Visto n' Visa

Which form do you fill out after the I-130 is approved and the date is current?

After I-130 approval, those in the U.S. fill out the I-485 form for adjustment of status; outside the country, the DS-260 must be completed for consular visa.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on September 27, 2025
2 min read
Share

When the I-130 petition is approved and the priority date becomes current, the next step depends on where you are in the world.

If you are residing in the United States, the form generally to be completed is the I-485, known as the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This form allows you to apply to adjust your status to permanent resident (Green Card) without leaving the country.

However, if you are outside the United States, the path goes through the consular stage. In this case, you will need to complete the DS-260 form (Immigrant Visa Application) online, which is the process for obtaining an immigrant visa through a U.S. consulate or embassy.

It is very important to follow all United States immigration laws and make sure all forms are filled out correctly. Always seek up-to-date information directly from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the Department of State and, if possible, consult properly qualified specialists, always being cautious of scams and easy promises that could jeopardize your process.

Each step should be carried out with attention to detail to avoid future problems, keeping in mind that professional guidance does not guarantee results but can help clarify doubts and keep your documentation up to date.

Learn more about Family Based

Type
Family-sponsored Green Card
Sponsor
U.S. citizen or LPR
Petition
Form I-130
Processing
12 months to several years
All about Family Based

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.

Victoria's tips

Which form do you fill out after the I-130 is approved and the date is current?

After I-130 approval, those in the U.S. fill out the I-485 form for adjustment of status; outside the country, the DS-260 must be completed for consular visa.

Recommended reading about Family Based

More content about Family Based