Hey Jenny. I have been experiencing a similar feeling. I went and am continuing to go to therapy. One of the most important things I learnt was to focus on the things you can control and try not to dwell on the things that you can't. I very recently got my EAD (it took 9 months) and I was very happy and then quickly got sad because I wanted my green card! It's a rollercoaster but I truly understand how you feel

@jenny G , @Hannah Jones thank you for your honest and open posts. I feel you both! It’s an extremely challenging process, more so because no one really knows how long it will take. I am very grateful to be in the US, there are many who are doing long distance relationships while going through this process and that wouldn’t have worked for us. But staying in the US has its unique challenges also. For me, not being able to work has been especially tough. I’ve struggled to meet people and find my purpose really. @Hannah Jones , I have also tried to focus on the things I can control and that has helped some. I speak with my family back home every day and they help me to remember the reasons why I am here and my goals for the future.

@Jenny, Hannah, Denise Wowwww!!! We all in this together. I too wish i could find something to occupy my mind, but I'm so glad we have this community to share our feelings and frustrations with each other. Hope our time will be very soon. God bless you all🙏🏾

yeah.. it’s frustrating and very depress especially we saw others approve in like less than 80 days and some even approved in 50 days… while I still wait for it ( apply on April 2023) ….pray hard it will be out very soon ….

@teetee fabulous thanks for your contributions here! I’ve recently joined the local library to occupy my mind in a productive way. Ironically, I was even thinking about deleting this app today so that I don’t continuously check my status but glad that I stayed because I’ve met you all😊If you’re religious you could try joining a church, I met a few people there and the sense of community has helped. @jenny G , @Hannah Jones , @teetee fabulous - what are your timelines and where are you all based (if you don’t mind me asking)?

@Denise K we are almost the same timeline

@Denise Yes, I'm part of a church and my church family is quite supportive and have been praying for me. Nonetheless, I still get frustrated at times but I know God will soon work it all out. Most of my frustration comes from the fact that I've been unable to work without EAD and I think my husband feels pressured at times even though he doesn't complain. MY PD is Nov.2022 filing concurrently and have received nothing so far. i130 says received i485 and i765 actively reviewing since February 😒😒

@Denise K yeah my frustration also from me can’t work without EAD and my husband really a huge support and doesn’t complain..

@teetee fabulous It is definitely normal to feel frustrated at times, regardless of prayers and support from others (though these things are so helpful, of course). Yeah, it looks like we’re all feeling the pressure of not being able to work without the EAD. My husband also feels pressured, I think, but doesn’t complain. Isn’t this process a surprising test of our marriages?! Going through these hardships has really helped me to see my husband’s character. I, on the other hand, find myself complaining a lot😅

@jenny G , yes we have similar timelines. @teetee fabulous , you have been waiting since November which is really tough. For me: i130 received i131 received i765 actively reviewed since May 2 i485 actively reviewed since May 2

Has anyone tried volunteer work? I’ve always been a little worried that it may come across as ‘real (paid) work’ so haven’t tried until now but I’m thinking maybe I should give it a go now - anything to get out of the house and find some purpose.

I do volunteer at meal at community cafe… it’s a once a week things… try to look for few more but my husband always said who knows my EAD will be out tomorrow… I think churches need a lot of volunteers too

@jenny G that’s awesome! Also I like your husband’s positive attitude! Btw, I did live chat today with USCIS and was told my case is now at ‘interview waived stage’. I don’t know if this is a good thing, I’ve read elsewhere this is just a recommendation from NBC and that once the case is sent to a FO they will make a final decision on the interview. But I’ve also seen cases being approved from NBC and no FO. What do you think? Thought to share as we have similar timelines. Anyway, at least something is happening!

@Denise K if your interview is being waived that's great. The next step would be to submit your medical.

@Denise K may I ask what reason for you to put in your expedite for your ead?

Thanks @teetee fabulous , I submitted the medical right at the beginning so at least that’s done. Let’s see how things go. Hope you are well!

@jenny G , I did not expedite my EAD. I would LOVE to but I don’t think I meet the criteria (at least not at this stage).

@Denise K what is your priority date?

@teetee fabulous , April 7 2023

@Denise K, that's good u submitted it in the beginning so that's one less thing to worry abt😊