kastamadap, You could certainly have filed both i-140 and i-485 concurrently, you didn't. That's not a problem, only an opportunity. Now that your i-140 is approved, the next thing you want to do is file i-485. The sooner you file, the sooner you get it. Your lawyer has other fish to fry too so he/she may not get to you in time. You can actually remind him/her that your i-140 has been approved and you want to file i-485 soon. S/he will tell you what documents you need to prepare. If you already gave him/her those docs like immigration physical, photos, job offer/contract letter, tax papers, birth certificates, copies of passport and i-94, etc. then you are all set. While applying for i-485, you can also file for travel document ($ some extra fee). If you travel after getting it, you don't have to apply for visa when you out of the US. But hey, when are you planning to visit Nepal? If your travel plans are not unitl six months from filing i-485, you may not want to file for this document and save that extra $$$. If you have a job with a good company (universities are the best) and no problem with name clearance (FBI), you may get it within 2-5 months of receipt date of i-485. Good luck. Hope that helps.