Can I extend My J1 visa while I-485 is pending?

As long as the J-1 sponsoring organization is willing to extend your J-1 stay, such should not have any negative impact on your I-485 filing. If the subject ever comes up, you can always argue that you had every intention of leaving the country in accordance with your J status if your NIW/I-485 application was denied. A possible problem could arise if you are subject to a two-year foreign residence requirement by your J visa and obtained a waiver. Then if you extended your J status, you would likely have put yourself back under the two-year foreign residence requirement. Due to the limitations of the Lawyers.com Forums, Alan Lee, Esq.'s (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided herein by the Firm is general, and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.   '>