes next by mail. If your marriage was less than two years old at approval, it will be a 2-year conditional card, and you will later file Form I-751 to remove conditions.

My case was approved. When will I get my card?

If your form produces a card, the status usually changes to 'New Card Is Being Produced' and then to mailed.

Does an approved I-130 mean I have a green card?

No. It approves the family relationship. The beneficiary still needs to adjust status or get an immigrant visa.

What if the approval notice has a mistake?

Contact USCIS to request a correction as soon as possible.

How long does an I-485 take?

The typical range published by USCIS is 16 to 24 months. It depends on the office and your case; it is not an exact date.

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Other statuses of your I-485

Case Was DeniedDecisionCase Was Approved And My Decision Was EmailedDecisionCase Approval Was Certified By USCISDecisionCase Was Sent To The Department of StateDecisionCase Was ReceivedIntakeCase Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was SentIntakeCase Rejected Because I Sent An Incorrect FeeIntakeCase Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was EmailedIntakeCase Accepted By The USCIS LockboxIntake

Every status of an I-485 →

This same status on other forms

I-130Petition for a family memberPetition for Alien RelativeI-765Work permit (EAD)Application for Employment AuthorizationN-400Become a U.S. citizenApplication for NaturalizationI-131Travel permit or reentry permitApplication for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure RecordsI-751Remove conditions on 2-year green cardPetition to Remove Conditions on ResidenceI-90Renew or replace green cardApplication to Replace Permanent Resident CardI-129FK-1 fiancé(e) visa petitionPetition for Alien Fiancé(e)I-140Employment-based green card petitionImmigrant Petition for Alien WorkersI-821DDACA request or renewalConsideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

AI-assisted explanation based on the official USCIS status, reviewed by CaseAlerta. Not legal advice. Times are typical ranges, never an exact date.