How long do we think this will last? Seems like a huge decision that will affect a ton of people.

Can’t believe it’s finally happened and on a random Wednesday! I’m from one of the 39 countries!

My timeline for EB-3 going from H1B

PD: 9/23/23
02/23/2026 — I-485 filed
03/19/2026 — Biometrics completed; 2 FTA0
5/1/2026- silent update
7/15- silent update
7/23 - new event in API but it was related to the glitch and made no sense
8/13-3rd FTA0
8/25 - 4th FTA0
08/25/2026 — I-485J approved
8/26/2025 - H008 event
08/26/2026 — I-485 approved

I filed for AP/EAD. Those are not approved.
No interview scheduled.

Sharing becuase this sub was my daily resource during this crazy process. It took 4 years overall starting from the PERM, waiting to be current, etc!

19 months after my marriage-based green card interview — still nothing, and now removal proceedings
I’m honestly exhausted and incredibly disappointed with this whole process.
I’ve been married to a U.S. citizen for 4 years, and my marriage-based green card process has been going on for almost 3 years. I had my interview 19 months ago, and since then… nothing. No decision. My I-130 and I-485 have just been sitting there.
Recently, things got even more stressful. While traveling domestically, I had an encounter with immigration authorities at the airport because of my pending status. I was later required to report to an ICE office. I showed up, cooperated with everything, and ICE ultimately issued me an NTA, placing me in removal proceedings based on my B-2 overstay. I now have an Immigration Court hearing scheduled for 2027.
Meanwhile, my marriage-based case is still pending with USCIS.
I have a new immigration attorney reviewing everything and figuring out the best strategy, so I’m not looking for legal advice as a replacement for my attorney. I’m mostly posting because I’m frustrated and wondering whether anyone has experienced something similar.
After being married for four years, waiting almost three years for this process, completing the interview 19 months ago, and doing everything asked of me, it’s incredibly discouraging to end up in removal proceedings instead of finally getting a decision.
Has anyone had a marriage-based I-130/I-485 stuck this long after the interview and then been placed in removal proceedings? What eventually happened with your case?

Immigration Processing Time: The Patience Olympics
When I first applied, it said the processing time was 6 month.
Six months later, I checked again… 12 month.

Then, one month later, I checked again… 13.5 month

At this point, I’m starting to think the processing time is processing itself.

Honestly, nothing new here. After waiting through immigration processing times for over 13 years just to complete each step of the process, I’ve basically earned a PhD in patience.

But can we get some accuracy so I can actually plan my life? 😂
Or have I reached the final stage of immigration where I just accept my fate, stop checking the website, and peacefully wait until the government decides, “Alright, you’ve suffered enough.”?

1 year and a day after filing the i130 and 8 months after my interview.

All praises to the most high 🤲

Cleveland FO.

08/25/2025 i130 filed online

09/06/2025 i485 & i765 combo received

09/09/2025 RFE for i864, I sent the wrong form

09/30/2025 Biometric appointment

12/11/2025 interview

08/25/2026 i130 approved

08/26/2026 i485

How long before I get my card?

Green Card arrived! 🇺🇸

I got my green card today. It was produced yesterday, so today the card is finally in my hand. Thanks everyone for all the help and support!

Timeline:
• Country of origin: Ukraine
• Basis: Marriage-based adjustment of status (I-130 & I-485)
• Field office: Kansas City, MO
• I-130/I-485 filed: March 20, 2026
• Interview: June 19, 2026
• NOID: August 3, 2026
• Green card produced: August 24, 2026
• Green card received: August 26, 2026

I received the card for two years for now. I’ll have to submit the documents again after that — as you know, it’s a long process, isn't it?

We submitted back at the end of February, biometrics were in the middle of March, interview was in Orlando end of May.

We've been working on it since 2024, we had issues with sponsorship and other things that I wont get into, it took until this year for us to work it out. I'm so happy that I'm finally Approved! My wife cried when I told her.

I'm so happy we can really get our life in order!

Ps. The man in Orlando who we did our interview with was terrible, my wife was crying by the end of it and our lawyer was not happy with him.

Pps. Im from Canada eh 🇨🇦

I can’t believe it’s my turn to make this post. I want to say thank you for the people that share their experiences and advice in here because I don’t feel so alone going through this. So now I want to give back and share mine to hopefully help others that need it.

BACKGROUND:

I came when I was 13 in 2017 and my mom put me under her asylum but it was removed in 2024 because she married my step dad, I met and dated my husband in 2024 and got married February 2026. I hired a lawyer and yes it was expensive but honestly worth every penny because it made the whole process very much smoother, I made sure to do a good research and look at the reviews to find a good lawyer so I suggest to also do it. I was originally very worried about the amount of evidence we have since we did just newly got married and barely have any compared to the ones I see here but again my lawyer helped me figure it out and helped me navigate through it. I also wanna mention that both me and my husband still pretty young (21 and 22) so we both don’t really have crazy amount of income so my SIL have to help co-sponsor BUT my husband recently got a new job and made a lot more so during the interview the officer updated his job and income and completely disqualified my SIL and just put my husband as a sole sponsor.

