Case Processing
Not Sure If EB2-NIW Is Right for You?
EB2-NIW isn’t suitable for everyone, and that’s something many people don’t hear early enough.
Before filing, it’s important to understand:
• Whether your proposed endeavor is strong enough
• If your evidence supports national interest
• What risks exist in your profile
Some people benefit from getting clarity before investing time and money.
I’ll continue sharing insights here for those navigating this process.
#uscis #eb2niw #niw
upgrade F2A to Ir1
My spouse has filed N-400, and expected to receive citizenship certificate around March.
I’m confused whether I should upgrade F2A to IR1 after my spouse becomes a U.S. citizen or just wait for the normal I-130 approval.
The reason I’m hesitant I’ve seen many people who requested F2A to IR1 upgrade
Their upgrade requests have been pending for 6–7 months
No approval, no movement, no meaningful update so far
So my question to experienced members In a consular case like mine, is upgrading really beneficial, or does it actually slow things down? Is it better to wait until I-130 is close to approval before requesting upgrade, or not upgrade at all?
#f2a
F2A
Permanent resident filing for a spouse or child under 21
Total Days: 1014 days
Case
2023-04-29
Today
I-130
1014 Days
California Service Center: I-130
EB3 current again - does 485 auto-switch?
PD: 11/2013. Did the EB3 downgrade and filed 485 concurrently. When EB3 retrogressed, filed TUB + Supplement J in 2021 to move the 485 to EB2, and that J was approved. EB2 later retrogressed as well. Now EB3 is current again while EB2 isn’t. Recent case update "fingerprints were reapplied" last month (second time). Do I need to file another TUB + Supplement J to switch the 485 back to EB3, or will USCIS consider it under EB3 automatically without any new filing?
My EB2 NIW Journey
Hi all! This group has been an inspiration for my 2+ years EB2 NIW Journey. As I am celebrating the approval today, I would like to thank everyone in this community for their continuous feedback and information sharing.
*Background:* PhD in Economics (2018), two Master's, Bachelors (all from the USA). At the time of I-140, I had 5 published papers as the main author with around 150 citations. 15 years of international experience. ROW, but from the recent 75-country list. Don’t want to disclose the lawyer’s details, but it’s a leading one (approve or refund). 2 recommendation letters (one from my major professor and co-author in PhD and one from another professor from an Ivy League institution, known but not a direct teacher).
*Timeline:*
- I-140 PD: late Jan 2024 (IOE093439****)
- I-140 premium processing: mid Aug 2025
- I-140 approval: mid Sep 2025 (30 days)
- I-485 filed: late Oct 25
- Biometrics: late Nov 25
- EA for derivatives: Received soon after the biometrics.
- 3rd FTA0: 3 Feb 2026
- Silent update: 03 & 04 Feb 2026
- Approval notice and H008 (for whole family): 05 Feb 2026
- AP and EAD not received for the primary applicant
I am not an expert on EB2-NIW, but I tried to share my experience above. Please do not request any private info. Regarding how to check API updates, check the Reddit group.
Thank you once again, and wish everyone a successful EB2-NIW journey. Best regards.
traveling with advance parole
I travelled to my country and I wanted to share my experience traveling with advance parole.
I stayed over a month and came back like a week ago.
I was very worried about the waiting time at inmigration ( i had a connection flight) since I’ve been reading they are taking hours to check your information, but it only took like 30 mins. They took me to the back, took my fingerprints and picture and let me go. No questions at all. So I guess that really depends on the officer you land with.
Overall very smooth experience for me.
