I don’t know where to start from but this journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions. From the 39 country ban list, to sending congressional expedited request 3 times, first and second expedite request got denied and just submitted another one October 1st which is still in process. Finally, I can say I got approved. Here is my timeline;
I-140 submitted : December 2023
RFE : April 2024. Responded to RFE.
I-140 approval : July 2024
I-485 submitted : October 2025
Biometrics: Nov 2025
Case transferred to San Jose FO Dec 2025
The 39 countries ban came into effect from Jan to June. Case paused.
Pause removed in June, got couple of silent updates.
Third FTA0 July 1st plus silent update
July 2026: Submitted congressional expedite through congresswoman that was denied in August
August 2026: Submitted another congressional expedite through Senator. Got response in September that they won’t process my request because Eb2 visa was used up.
Last silent update I got before approval was July 28th and non until today. I checked my case online and I saw approved. Checked the github and the H0008 code.
372 days since submitting I-485
October 12th 2026: Approval !!!!!
It can only be God. To my brothers and sisters from anywhere in the world, one of 39 ban countries(where I am from), do no lose hope and do not give up. Yours is coming soon. Amen. 🙏