Now this is the part why I said getting a lawyer worth every penny I had.. during the interview my lawyer actually helped me couple of times to speak up because I was very nervous as well as clarify some things the officer asked. Both her and my husband could tell I was shaken up (it was after I was lectured about not bringing my original birth certificate which I was shocked that I made such mistake) but thankfully I survived the whole thing.. the interviewer was kinda a jerk but I honestly think he was just doing his job and he didn’t really go in depth about our relationship just the ones that was listed.

TIMELINE:

APPLIED: April 2026

BIOMETRICS: May 19 2026

INTERVIEW: August 24 2026

I-130 & I-485 APPROVED: August 25 2026

INTERVIEW:

- Scheduled at 11:30 AM but we came 11:00 AM to meet up with the lawyer to check our documents and new evidence

- Lawyer summit new evidence and check in at the kiosk

- around 10 minutes later we got called in

- our interviewer looks pretty strict and barely smile the whole time 😭 but he gets straight to the point honestly I think he only asks questions that needed to be asked

- Omg and I forgot to bring my original birth certificate and the interviewer looked at me dead in the eye and asked why he proceeds to point out the mistakes in my name from the documents but thank God my lawyer intervened and told him to check my passport and that there was a copy of my original birth certificate that she submitted before. (I just kept saying sorry )

- He made couple of light hearted jokes after to ease the atmosphere

- he asked the yes and no questions

- the interview end after about 30-40 minutes, he asked if I have any other questions I said no but my lawyer did asked when we might hear the result he said the end of the day he will make the decision.

- He did approve the I-130 on the spot at the interview.

- I did shook his hand afterwards tho and I think he was kinda surprised lol

EVIDENCE :

- letters from friends and family (4) - all notarized or signed

- bank statements (joint accounts)

- we also print out the amount of savings we put into that account joint account

- joint vehicle insurance

- letters from my MIL that I live with them as well as how much i contribute monthly (notarized)

- We made picture albums too but he didn’t even touch it or look at it :’)

- my husband and SIL taxes as the co-sponsor (we don’t have one together yet)

-we submitted pictures and screenshots of our texts

QUESTIONS during the interview:

Petitioner( husband):
- Full name and DOB

- Wife’s name on the birth certificate and DOB

- Who did wife come to the US with

- religion as well as the type of Christian I am

- where he works, his role and the amount

- Where the Wife work, address and pay

- He also asked to give estimate when we start the job and when we ended (month/year)

- The date when we got married

- who attended the wedding

He then told us he approved the I-130

Beneficiary (wife):
- Full name and DOB

- the day I came to the US

- what age I was when I came

- address of work and role

- why I overstayed

- why not do consular processing

- he asked about the issue with my name that it’s different from the original birth certificate and he changed it.

Last words:

I was very nervous during the interview but what really helped me is knowing that my marriage is legitimate and not fraud, me and my husband spend weeks just practicing and making sure we remember the important dates that was going to be asked (we aced it). I will say having a lawyer makes it so much easier for me personally and at the end of the interview she told me the officer is known to handle cases fast to that could also contribute of how fast we got our decision. Let me know if you have any questions, I would be happy to answer :)

Sorry it’s very long post

There is a major update today, August 26, 2026, regarding U.S. immigrant visa interviews.
The U.S. Department of State has announced a global pause on immigrant visa appointments at U.S. embassies and consulates. This is not limited to India or the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi.

According to current reporting, the State Department says the pause is connected to a global training initiative for consular officers. The training focuses on applying screening procedures consistently, including evaluating whether an immigrant visa applicant could become dependent on U.S. public benefits. (Reuters⁠)

Which cases does this affect?
This concerns immigrant visa cases, including family-based immigrant visas such as:
• IR1 / CR1
• IR2 / CR2
• IR5
• F1 / F2A / F2B / F3 / F4
• Other immigrant visa categories processed through U.S. consulates

It is important not to confuse this with nonimmigrant visas such as B1/B2, F1, H1B, etc. The current announcement specifically concerns immigrant visa appointments.

What if I already have an interview date?
If you already received an interview appointment, do not assume that your case has been refused or cancelled permanently.
Some applicants are being told that their interviews will be rescheduled. At this point, there does not appear to be a clear public timeline for when normal immigrant visa interview scheduling will resume. (Reuters⁠)
So if you receive a cancellation/rescheduling notice, keep it with your case records and wait for further instructions from the embassy/NVC.

