SajhaAdministration, don't worry your number is not that far behind it should be current by next march/april (that's when you will be able to apply for I-485). I went thru this in 2004. I received my GC in 2 and half months after I sent in the form I-485. Don't worry about the lawyers. The steps that Maobadi wrote is more or less the same. There are of course two things, you need to do a medical checkup before applying for I-485 and after that they will call you for Biometric. that;s where they fingerprint you and stuffs. I had to find a sponsor as well at that time but I guess that requirement has been changed since but I am not sure... Anyway good luck and also since I have also gone thru the very same thing from F1 --> GC, I exactly know the excitement, fear and all that other shit people put on you. In the interview day, the only thing the agent asked me was do you work anywhere, I said yes on campus in campus computer network as network technician. Then he asked me those silly questions that were in the F1 visa application like "are u affiliated with communist parties, are u terrorist, felon" you just say "No" that's all. Anyway, if you need any help or sugestion I will be happy to help you. Just send me an email thru Sajha. :q