Case Processing
Any VAWA approval?
Hello everyone, I hope you are doing well.
Have you'll seen any updates or approvals on #VAWA application from 2022? or if any approval lately?
Please share your thoughts, and timeliness.
Thanks, and sending prayers.
#VAWA
#i360
#i765
#i485
VAWA
Based on a Violence Against Women Act self-petition
Total Days: 1497 days
Case
2022-02-22
Today
I-360
1497 Days
I-485
1341 Days
I-765
360 Days
Vermont Service Center: I-360, I-485
National Benefits Center: I-765
Golden Tip
🔍 How to Use the JSON Trick on USCIS Case Status
This only works in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (since they both use Chromium).
Step 1: Open Your Case
• Go to the official USCIS case status page.
• Enter your receipt number and hit search.
Step 2: Open Developer Tools
• On Windows: Press CTRL + SHIFT + I.
• On Mac: Press CMD + OPTION + I.
This opens the Developer Tools panel.
Step 3: Find the Network Data
• In the panel, click the Network tab.
• Refresh the page (F5).
• Look for a request called something like:
case status/receipt number
Step 4: Inspect the JSON
• Click that request.
• Go to the Preview or Response tab.
• You’ll see the hidden JSON data — way more detailed than the public “Case is being processed” message.
⸻
📊 What You’ll See in JSON
• milestone_days_remaining → Countdown to the next action (interview, oath, etc.).
• overall_days_remaining → Estimated overall time left.
• action_code → Internal shorthand:
• FTA0 = File is in queue, waiting for action.
• XFER = Case transferred to another office.
• SCHD = Scheduling in progress.
• statusCode / milestone_code → Tracks each major step (biometrics, interview, oath).
Guidance is highly appreciated. I-140
The application submission date was October 23, 2024. My case status is "received and receipt notice sent". Does anyone know the current thoughts of America? Is there any chance that my case status will change by 2025? I am really frustrated. I can't change my job. I can't concentrate on anything. I don't know what to do?
Thank you for listening to me.
Golden Tip and Trick
🔍 How to Use the JSON Trick on USCIS Case Status
This only works in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (since they both use Chromium).
Step 1: Open Your Case
• Go to the official USCIS case status page.
• Enter your receipt number and hit search.
Step 2: Open Developer Tools
• On Windows: Press CTRL + SHIFT + I.
• On Mac: Press CMD + OPTION + I.
This opens the Developer Tools panel.
Step 3: Find the Network Data
• In the panel, click the Network tab.
• Refresh the page (F5).
• Click the case number
Step 4: Inspect the JSON
• Click that request.
• Go to the Preview or Response tab.
• You’ll see the hidden JSON data — way more detailed than the public “Case is being processed” message.
⸻
📊 What You’ll See in JSON
• milestone_days_remaining → Countdown to the next action (interview, oath, etc.).
• overall_days_remaining → Estimated overall time left.
• action_code → Internal shorthand:
• FTA0 = File is in queue, waiting for action.
• XFER = Case transferred to another office.
• SCHD = Scheduling in progress.
• statusCode / milestone_code → Tracks each major step (biometrics, interview, oath).
This will allow you to view your case better than Emma as if you were speaking to a Tier 2 officer
let me know if you have any questions
Timeline from J1 to Marriage Greencard
we had a pretty smooth process because we had great evidence of our relationship and I requested my change if status while I was still working under my J1. also specifically for me, I was supposed to get a Waiver for the 212(e) two year rule because it was not applicable for me. but since the change on the guidelines for the Skills and countries my country no longer require it. which makde that part not required for me.
IR-1/CR-1
U.S. citizen filing for a spouse
Total Days: 97 days
Case
2025-05-29
2025-09-03
I-485
97 Days
National Benefits Center: I-485
SIJS
Hi, good morning! How are you all doing? I'm currently in the process of SIJS and I'm feeling a bit scared.
I have deferred action and I'm just waiting for my I-485 - my priority date is September 23, 2023.
Do you think I'm at risk of deportation? And how long do you estimate it might take for my date to be current?
(I came through the border and my removal case has been terminated.)