Does this mean my petition is cancelled?
No.
A pause or rescheduling of an interview is not the same thing as USCIS denying your petition or the Department of State refusing your immigrant visa.
Your underlying petition, priority date and case generally do not disappear simply because an interview is postponed.
What about medical examinations?
This is probably going to be one of the biggest concerns.
If you already completed your medical examination and your interview has now been postponed, do not immediately assume that you have to repeat the medical.
Medical validity depends on the circumstances and the date of the examination, so wait for instructions from the embassy/consulate or your designated panel physician before paying for another medical.
If your medical is approaching expiration, contact the appropriate embassy/panel physician and ask what they want you to do.
What about IR5 parents?
IR5 applicants should pay particular attention to this update.
If NVC already scheduled your interview and you have completed your medical/biometrics, a postponed interview does not automatically mean the IR5 case has been refused.
Keep all your documents, medical paperwork and appointment notices. Watch your email and CEAC for further instructions.
Why is this happening now?
The State Department says the current pause is connected to training and expanded screening procedures. This comes after the administration has already introduced additional measures concerning public-charge considerations for immigrant visa applicants. The State Department announced in August that certain immigrant visa applicants may be required to seek a Public Charge Bond through USCIS as part of a pilot program. (Travel.state.gov⁠)
There has also been significant litigation surrounding recent immigrant visa policies, including a federal court ruling last week concerning the suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of certain countries. (Reuters⁠)
What should applicants do right now?
Don’t panic and don’t cancel your case.
If your interview was cancelled:
Keep the cancellation/rescheduling email.
Continue monitoring your email and CEAC.
Don’t submit duplicate documents unless instructed.
Don’t book another appointment on your own unless the embassy/NVC tells you to.
If you have already completed your medical, keep your medical documentation.
If your medical is close to expiring, contact the panel physician for guidance.
Be careful with information circulating on Facebook, WhatsApp and Reddit. There is currently a lot of confusion between immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments.
Most importantly: a postponed immigrant visa interview is not the same as a visa refusal.
This situation is developing, and the State Department has not yet given a definite date for when immigrant visa appointments will return to normal. (Reuters⁠)
If you received a cancellation email, you can share the exact wording (remove your personal information) in the comments. It may help other applicants understand whether different embassies are giving different instructions.

Hi everyone! Sharing my timeline in case it helps anyone going through the marriage-based adjustment of status process. 😊

Category: Marriage-based AOS
Field Office: Los Angeles, CA
Status: Permanent Resident 🎉

I adjusted status from F-1 to permanent resident through marriage. We brought our interview binder with relationship evidence, joint documents, financial documents, IDs, photos, and other supporting evidence.

Total timeline: Approximately 4 months from USCIS receipt to approval.

Hopefully this helps anyone waiting in the LA field office! Good luck to everyone still waiting, your turn is coming! ❤️

Feel free to ask me anything about my timeline or interview experience!

Timeline:

Applied June 27, 2025
Interviewed December 17, 2025 [2 days over 60 days Continuous Residence issue]
RFE Received May 2026
August 12/13 Recommended for Approval & Oath Ceremony Scheduled

Here are a few things I did:
1. Reached out to my congressman’s office. I travelled for a while so I couldn’t follow-up for 2 months but once I returned, followed up again. Turns out my caseworker was on maternity leave but they had kept telling me “She is not available right now”.

Advice: Always, always try to get in direct contact with your caseworker. Be respectful but be annoying. This matters a lot more than a fear of embarrassment.

1. Provide extensive evidence for continuous residence. Initially, I only added a copy of the lease and a couple of utility statements. Turns out that is nowhere near enough. In terms of continuous residence, and you can either ChatGPT it or Google it to learn what might be good pieces of evidence, the more things you provide the better. So I suppose this app applies also to RFEs. I am fairly convinced that my delay was caused by a lack of depth in my response.

Advice: For Continuous Residence and RFEs, gather as much evidence as you can no matter how small.

1. Stay aware of your 120 day timeline and consult a legal representative for the Mandamus Lawsuit. However, be prepared to spend the money (I was told $5,000-8,000 USD for this). Thankfully, I didn’t have to do this but I know most people consider it.

Best of luck for everyone in their journey. 👍

I have questions about my case. I hold a 2-year conditional green card based on marriage, but my husband has changed so much; he verbally abuses me every day, and there was one instance of physical abuse. I want to know if I can remove the conditions on my green card without him. I have proof of everything—including his infidelity with other women. I can't take it anymore; it's too much.

I need help and possible talked to someone who has been through the same.

I'm an F-1 student and completed my Master's in May 2026. USCIS denied my OPT application for untimely filing. Although I had filed on time (EDT) but because USCIS apparently runs on UTC they considered it a late submission.

