A M
Jun 2, 2023
A long and stressful journey - FINALLY!
I hope this gives some of you hope. I know that this is stressful and it isn't fun when you see people getting approved who applied long after you. Try to hang in there! 817 days later...my GC is finally approved.
I know several folks will have questions so I'll try to provide additional details here. I have a PhD in Environmental Science and currently work as a state government scientist. I'm from Canada and came to the USA as a J-1 scholar in 2016 (postdoc) and then as a TN visa holder in 2019. When I applied under the NIW, I had about 13 articles published in the peer reviewed literature with >1100 citations. No dependents.
Unfortunately, it took over 500 days to approve my I-140, but no RFE. My case was then transferred to the Imperial FO on October 13, 2022. Found this out from Emma. I received two RFEs...the first (early Feb 2023) to prove my birth certificate was real and show my passport. The second was in late Feb 2023 to prove I wasn't subject to the J-1 home residency requirement. Had to get an advisory opinion from the State Dept. even though I knew I wasn't subject. This took about 4-6 weeks. Frustrating. My GC was approved ~12 days later once the Imperial FO received my response to RFE on May 19/23. My lawyer was Dunn Law in Illinois (I recommend them).
I'm happy this is now somewhat behind me. This is such a stressful process and one that you almost want to quit since, for me, I haven't been home for awhile. My only advice: don't sign onto this app on a daily basis and drive yourself crazy with stress and anxiety! It isn't worth it and everyone's experience can be different. Count yourself fortunate if you received a quick approval.
EB2-NIW
Advanced degrees or exceptional ability requesting a National Interest Waiver
Total Days: 826 days
Case
2021-03-05
2023-06-09
I-131
258 Days
I-765
264 Days
I-140
514 Days
I-485
826 Days
Nebraska Service Center: I-131, I-765, I-140, I-485
Timeline Map
2021-03-05
I-140
I-485
Priority Date
2021-03-05
I-765
I-140
I-485
I-131
Submission to USCIS
2021-09-10
I-765
I-131
D+189
Biometrics, i.e. fingerprint and photo
2021-11-18
I-131
D+258
Decision (Approval or Denial)
2021-11-24
I-765
D+264
Decision (Approval or Denial)
2022-08-01
I-140
D+514
Decision (Approval or Denial)
2022-10-15
I-485
D+589
Biometrics, i.e. fingerprint and photo
2023-05-19
I-485
D+805
Response to RFE
2023-06-09
I-485
D+826
Decision (Approval or Denial)
This timeline was created with the Lawfully App. Download the Lawfully App now.
ADVERTISEMENT
m gJun 2, 2023
congratulations 🥳🎈👏
A MJun 2, 2023
Thanks @m g - I appreciate it. Feeling like a 50 pound weight is off my shoulders today.
Selith HJun 2, 2023
@A M Congratulations! I couldn't agree more with you on the last sentence. You are 100% correct. Enjoy your freedom!
A MJun 2, 2023
thank you @Selith H - well said!
Black MatterJun 2, 2023
@A M can Emma provide more info than “Check USCIS Status “ ?
Guille AlvarezJun 2, 2023
Congratssss🤘🏻🤘🏻
drchychy .Jun 2, 2023
congratulations dear
A MJun 3, 2023
@John Snow - yes. Just type into the chat to speak to a representative. They aren't always super helpful, but worth a shot.
A MJun 3, 2023
Thanks @drchychy and @Guille Alvarez 😊
A E RJun 3, 2023
@A M
congratulations!
did u have an interview?
A MJun 3, 2023
Much appreciated @Ahmed E R
I didn't have an interview; they sent my file to a field office that wasn't near me.
Have Faith Jun 3, 2023
congratulations!!!! and thanks for sharing your experience. 😊
A MJun 3, 2023
Thank you @BC G !
AU UAZJun 3, 2023
congratulations 👏
A MJun 3, 2023
much appreciated @AU UAZ
RR ReyesJun 9, 2023
Same day here June 1, did you get the card? June 7 It was update to card mail to me.
A MJun 12, 2023
@RR Reyes Yes - I received the card on June 9...it was about a week from approval to arriving in the mail from Missouri.
RR ReyesJun 12, 2023
Ok thanks!!! I'll check on my lawyers tomorrow!!! They should received friday or saturday... but If It arries after hous, they should mail to me tomorrow