#sijs
#eb4
Approved I-360. Denial I-485
my 485 was denied because allegedly I didn't show up on interview. I didn't receive any mail about scheduled interview. Neither my case online says any information about interview. I did called to USCIS after I received denial notice. They told me they don't see any interview was ever scheduled. and they told me, immigration officer will call me. it's been a month and no calls. I did fille 290b. but no receipt yet! I understand it’s pretty much USCIS error, but I’m wondering if I get pulled over and they for sure will send me to detention? and deport?
does anyone have any suggestion what should I do?
I plan to leave US next month and apply through counselor process. does anyone knows how this works? and what a success rate? I also have approved work permits and advanced parole based on 485. if they approve 290b, can I enter US with advance parole, if I leave now?
or this 485 is done pretty much? and I should start all over again and better outside of US?
Finally approved
Best wishes to everyone. I hope y’all hear the good news soon too. Thakyou to lawfully community for all the support and insights. 🫶
EB3-2
Skilled worker (requiring at least 2 years of specialized training or experience)
Total Days: 901 days
Case
2023-03-17
2025-09-03
I-765
200 Days
I-131
201 Days
I-485
883 Days
Texas Service Center: I-765, I-131, I-485
Check Timeline for Interview & Green Card Delivery (Filed Dec 2024 – San Antonio, TX)
I’m currently in the U.S. on an F1 visa, and my husband is a green card holder. We filed the application in December 2024 at the San Antonio, Texas office, and I received my EAD in January 2025. Since I’m already in the U.S. on F1, I’d like to know how long it usually takes to get scheduled for the interview, and once approved, how long it typically takes to receive the physical green card.
Journey has come to an end.
Sharing my timeline to give others a little hope and to know what to expect. From start to finish.
IR-1/CR-1
U.S. citizen filing for a spouse
Total Days: 1568 days
Case
2021-05-10
2025-08-25
I-131
205 Days
I-765
212 Days
I-130
322 Days
I-485
327 Days
I-751
606 Days
N-400
84 Days
National Benefits Center: I-131, I-765, I-485
Nebraska Service Center: I-130, N-400
California Service Center: I-751
Real story: traveling on Advance Parole even with red flags
A lot of people wonder if they can really travel on Advance Parole when their immigration history isn’t perfect. Most of the time, people who share success stories don’t explain if they had a clean record or not. I want to share a true example to show that AP really can work — even with a ton of red flags.
Let’s call her Clara.
• Clara first married a U.S. citizen (let’s call her Maria). They filed for a green card together. At their marriage interview, Maria was pregnant by someone else — while they were applying as a same-sex couple. You can imagine the red flag this raised.
• USCIS scheduled another interview and even did home visits. When officers came, Clara didn’t open the door. Eventually, the marriage case was dropped.
• Later, Clara remarried, but that relationship also ended. She then applied for VAWA and filed Adjustment of Status.
• At this point, she had years of unlawful presence, two broken marriage cases, and a big history of USCIS scrutiny. Still, with her VAWA case pending, she was approved for Advance Parole.
Here’s what happened when she traveled:
1. First trip (to Europe for vacation):
Clara had been out of status for years before filing VAWA. Despite all her red flags, she took a trip to Europe on AP. When she came back, CBP pulled her into secondary inspection and grilled her for hours about her history. It was stressful, but at the end of the day, they let her back in. Advance Parole did its job.
2. Second trip (to her home country):
On her next trip, things changed. While Clara was abroad, USCIS denied her VAWA-based green card (I-485). The moment that denial was issued, her Advance Parole was automatically invalid. So even though she had the paper in her hand, she wasn’t allowed back in.
⸻
Takeaways:
• The positive side: despite huge red flags — unlawful presence, failed marriages, suspicious interviews, home visits, and lots of scrutiny — Clara’s first trip on AP worked. She was questioned heavily but still admitted back into the U.S.
• The risk: AP is only valid as long as your I-485 is pending. If it gets denied while you’re abroad, the AP ends instantly, and you can’t return. That’s what happened on Clara’s second trip.
• Personally, my view is: if you travel once on AP and face a long interrogation but make it back, maybe hold off on a second trip until your green card is approved. But the important point is that Advance Parole is valid and works, even when your history isn’t “perfect.”
I’m not a lawyer, this isn’t legal advice — just sharing this story so others can see that AP isn’t automatically closed off to people with complicated cases.
