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T Y
Jan 20, 2026
I-485 admin closed due to unknown removal proceedings — jurisdiction restored 10/20/2025 (NBC). Interview waiver experiences?
Marriage-based AOS (IOE), filed 05/08/2023 • Married Nov 2022, petitioner is USC, beneficiary is Brazilian citizen • Medical (I-693) submitted with initial packet • Biometrics 2023 • EAD received Dec 2023 • I-130 approved Jan 28, 2025 • No RFE / no criminal issues Important background: my I-485 was administratively closed because I was in removal proceedings (we didn’t know). AP was denied due to no USCIS jurisdiction. Removal case is resolved/terminated and USCIS regained jurisdiction on 10/20/2025. API: 3x FTA0 on 12/10/2025. Since then only H028 “touches”. myProgress shows Step 4 “Case decision”. Questions: 1. Anyone with AOS after removal proceedings terminated get approved without interview? 2. Did you see FO transfer before interview scheduling? 3. Any patterns with 3–4 FTA0 before approval? Thanks in advance!

IR-1/CR-1

U.S. citizen filing for a spouse

Total Days: 1048 days
Case
2023-05-08
Today
I-131
219 Days
I-765
227 Days
I-130
631 Days
I-485
1048 Days
National Benefits Center: I-131, I-765, I-130, I-485
Timeline Map
2023-05-08
I-130
I-765
I-131
I-485
Submission to USCIS
2023-05-19
I-485
D+11
Biometrics, i.e. fingerprint and photo
2023-12-13
I-131
D+219
Decision (Approval or Denial)
2023-12-21
I-765
D+227
Decision (Approval or Denial)
2025-01-28
I-130
D+631
Decision (Approval or Denial)
2026-02-20
I-485
D+1019
Interview
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Chelsea WrightJan 20, 2026
@T Y This is actually a very clean case despite the earlier jurisdiction issue. Once removal proceedings are formally terminated and USCIS regains jurisdiction, many marriage-based AOS cases do get approved without an interview, especially when the I-130 is already approved and there are no RFEs or inadmissibility concerns. To your questions: 1️⃣ Interview waiver: yes—several post-termination AOS cases are waived when the file is strong (approved I-130, medical on file, no criminal issues), which you already have. 2️⃣ FO transfer: some cases go straight from NBC to approval without a visible FO transfer; others transfer briefly before decision. Both are normal. 3️⃣ FTA0 pattern: multiple FTA0 touches often appear shortly before adjudication when background checks are being refreshed. It’s a common pre-decision pattern rather than a red flag. One clarifying point that can matter: did your termination order explicitly state proceedings were “terminated” (not administratively closed), and was it uploaded to USCIS?
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T YJan 20, 2026
hi @Chelsea Wright ! thanks for the quick reply. The order from the IJ was forwarded to USCIS with a request to reopen (not uploaded, I don’t think). It also said “motion to terminate is granted without prejudice”. The IJ also added “This Court finds, in its discretion, that termination is appropriate. Respondent is the beneficiary of an approved I-130 petition for Alien Relative and was inspected and admitted upon his last entry into the United States. He is therefore prima facie eligible to adjust status before USCIS. As such, respondent's motion for termination is granted. See Matter of Coronado Acevedo, 28 I&N Dec. 648 (A.G. 2022); 8 C.F.R. 1003.18(d)(1)(ii)(B) thanks again!
Chelsea WrightJan 20, 2026
@T Y Thanks for sharing the full details, T Y — that actually clarifies everything. Since the IJ granted termination without prejudice and confirmed your eligibility to adjust status based on the approved I-130, your case is exactly the type that often gets approved without an interview once USCIS fully processes the termination order. The “motion to terminate granted” language is very strong and supports waiver eligibility. The next key step is ensuring USCIS has the termination order on file so there are no delays. Sometimes the system just hasn’t been updated yet, which is why multiple FTA0 touches are showing. If you’d like, I can walk you step-by-step on how to confirm this with USCIS and what to expect next — it’s easier to do privately so we can go through all the documents and avoid any missteps.
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w wJan 20, 2026
How long did it take for the i-130 to be approved? We are in the same boat, I am waiting for the i-130 to be approved. The court administratively closed the removal proceedings. Yes, I had an interview for the i-485, 7 months ago, but the i-130 has not been approved yet, now I have been waiting for 17 months.
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T YJan 20, 2026
@w w hi! about 21 months. really rough
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w wJan 20, 2026
I have a headache until I see the i-130 approved. You are in the final stages bro. Congratulations. I suggested you have a lawyer if you have an interview.
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T YJan 20, 2026
@w w thanks man. I wish you all the best as well! just know you’re really close, hang in there!
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ines inesJan 20, 2026
@Chelsea Wright Stop scamming people.
J MJan 20, 2026
@T Y I have the same problem, my I-130 form was approved on January 8, 2025, but now the I-485 is still pending. I have been sending all the forms at the same time since November 2, 2023. I don't know exactly what I'm supposed to do.
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T YJan 20, 2026
@ines ines 💗 @J M have you contacted your congressperson yet? I believe it helped me with getting my 130 approved.
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Annie GJan 20, 2026
@T Y how long did it take for your nta to be terminated?? I sent documentation to the court about 2 months ago and no reply yet from them
J MJan 20, 2026
@ines ines Yes, I contacted Congressperson, they told me that at this time they have no way to help me because there is a hold on all citizens from my country.
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T YJan 21, 2026
@Annie G it was really fast, like under 45 days. Boston Immigration Court
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T YJan 21, 2026
@J M my country is also listed on the 75 country list. I thought they were pausing immigrant visas from embassies and consulates from that list. maybe I’m misinformed.
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Ty AJan 21, 2026
@T Y I think my case is similar to your, my removal proceedings was terminated 02/2025. I-130 was approved 04/2024, EAD received 04/2025. No criminal issues. Got RFE to resend all my paperwork to USCIS Dallas office which was sent in 06/2025. lawyer submitted all d paperwork to USCIS we yet to hear back of see 485 approval. pls do you know what I can do, it’s really killing me.
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T YJan 21, 2026
@Ty A Hi! I’m not an expert (although I should be at this point lol) but in my opinion getting the I-130 is the hardest thing and we have it approved already. I think USCIS is just backed out as current administration is moving all resources to ICE. I have faith USCIS is doing their best to get all cases processed as fast as they can so don’t lose hope! have you tried your congressperson yet? I may sound like a broken record here but they’re really our best hope out there.
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ines inesJan 21, 2026
@J M Oh my God, I hope they lift the hold soon. Good luck to you and to all of us!
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T YJan 21, 2026
I called Emma just now and asked a few questions. The agent was kind enough to answer them very clearly. Here’s what she said: 1) is my case is no longer located at NBC, but it was transferred to Houston FO. 2) My interview was waived but at some point it was reviewed and right now I am eligible and I stand on a line to have it scheduled. 3) She didn’t have any additional information regarding the 75 country ban (I’m a Brazilian national). Said to keep an eye on USCIS website and that they would reach out in case anything changes regarding my case. Last one was pretty standard answer but I’ll take it. I didn’t want to push my luck by asking “how long do you think it’ll be until my interview is scheduled” so I wished her a great day and hang up. So folks, don’t be scared of calling Emma and ask about your case. This whole interaction took about 3 min. If anyone has any insights to share, please feel free to do so! Wishing all of us best of luck!
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Ty AJan 22, 2026
@T Y Thank you for the information

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