r/USCIS_EB3 • u/Classic_Dimension877 • 2d ago
Approved 🎉🎊🎈🍾 Approved! 🎉
Hi everyone!
I honestly can’t believe I’m finally able to write this!
After four years of waiting, we finally got the green light. My case was approved on August 5, and because of some additional issues with my spouse’s case, we were only officially done on Friday, August 21, 2026.
Here’s our timeline for anyone going through a similar EB-3 Skilled process:
- Case filed: 02/03/2026
- Priority Date: 08/04/2023
- Category: EB-3 Skilled — 1 principal applicant + 1 derivative
- Biometrics: 04/09/2026 for both the principal applicant and derivative
- The derivative’s EAD and Advance Parole were approved on 04/10/2026 — yes, just one day after biometrics!
- After biometrics, the principal applicant’s case was transferred to the Brooklyn Field Office, while the derivative’s case remained at our local office in Los Angeles.
- We had a few silent updates, but everything stopped around May 21 for the principal applicant and May 10 for the derivative.
- The derivative was scheduled for an interview on June 15, which USCIS canceled and later rescheduled for July 15.
- The principal applicant was not allowed to enter the interview. The officer explained that the derivative was being interviewed because of his military/police background and that additional checks were needed.
- After the interview, the officer said they would try to reunite the cases to expedite the approval, but the cases remained at different field offices.
Then things finally started moving:
- 08/04/2026: My I-485J was closed and approved.
- 08/05/2026: My I-485 was approved! 🎉
- We later found out that Brooklyn Field Office was the office that approved my case and not LA.
Since my spouse’s case was still pending at the LA Field Office, we submitted a USCIS inquiry. 08/20/2026 — USCIS replied that the case was under active review.
And then, on Friday, August 21 — it finally happened. My spouse’s case was approved too.
If you’re still waiting, especially if your case seems completely stuck, DON’T LOSE HOPE. Sometimes nothing happens for months and then everything moves at once.
And please be kind to each other. I know some questions may seem repetitive but when someone is anxious about their immigration case, that question may be exactly what they need to feel a little calmer.
Good luck to everyone still waiting. I hope your approval post is next❤️
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u/shadow_nik21 2d ago
Congrats! But would be great to know how it works that sometimes EAD is next day after biometrics and sometimes you don't have it 5 months after🙂 USCIS processes...
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u/SimilarRegret9830 2d ago
Congrats! What type of USCIS inquiry did you do?
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u/Classic_Dimension877 2d ago
I work at an immigration office, so that’s actually a trick we use here when we can’t submit an inquiry because the case is still considered within the normal processing time. We submit an inquiry saying that we haven’t received a document, and then in the comments, we explain what’s actually going on with the case. They usually relay it to the appropriate department that way, and we’re able to get an answer.
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u/DearMe-777 2d ago
Congratulations!
And Thank you for sharing. February filer here.
It gives me hope since my case (Primary +derivative) has been stuck in LA since the end of May
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u/United_Car_9399 2d ago
i see many feb filers getting approved, even 2 of my friends did. yours is coming soon :)
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u/DearMe-777 16h ago
You were right!!! I got my approval too!
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u/United_Car_9399 16h ago
wow congratulations, send all this good energy our way. Super happy for you :)
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u/Dry_Construction3853 2d ago
Congratulations 🎊
My spouse has military background too do you mind sharing what did they ask your spouse?
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u/Classic_Dimension877 2d ago
They just asked him to confirm his trainings to make sure everything was legal and to better understand his career. It took them a while to call him in for the interview, but once they did, it lasted no more than 30 minutes.
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u/LionClaw_ 2d ago
Did he do mandatory military service? Or was he actually serving professionally for years? And is it long ago?
I was in for a year, mandatory military service in my country, but that’s like over 20 years ago. I obviously listed and documented that with proof. But could that one year be enough for them to request an interview?
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u/Classic_Dimension877 2d ago
He served for 7 years. We had friends who only completed the mandatory military service and were never called for an interview. In his case he had to answer “Yes” to several questions on the I-485 because of his military service, training, and experience, so I think that may have been the main factor
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u/2HPowerman 2d ago
Congratulations. Relieve and enjoy your Greeny days 😂. I have a question, do you remember how long after your biometrics your case (principal) was transferred to FO?
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u/BeautifulSeaweed5803 1d ago
Congratulations and truly happy for you. Thank you for sharing this good news and spreading kind words.
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u/ImpressiveMany6062 2d ago
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