why are they talking so long to approve daca cases and why is only one center processing them?

thanks for reaching out please has the uscis started adjudication for countries that were initially placed on ban

my case was paused last year due to visa availability and received rfe medical at the same time. I responded on rfe within a month of receiving it. since last March I haven’t seen anything on my case status no update on rfe received. stuck at rfe sent. my pd will be current soon and was worried if they will delay it..

why they are taking so long to approve i485 based aslyum granted ??

how long does take time to approve eb1 i140?

how long it takes for IR-5 case concurrent filing. it’s been more than 17 months

why are they not approving people that are current from eb3 unskilled category

Thank you. Why is there no vawa approvals lately? and why are i765 renewal taking forever? I an from Nigeria, one of the banned countries. Thank once again 🙏

It’s there a fee for i485 base on approved SIJ petion if yes, is it waivable. and should I apply for the deferred action as an SIJ receipient as at now and request for an Employment Authorization or can advise on how to get an Employment Authorization thank you .@Manifest Law

is it normal to wait decision after they received rfe response over a year ago. total wait time is over 3 years. thank you

Is the 75-country immigrant visa ban lifted now, or is it still in effect?”

I had a question about my J-1 extension. I filed my I-485 and EAD (EB2-NIW) in October 2025. our biometrics are processed in December2025. Both applications are pending with USCIS. My PD is Jan 19, 2024. I am not subject for two years home residency and not planning to travel internationally. In case of any delay of EAD, would you suggest to extend J-1, sponsor is agree to extend but I am little confused. thanks

why is my case still stuck in review after interview 19 months?

why does it take years to do background checks especially when I 130 is already approved?

I have 130 and 601a waiver approved how long my 485 will takes ?! I already submit medical records and did biometric. thank u ☺️

why n400 is taking so long ?

@Amy Amy how long it takes to get approved 601A?

is USCIS approving AOS application of people from partial travel ban list (not the same as the 75 country ban)?

@Jan 2025 it took me 3 years to get it approved.

When will I-140 petitions submitted in 2024 without premium processing be adjudicated? It has now been nearly two years. Are there any updates regarding current processing times? I am concerned about the apparent disparity in processing, where petitions filed more recently with premium processing are being approved more quickly, while earlier submissions without premium processing remain pending, even in cases with strong credentials.

mi Case ,1-134a

my pd is 17 aug 2023 f2a. Nebraska service center. outside usa. when can i get any news regarding i130?

will the visa bulletin move next month?

I’ve I751 pending jointly, however, 7 months ago they called me for a combo interview (i751 + N400) but officer said I had some missing documents for my I751 and she can’t do my N400 interview until I bring the missing docs, she said she will send me RFE, now it’s been 7 months and I haven’t heard anything no decision no RFE or nothing at all, my N400 is pending too, and I tried to call twice, I did e request and congressmen twice but still all I got is generic response (your case is still under review) so what can I do to get some help? shall I do Obusman or what?

Hi, are all f2a green card i130s stopped? I haven't seen any approvals last month

Hi, i just got my green card approved under vawa recently. i want to marry my girlfriend and file for her(she just completed her stem opt and started doing masters again currently). what should i do?

I learnt EB 3 categories will be current in the month of April, my question is can someone who is out of status and currently a Registered Nurse and has an employer who is willing to file for her qualify for a GC because of her current status.

Hi, EB3 filed in July 2025, current since then and in FO Brooklyn from October 2025. I'm seeing several cases filed in October 2025 already being approved while mine is taking longer though still in "normal processing time". Time to try to get congress person to inquiry? anything else? thanks

great thread. My question would be surrounding the i751….mine was filed with an abuse waiver and when the divorce was finalized it was added to the case. There seem to be a lot of opinions about what to do with your life while you wait. Personally I don’t believe that I should put my life on hold for 3-4 years until the case becomes approved since the N400 can no longer be filed under the 3yr rule. What are the possible ramifications of “moving on” so to speak. Thanks in advance for your input.

My priority date is December 2022, and I got approved in my case on January 2024. But on November 2024 I got a NOIR the reason is because they explained me in a letter that my case was approved when my category isn’t current because the visa bulletin got a regress . Now it’s more than 1 year and a half and I don’t hear back anything from them. what I should expect now? what’s could be the next step? or Do I need to do something?

Is it worth it to pay attention to FTA0/FTA1 codes during AOS? Are they reliable indicators of progress? What information (if any) can you get from them?

if a person were to apply for i745 based on asylum, how long is the average processing time right now

thanks for helping us I apply in August 1 22 I do have a ss working permit advance parole how long do I have to wait to get a answer from them I suppose to be waiting to see if I get aprove for my GC I’m on a decision

tru vawa

my case i-485 IR-2 is stuck, we did the interview july 2024 and we havent heard back. we sent multiple inquiries for it being outside processing time and they respond saying it is when its not. whats the next move or why is the decision being delayed?

what to do if I 485 denied

EB2 NIW submitted I485 on oct 24 PD july 23. got the interview letter and among the docs I have to bring new medical exam and vaccinations (unless it was submitted last year) does that mean I have to redo the form that I oroginally submitted on oct 24 ??

