My passport expires in 4 months. Should I renew it before filing the I-140?

Filing the I-140 itself does not depend on your passport validity: the immigrant worker petition for EB-2 NIW can be submitted with the document you currently have. The key concern lies in the subsequent steps of the process.

A valid passport tends to be required further along, when the case advances to stages such as interview scheduling, adjustment of status, or consular processing. At those points, a passport nearing expiration can create complications and last-minute demands.

If your document expires in a few months, it is generally prudent to arrange the renewal early, even while the I-140 is still at an initial stage. Renewing in advance avoids a rush and reduces the risk of expiration disrupting an important step.

• The I-140 can be filed with your current passport.
• Later stages typically require a valid passport.
• Renewing early prevents last-minute complications.

Since validity requirements at each stage can vary, it is worth confirming up-to-date requirements with official U.S. sources or a specialist before deciding when to renew.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.