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Jan 31, 2025
EB-3 I-485 approved.
**Application type**: EB-3 ROW - UAE born. I am the Derivative(spouse) application based on my spouse(primary applicant) who was approved in May 2024. Our applications were filed separately. **Priority date**: Oct 31, 2022 **Date of filing**: May 29, 2024 **Applications filed**: I-485, I-765, and I-131 (concurrent) with form I-693 having all required medicals. **Lockbox**: NBC (National Benefits Center) **Lawyer**: My spouse's employer's legal team. **Field office**: Seattle, WA **All application Timelines**: June 29, 2024: Received a "receipt" notice in the mail from USCIS that they received all the applications. July 15: Received Biometric appointment request. August 14, 2024: Went for a biometric appointment in Seattle FO. August 23, 2024: "Case was updated to show fingerprints were taken". Sep 11, 2024: I-765 and I-131 were approved. Sep 12, 2024: Combo card was mailed. Sep 16, 2024: Received the combo card in my mailbox. So, only I-485 was pending by now. Nov 26, 2024: "We are ready to schedule your interview for form I-485." That's it. No date and time of the interview were mentioned. Just a decision to interview me was taken. Dec 17, 2024: "Interview was scheduled." Jan 16, 2025: Interviewed in Seattle FO. **Interview Experience:** * My spouse's legal team declined to provide a lawyer during the interview. I spoke to a few other lawyers who were ready to represent us. The minimum fee was $300. But my wife and I decided to not hire a lawyer as our case was legit. * Both my wife and I were requested to appear for an interview. Although 95% of questions were asked to me as my wife already had her GC approved. * We went with all bonafide marriage proof docs. Think of: Home mortgage statements, home closing letters, car titles, utility bills, lease agreements, pictures from trips, travel tickets, engagement pics, marriage pics, and translated marriage certificates from home country. * For employment purposes, I carried an offer letter, Employment verification letter (EVL), EDR(Employment data report), past employer EVL * The officer asked me about all dates - the first time we met, the engagement date, the marriage date, etc. * The officer was surprised that we do not have a joint account yet. I told them that we manage expenses via Venmo and provided the Venmo transactions history print. This was the only thing that felt off during the interview. * Yes/No security/criminal questions * At the end, we were told that they would verify all my documents and then will be able to make any decision. The interviewer just said that they do not need anything else. I wasn't provided with a post-interview "slip" which has 4 checkboxes about post-interview results possibility. I asked for it but the interviewer said we do not give that usually. * Overall it was an okay interview. I felt that my application was both "employment" and "marriage" based. Jan 16, 2024: "Interview was completed and my case must be reviewed." 1 hour after the interview I got this status. A Reddit search showed that many cases were just lying in limbo after this update and even took 2-3 months to be picked up by FO again. I was disheartened that it wasn't a straight approval as some people get approval status on the same day.. Jan 20, 2025: "Card is being produced." One of the happiest moments of my life. I was having my "me time" baking an oatmeal cake for my wife and new neighbors and then while checking the recipe a notification popped up. I wasn't expecting this quick approval. I am thankful to the interviewer for their judgment on my case and quick approval, Jan 21, 2025: "Case was approved" Jan 24, 2025: "Card was mailed". Note: The tracking number was UNAVAILABLE. It is usual. Unless the card is not picked up by USPS there won't be any tracking number. Even the Emma/USCIS agent could not help with the tracking number. Jan 27, 2025: A new package was available in USPS informed delivery. It said "USCIS-CORBIN PRODUCTION FACILITY CORBIN, KY". This made me believe that my green card is actually in transit. Jan 29, 2025: GC delivered in the mail as I was typing this draft/post. My 2 cents: * Provide as much useful evidence supporting marriage as possible during application. Our application only had a marriage certificate. Not sure I was called for an interview. Maybe because our marriage was just 4 months older when my applications were filed. * It becomes an addiction to check status updates but try finding ways to control it. I couldn't succeed in this. * USPS-informed delivery is your best tool. All mail notices, combo cards, and GC cards can be tracked easily. Learn how to install and use it. * Emma's agents are nice. Greet them always and try not to repeat any questions. If you need to reach out to someone from customer support, mention "Lost card" and you will be directed to someone. * Have faith in the process and if your case is legit, you will get approved. Lawfully and r/USCIS both were immensely helpful throughout the entire process. * Last but not least, I won't say "Finally, I am approved" because I see many legit cases pending for a longer time which should have been acted upon by now. I pray for all of you and I hope that all of you get your case adjudicated soon!! Thanks and best wishes! 🙏

EB3-2

Skilled worker (requiring at least 2 years of specialized training or experience)

Total Days: 239 days
Case
2024-05-30
2025-01-24
I-485
239 Days
National Benefits Center: I-485
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