Hi, thank you for doing this AMA. I filed a VAWA (I-360) along with adjustment of status (I-485) on April 29, 2022, and my case is currently at the Vermont Service Center. It has been almost 4 years now, and my case was recently transferred to another office. My questions are: • Is this timeline normal for VAWA cases? • Does a transfer usually mean a decision is coming soon? • How long after VAWA approval does the green card process typically take? Thank you so much for your time.

my pd is 14 aug 2023 f2a. potoman, outside usa. when can l get approval?

is 240 day rule applicable for H1b transfer, my previous i94 end date is Aug 2027

I just sent my adjustment status to USCIS my I-130 was approved since January 2020 and my priority date is April 2017, I came in the US on HHP and now I just have a pending TPS Haiti, is that going to be a problem to my adjustment status? My case is still active. @Manifest Law

waiting for pending i-751 with waiver how can i expidiet the process?

I just received a request for more information For evidence, I have not received the mail yet. What’s could it be about?

@B Joseph Yeah this has been really frustrating for a lot of people lately, you’re not imagining it. Most of the delay is just backlog and staffing strain, USCIS has been getting heavy volumes and DACA hasn’t always been treated as the top priority, so renewals that used to take 1 to 2 months are now often stretching into 3 to 6 months or more. - Attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar

@Moefefezi Lekkirite There are several bans in place. The one you may be refering to is the one from the Jan 1 USCIS memo which places a hold on all USCIS decisions for people from those countries. If this is the case, USCIS has not lift the ban yet. - Attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar

@Lucien J Totally get why this feels worrying, a year with no update is nerve-racking. That “RFE sent” status staying there even after you replied is actually pretty common, USCIS often doesn’t update it to “RFE received” and just leaves it as is until they pick the case back up for a decision. Since your case was paused earlier due to visa availability, it likely just sat in line waiting for your PD to become current again, and once it does become current they usually resume adjudication from where it left off. If your PD is about to be current, that’s actually a good sign, just keep an eye on it and if there’s still no movement after your date is current for a bit, that’s usually when people start considering a service request or follow up. - Attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar

@Sam Sam I hear this a lot from asylees, the wait can feel endless even after you already went through the asylum process. A big reason is that USCIS has to pull your old asylum file from the asylum office or immigration court before they can even start reviewing the I-485, and that transfer alone can take months. On top of that, asylum-based I-485s usually go through extra background checks and many now require interviews at local field offices, which adds more waiting because those offices already have heavy backlogs. - Attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar

@nirmala Neeru ghimire EB-1 I-140 timing really depends on whether premium processing was used. Without premium, most EB-1 I-140s are taking roughly 6 to 21 months depending on the service center and whether an RFE comes up. If premium processing was filed, USCIS usually gives some action, approval, denial, or RFE, withint he timeframe specified on the USCIS website. 15 business days or 45 business days depending on the type of Eb1 case - Attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar

@ZAK MA 17 months for an IR-5 concurrent filing is definitely frustrating, but sadly it’s not unusual right now. Even though IR-5 is an immediate relative category with no visa wait, many cases are taking around 12 to 20 months total because of field office backlogs, interview scheduling delays, and general workload issues at USCIS. If you’re already past 17 months, it’s a good idea to check your local field office processing time, and if your case is outside that range, you can submit a service request to ask what’s going on. Most of the time it’s backlog related, not a problem with your case itself. - Attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar

@Mandem FC I get why this feels unfair, especially when your date is current and you’re still not seeing approvals. In EB3 unskilled, the biggest issue is that even when dates become current, there are very limited visa numbers in that category each year and demand is way higher than supply, so USCIS has to move cases slowly and in order. On top of that, there are still large backlogs and many of these cases require interviews and extra review, which creates more bottlenecks at field offices. Being current is still important because it allows them to approve once your case reaches the front of the line, but it doesn’t always mean approval will happen immediately. - Attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar

@EL-ROI 👀 SHOW ME MERCY Vawa cases are generally taking a very long time according to recently relased data by USCIS. However, if you were born in a country listed on the JAn 1 USCIS memo, USCIS cannot issue a decision on your case. - Attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar

@Mensah Aminu There is no fee for AOS based on aproved SIJ or I360. You can also apply for a work permit - Attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar

@GRACE OF GOD The 75 country ban list is still in effect. - Attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar

