Case Processing
i-485 Approved After Mandamus: My Full Timeline, Experience & Encouragement
Hi community. I recently had both of my pending applications approved. I had an asylum interview with USCIS and was approved 2 weeks later in Q1 of 2023.
My RTD ended up being approved entirely on its own — I received it on Nov 5 with a 1-year validity. I never did anything about expediting it.
For my green card, they got the application in early June-2024. The packet was complete, with a fee and medical papers. My case sat in “interview is ready to be scheduled” status since early April-2025 with absolutely no movement. My expedite request, Congresswoman inquiry, and Ombudsman inquiry were proven unsuccessful. Eventually I decided to file a writ of mandamus pro se (without an attorney). Honestly, it’s not as hard as lawyers try to make it seem, and many attorneys don’t specialize in mandamus anyway. Attorneys wanted at least $5K; I paid only the $405 filing fee + about $150 in postal costs (more on that adventure below).
I used this Reddit post (https://www.reddit.com/r/USCIS/s/zjYMKZ0oix, it’s called Step-by-Step Guide on How I Filed a Writ of Mandamus Without a Lawyer and How You Can Too) and ChatGPT for guidance. My defendants were Pam Bondi, Kristi Noem, and Joseph Edlow, and I also served the U.S. Attorney General in my state and USCIS as an agency. I filed on Oct 21, and the defendants were served the same day.
USPS then proceeded to lose 4 out of 5 of my certified letters — they delivered only the one addressed to my state’s Attorney General 😂 I was so pissed! I had to go back to the court, get duplicate summons, and then ask my friend again to re-serve everyone, it was done on Nov 1. My anxiety was through the roof. 4 out of 5 were delivered, and on Nov 7 my green card was approved without an interview — before service of process was even completed. The final letter was delivered the day after the approval. I will still complete service and then dismiss the case as moot after I get the card in hand.
I’m now waiting for the physical green card. It was approved 6 days ago, and I already received the approval notice. Does anyone know how long it usually takes for the actual card to be printed and mailed? Do they send a separate “card was mailed” update?
A note of encouragement:
Never let your hope fade, and never be afraid to stand up for yourself. Fight for your own sunshine. US is a democratic country, and filing a mandamus is simply exercising the rights you already have, trying to get the service you paid $1440 for. Waiting for your green card to be approved for over 1,5 years is well beyond reasonable in any Universe. You won’t get in trouble for the lawsuit. If you have decent English, you absolutely can file on your own. And the money you save on legal fees? Do yourselves a favor and spend it on a trip abroad to celebrate getting “greened” and finally getting your wings back. ♥️✈️ Personally, I am going to Canada for Thanksgiving to celebrate my re-acquired freedom.
Good luck!
Asylum
Based on grant of asylum more than 1 year ago
Total Days: 522 days
Case
2024-06-03
2025-11-07
I-485
522 Days
I-131
466 Days
National Benefits Center: I-485
Nebraska Service Center: I-131
I-90 DHS Error (2 years card instead of 10 years)
Hello everyone!
I wanted to share my experience in case it helps someone in a similar situation. My marriage-based green card was approved in May 2025. Since I had already been married for more than two years at that time, I was expecting to receive the 10-year card (IR6). However, I received the 2-year conditional card (CR6) ##.
After doing some research, on June 23, 2025, I filed Form I-90 online to request a replacement under the correct category. Along with the application, I uploaded my marriage certificate, front and back of the incorrect green card, and included a short explanation of the issue in the “Additional Information” section. I didn’t mailed the incorrect green card back to USCIS.
On November 4, 2025, I was notified that my new card had been produced, now I’m just waiting for it to arrive in the mail. The process took about four months, which is actually great timing compared to other cases I’ve seen where people have waited much longer.
If anyone has questions or needs help with a similar issue, I’d be happy to share more details!
#I90 #DHSError
Initial issuance or replacement
Total Days: 134 days
Case
2025-06-23
2025-11-04
I-90
134 Days
Potomac Service Center: I-90
finally greened
I pray everybody waiting patiently will have his/her green card approved, I know it’s not easy in this times but with God everything is possible.I thank everybody who motivated here us every day. yall have a good one.
IR-1/CR-1
U.S. citizen filing for a spouse
Total Days: 632 days
Case
2024-02-20
2025-11-13
I-130
632 Days
I-765
119 Days
I-131
287 Days
I-485
358 Days
Texas Service Center: I-130, I-765, I-131, I-485
next step after biometrics
I have seen a few denials for greencard after vawa approval and I am becoming a bit nervous. For all those that encouraged me to go for biometrics and not panic, I want to specifically thank you. That went well. I was hoping if anyone who has gone through same process of second biometrics after vawa approval could comment on what came next after that.
