I have a friend who got a green card issued more quickly because he filed a second I-485 instead of interfiling his upgrade case. Is filing a second I-485 really a better option to get a green card more quickly?

Answer

Normally, filing a second I-485 is not recommended and does not result in the green card being issued more quickly. To the contrary, if the USCIS officer reviewing the case follows the proper procedure, filing a second I-485 typically will result in additional delay.

To be clear, we have also heard anecdotal accounts of people filing second I-485s, which appears to have resulted in the green card being issued more quickly, but we have heard far more accounts of people running into delays due to having two I-485 applications pending at the same time.  (08.Jun.2022)

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