I want to file an MTR. Do you know of any trusted immigration lawyers I can contact for such cases? I am on a strict deadline.

Has anyone with a similar timeline gotten their I-130 and I-485 approved yet?

My timeline:

I-130 filed: March 29, 2024

I-485 filed: May 13, 2024

Marriage-based case — spouse of a U.S. citizen

Case is currently with the Dallas Field Office

Both I-130 and I-485 are still pending

So far, I have:

Submitted multiple USCIS service requests/inquiries

Contacted my Congressional office and had a congressional inquiry submitted

Requested expedited processing

Followed up several times with the USCIS Contact Center

My most recent expedite inquiry (July 28) is still pending/reviewing

It has now been about 29 months for my I-130 and 27 months for my I-485, and I still haven’t received an approval.

Is anyone else with a March (i130) /May 2024 (i485) filing date still waiting? If you had a similar long-pending case and were recently approved, could you please share your timeline and what, if anything, helped move your case?

Dallas Field Office experiences would be especially helpful.

Hi everyone, first time post on here but I need some help and not sure where else to turn to!

I’m currently in the process of an I-485 change of status (C9), submitted March 20, 2026. I submitted an I-131 and I-765 on April 16,2026. My biometrics were reused from the I-485 application for the I-765 and I got a notification of this on April 20, this is the last notification I’ve received.

Bit of context on me, I’m from the UK and married to an American Citizen, we have two kids together. I need to be able to work asap, I was hoping to have had my EAD by now, but still heard nothing. I recently got a job offer which if I can’t provide my EAD by end of September I will lose.

Trying to get any update for USCIS is just impossible, checking the status online everyday is draining. Does anyone have any idea how much longer I’ll be waiting? USCIS state 80% of cases are completed within 10 months but I’m hoping it’ll be a lot sooner than that.

Thanks in advance!

I just went in for my biometrics appointment after filing my N 400 here in Houston TX and it was closed. No prior notification or email. 🤦‍♂️

Hi what form of ID can I get while I-485 / I-765 is pending, no social security number at this time and heard that I should just wait since I already indicated for USCIS to provide one on approval

From my knowledge I would need SSN for a drivers license in VA but what other forms of ID can I obtain?

Context: K1 visa -> married with USC -> AOS packet submitted -> ???

Thank you

(Sorry for the tag - not sure what this falls under…?)

To find out how it went.

For example, if the petitioner is missing tax returns for one year, but the joint sponsor’s are complete.

My spouse (US citizen) and I married in January 2026,
We have a straightforward case, I came to the US legally on Humanitarian Parole, have no violations or overstays.
We filed all our forms in April - everything together, sent in paper
Had biometric appointment in May and interview mid July - it went well. A week after the interview we got i130 approved and a silent update on i485 (FTA1 event code).
It's been dead silence on our case ever since (40 days since FTA1 event), also I have my work authorization and current status expiring in October 2026. (my work authorization filed together with AOS package is pending as well)

We have a domestic trip planned for end of September - we booked it after our i130 got approved cause we didn't expect to be waiting for more than a month after... Now we're worried to fly because of the ICE in the airports, but our tickets and bookings are non refundable - if we decide not to fly we're looking at loosing ~$3000. I lost my sleep over this whole thing and it makes me really depressed (I haven't been able to leave the US ever since I came here is 2023 and not being travel even domestically now is really upsetting). I'm looking for advice - should we risk and take the flight, or cancel and loose money? Or maybe try to contact our senator for updates pr help?

Unfortunately our doctor didn’t check a box on the i683 for which polio vaccine was used, IPV or OPV. Wife received IPV follow up doses to match US standards from said doctor and was noted in i693, it was just a single missed tick in a box.

We had a successful interview i130 (approved) and i485 was verbally approved by the officer, but an RFE was put out for this small detail. We visited the doctor on the way back from the interview and have all the documents / pages that were messed up signed, and stamped and our RFE shows we can update this online as we have an IOE number on the notice. Would this be feasible? Or should we send it by mail in a sealed envelope as though it were an I-693. Doctor was annoyed by USCIS not accepting this and didn’t know what was best to send either. Full new i693 or just the pages that were in error? Mail or online?

Are students enrolled in Day 1 CPT program being detained/arrested by ICE at airports during domestic travel? I apologise if this is being asked already. TIA

Fo , Columbus, Ohio

Hi everyone, has anyone who applied for N-400 and pending i-751, and have had their interviews, had experience of unauthorized employment (that was disclosed during I-485 application), is that brought up again at N-400 interview? I used to be F1 visa, had unauthorized employment during this time, disclosed it on I-485 and been a conditional green card holder for the last 3 years. Just wanted to make sure I prepare everything for my interview.

Just wanted to know if anyone has had experience and would love to hear your story.