USCIS Case Approved: What Happens Next (H1B, I-140, I-485, EAD)

"Case Was Approved" means USCIS has adjudicated your petition or application favorably. What happens next depends entirely on which form was approved — because approval means something very different for an I-140 versus an I-485.

What the approval notice contains

For most forms, USCIS mails a Form I-797, Notice of Action (Approval Notice). It shows:

• The form approved
• The validity dates (for H1B: start and end dates)
• The approved beneficiary
• For I-140: your priority date (the most important number for Indian EB green card applicants)

What approval means by form type

I-129 H1B approval

Your H1B petition is approved. If this is a cap-subject new H1B, you can start working on October 1 or the start date on the approval. If it's an extension or transfer, you may be able to continue or begin working per your employer's AC21 / portability rights. Your employer will give you a copy of the I-797.

I-140 approval

Your immigrant worker petition is approved and your priority date is established. This does not mean you have a green card or can file I-485 yet — for most Indians in EB-2 or EB-3, you will wait years (sometimes decades) for your priority date to become current before filing I-485.

I-485 approval (green card granted)

This is the big one — your application for Lawful Permanent Resident status is approved. Your physical green card (I-551) will be produced and mailed. You are now a permanent resident.

1. 1
   Watch for "Card Is Being Produced" status, then "Card Was Mailed."
2. 2
   You'll receive your green card by mail — confirm your address is current.
3. 3
   Your green card is valid for 10 years (2 years if conditional). Renew before it expires.
4. 4
   You can now travel freely — no more Advance Parole needed.
5. 5
   Track your 5-year (or 3-year if married to US citizen) clock toward citizenship.

I-765 EAD approval

Your Employment Authorization Document is approved. Watch for "Card Is Being Produced" → "Card Was Mailed." You can work as soon as you physically have the card in hand — do not start working before you receive it.

I-131 Advance Parole approval

Your travel document is approved. Wait for "Card Was Mailed." You should not travel internationally until you physically have the Advance Parole document. If your I-485 is also pending, leaving without it typically abandons your adjustment.

Frequently asked questions

I-140 is approved but the visa bulletin date is years away — what do I do now?

Keep your I-140 employer relationship or port to a different employer after 180 days using AC21 portability. Your approved I-140 survives a job change. Monitor the visa bulletin monthly. Keep your status valid. This is the reality for most Indian EB applicants.

Does H1B approval mean I can travel outside the US?

Yes, but carry the I-797 approval notice. To re-enter on H1B, you need a valid H1B visa stamp in your passport (unless the visa is unexpired) or use I-94 + AP if applicable. If your stamp is expired, schedule a visa stamping appointment.

My I-485 is approved — when do I get the green card?

Typically 2–4 weeks after the approval, the card enters production. You'll see "Card Is Being Produced" and then "Card Was Mailed." Allow 7–10 business days for delivery after mailing.