@wambo Faye If Your I-130 and I-601A are already approved, and you have submitted your medical exam and completed biometrics, then your I-485 is in the last stage. Most family-based I-485 cases at that point take several more months, often around 8 to 17 months from the date the I-485 was filed, depending on your local field office. Since You already finished the medical and biometrics, the remaining steps are usually background checks, possible interview scheduling, and final review. Some people are approved without an interview, while others wait a few more months for one. If your I-485 has already been pending close to a year, you may be getting closer to a decision. - Attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar

@dss boston USCIS currently updated thier USCIS processing times. I would check their new times for the N400 - Attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar

@Year of recovery It depends on what travel ban. There are a few but only one puts a pause to USCIS adjudciations. The other ones are to limit the issuance of immigrant visas at consular posts. - Attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar

@Luna Blue USCIS is taking up to 24 months to adjudicate I140 petitions based on this category. You are close though! - Attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar

@Ahmed Aly 7 months is a long time, I would definitely reach out to USCIS or submit an inquiry request - Attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar

@santhi p This will depend if your gf has valid status. If she does, you can file concrrently for the I130 and I485. If she doesnt have valid status (overstayed a visa) you can only file the I130 and wait to become a US citizen for her to adjust status inside the USA - Attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar

@crystal Perry You can likely file a waiver. - Attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar

@Resilient one I would speak to an immigration attorney because you could have other options. - Attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar

@Kloeh Dav Reach out to USCIS to inquire on yoru case. Sometimes filing an inquiry request through the page can get the case moving. - Attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar

@Hello Hello It is a mixed bag, the FTA codes are just indications that the case is being worked on and specific numerical additions typically indicate case stages which can be translated to timelines for when final decisions will be made once all milestones have been reached. - Attorney MaryJoy Chuba

@Chris R Asylum based EAD used to be issued within a month in the past once the EAD clock has run, however currently we have been seeing a lot of delays with processing these with some reports taking longer than 8 to 9 months. - Attorney MaryJoy Chuba

@Edd mtz I need more information to adquately answer your question. What was the basis of your Green card? - Attorney MaryJoy Chuba

@unknown 1212 Based on your timeline this seems to be outside of the normal window for when final decisions are aissued post interview. You may want to solicit the help of your local congressman as this tends to put more eyes on your case and if that does not get a final decision issued you may want to file a writ of mandamus. You should make sure your address is current with USCIS as well to avoid things getting lost in the mail. - Attorney MaryJoy Chuba

@san deco It would depend on what the basis of the denial is. Can you provide more information about the denial? - Attorney MaryJoy Chuba

@Elie Rad If the letter is requesting new medical then you will have to get a new one. - Attorney MaryJoy Chuba

@Martin Castro 1. Yes the timeline if normal for this field office. 2. Not necessarily 3. Typically takes a yer to two years for the AOS decision to be reached. - Attorney MaryJoy Chuba

@haresh Rajagopal This typically applies to current employers and not transfers (porting). Your new employer should timely file the transfer. - Attorney MaryJoy Chuba

@Dieul S The answer would depend on whether your I-130 is still alive. Have you been able to verify this? - Attorney MaryJoy Chuba

@peace everywhere You generally have to prove hardship by submitting supporting compelling evidence to USCIS for this request and USCIS officer at their discretion will decide if they will accept the request or deny it. - Attorney MaryJoy Chuba

@Abraham Woldemarim Without speculating into the same, you should wait to receive the RFE, carefully read it and then circle back with specific questions. - Attorney MaryJoy Chuba

@Manifest Law I have i751 pending for 1019 days and n400 pending for 360 days, but they only called me interview for i751 two months ago since then no update no decision. still waiting interview on n400 whenever or request they said my case waiting for adjudication. by th way my country is part of the ban country do you think is it because of that?

i130/i485 Family based marriage, we went to interview they separated us and lasted 2 hrs, it’s been 50 days after interview and no updates, I’m worried and bored, if they gonna do second interview or home visit, they can do but I don’t want to wait anymore, is there anything I can do?

Yes, my I-130 is still active

@Manifest Law I was referring to the partial ban list that Nigeria is on. Does that affect AOS right now?

Hello @Manifest Law , thanks for the open space :) I have a little questions. 1. Do you recommend filing an EB2 NIW with premium processing? Does it make any difference in terms of RFEs if filed without premium processing? 2. How would you suggest submitting an EB2 NIW for entrepreneurs or consultants? 3. On another note, does the new DHS leadership bring a different perspective regarding employment-based processes? What’s your take on this?

