Case Processing
Asylum-Based I-485 Filed in November 2024 – Almost 2 Years Waiting. Should I File WOM or Continue Waiting? (NYC)
Hi everyone,
I would really appreciate some advice and feedback from people who have similar asylum-based I-485 cases, especially those filed in late 2024 and processed through the National Benefits Center (NBC).
Here is my timeline:
* Asylum granted by Immigration Judge: August 2024
* I-485 filed: November 1, 2024
* Biometrics completed: December 4, 2024
* Service Center: National Benefits Center (NBC)
* Location: New York City / Manhattan
* RFE: None
* Interview: No interview notice so far
I recently contacted USCIS through a live agent and was told:
* My case is still being processed at NBC.
* An officer last worked on my case on September 18, 2026.
* Once NBC finishes processing my case, it will be forwarded to the local field office for further processing.
Since my case is approaching the 2-year mark, I discussed filing a Writ of Mandamus (WOM) with my attorney. We were initially considering filing in December 2026.
However, my attorney contacted me today and advised that the current USCIS processing time is approximately 35 months for this category. Since my case has only been pending for about 24 months, filing WOM now may be too early. USCIS might argue that the case is still within normal processing time, and filing could end up costing a lot of money without necessarily speeding things up.
My attorney’s recommendation is to continue waiting for now.
I understand that every case is different, but I would really like to hear from people who have been in a similar situation.
My questions:
1. Has anyone filed an asylum-based I-485 in October, November, or December 2024 in NYC or through NBC? Have you received any updates or approvals recently?
2. Has anyone filed WOM after waiting around 24 months, even though USCIS processing times were around 35 months? What was the outcome?
3. Has anyone successfully used WOM to move their case forward before reaching the official processing-time inquiry date?
4. For those who decided not to file WOM and continued waiting, how long did it take to receive approval?
5. Would you follow your attorney’s advice and wait until the case is outside normal processing time, or would you consider other options?
I’m not trying to rush the process unnecessarily. After almost two years with virtually no visible progress, I just want to understand whether filing WOM now makes sense or whether waiting longer is the more reasonable approach.
Any advice, personal experiences, or similar timelines would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
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