In a recent memo issued by the INS (now called Bureau of
Citizenship & Immigration Services or "BCIS"),
headquarters confirmed that on concurrent immigrant visa
petition (Form I-140) and adjustment of status (Form
I-485) filings, if the I-140 petition is denied, then
all related applications including the I-145, I-765 and
I-131 applications should also be denied at the same
time. If the petitioner successfully appeals the denial,
the other applications may be re-instated by BCIS
motion.
From a practical perspective, this policy statement is
in line with Jackson & Hertogs' advice that the
concurrent filing option should only be taken on
straightforward I-140 petitions where there is a
reasonable chance of success, and/or that the underlying
nonimmigrant visa status should be maintained at least
while the I-140 petition is pending. |