@Manifest Law how do I apply for An EAD being it that I don’t have a deferred action yet

How Long Does It Take For I-601A To Get Approve? I Submitted It On Dec 8, 2023 And Biometrics On Jan 12,2024 Feels Like Forever If I Have An Interview It Will Me In Cuidad Juarez, Mexico. Also, Do You Recommend Me Submitting DS-260 Now Or Until My I-601a is Approved? @Manifest Law

@Manifest Law does the 75 visa ban affect AOS in US from said countries. visa is not the same with AOS. Explain. thanks

@Manifest Law I’m a current F1 student, my graduation is in May but I’m currently married to my US spouse, and filed concurrently for Aos, Form I-485,130 and 765. I’m from Nigeria, I have done my biometrics and my case says still processing, do I need for file for OPT or go back to school, how do I maintain a legal status while waiting for their decision. can I file for OPT when I have pending Aos. Thank you

is there a lawyer can help me get my bond refund back?

@Manifest Law how long my i485 will take as long as my i130 is approved?! marriage based to us citizen.

I filed a I-485 i got a letter with a receipt number saying I needed to check the fee and resend the proper amount. I did that and I have heard nothing more an when I check the receipt number they say there is no case with that number? what do I do?

@momm momo The delay is most liklely the reason for the delay as with the recent directives from USCIS regarding ban/high risk countries they are emploring an added layer of extreme vetting which means that althought cases are being worked on they are done at a much slower pace. I would submit an inquiry with USCIS and if that does not move your case then you may want to seek thehelp of your local congressman - Attorney MaryJoy Chuba

@John Doe Based on the timeline provided you are still within the normal window for when USCIS issues a decision post interview as most people see decisions by the 2 -3 month mark depending on field office and case complexity. If you have not yet herad back by the 2 month mark you may want to submit and inquiry with USCIS to see what the casue of the delay is. - Attorney MaryJoy Chuba

@Year of recovery USCIS has put an adjudicative hold on pending AOS cases that includes partial ban countries, while filing is still being accepted final decisions are on hold - Attorney MaryJoy Chuba

@Victor Herrera 1. Approvals weight heavily of the strenghts of the evidence provided, with that being said we are noticing more RFE's with PP at least getting them quicker (Which makes sens becuase of the PP timeline), than if we regular processed. In terms of receommendations it is a personal decision based on ones timelines and urgency. I try to avoid filing PP if we can but it is ultimatly the clients decision. 2. Im not sure what your questions is asking are you inquiring about which of the two is the better proposed endeavor? 3. It is too early to tell we are monitoring this. - Attorney MaryJoy Chuba

@Mensah Aminu Your EAD is ties to an underlying pending or approved benefit, if you do not have this you cannot file for an EAD. - Attorney MaryJoy Chuba

@jen n 601A are taking about 2-3 years currently to get approved on average and based on the timeframe you provided you are still within the normal processing window for your case type in the past this was taking 4-5 years. You may start completing the forms and documents so that you are ready to submit by the time you receive your final decision. - Attorney MaryJoy Chuba

@Jane Frances USCIS is implementing adjudicative hold on visa ban countried per jan 1st 2026 proclamation, while filings will still be accepted the final decision is on hold on a case by case basis. - Attorney MaryJoy Chuba

@Ozioma Ikwuka If your AOS was properly filed your UPL accrual is differed pending final adjudication of your AOS, during this time if your EAD is approved you may work. Because you are from a partial ban country USCIS is implementing adjudicative hol on the final decision on a cse by case basis. You may apply for OPT but the dual intent comes into question and may potentially get denied due to the conflict of intent with a pending IV. - Attorney MaryJoy Chuba

Hi @Manifest Law I am an SIJS applicant. My priority date is October 2025. The problem is, it's been past 180 days and my I-360 application have not been approved. Do you have any solution to it? Someone said October PDs will likely be approved this month (April). The next question I likely have is that, would my non-abusive custodial parent who have the custody status for my case would generally be okay? Would USCIS look onto her status or would USCIS only focus on me? I'm concerned. Thank you.

@Amy Amy The processing time your I-485 typically varries by field office and case complaxity. The avereage timeline wherein USCIS processes this applications post I-130 approval runs within 12 months. - Attorney MaryJoy Chuba

@Woodson Valmy Did you confirm mailing delivary? - Attorney MaryJoy Chuba

@D T Based on the timeline provided you are still within the normal windo for when you receive your GC post VAWA approval. Typically these are issued within 2years and may be sooner. Given this the filing of a Mandamus is not ripe andif you proceed with the same there is a chance that the Judge will rule that there is no unreasonable delay and is still within the normal processing window. - Attorney MaryJoy Chuba

it’s been 2 years since my husband have been waiting for his I-485 to be approved. yes he was born in one of those 75 countries listed in the ban. however a week ago his mother had a stroke and had been in a coma for a few days, still in the hospital and he is her only son. We contacted USCIS and they said the case still cannot be expedited. what else can we do?

@manifest law. my lawyer missed adding non availability of birth certificate for i485 rfe and it got denied. They are now opening 290b. what are the timelines and chances. i am eb1c and my ead is impacted

how to reach out to congressmen for ead through spousal based green card?