/r/USCIS FAQs

You read the subject right! My interview was going so well, passed the civics,writing and English portion. I brought my tax transcripts because when we filed our taxes this year we owed the IRS. We didn't have the cashflow to pay it fully by tax return date in April so we did a payment plan. Paid 40% and then paid it off in May. The first page of the transcript showed a zero account balance since May but the officer was not satisfied or convinced that I did not owe. Says I need to provide the tax compliance report. In all of my research I have never heard of anyone providing this as proof so it was new to me. It's so frustrating because my husband interviewed a little while ago, provided the same transcripts and got approved- we file jointly. I am convinced your outcome is dependent on the experience of the officer that interviews you. UGH

Anyways ensure you have your tax compliance reports with you for your n-400 interview.

Filed March 31,2025
Approved October 24, 2026

Finally! After 2 RFEs, we’re officially approved! 😭❤️ Thank You, Lord, for answering our prayers! 🙏✨
Sending approval dust to everyone who’s still waiting for their good news! ✨🙏 May your approvals come soon! ❤️

I’ve recently become familiar with USCIS after attempting to apply for an AOS for my spouse. So far it’s been the most stressful, horrific system I’ve ever had to deal with. I’m truly disgusted that our supposedly advanced country is so ineffective and careless.

2.5 months ago my spouse and I meticulously put together our I-130 and I-485. We submitted the I-130 online, expecting that we’d be able to submit the I-485 immediately after or at least in the following week. We’ve had no such luck. My spouse’s current status ends in exactly a year from today, and we’d planned to give ourselves 14 months to ensure we wouldn’t have a lapse in underlying status to avoid any ICE encounters at the interview. We filed our I-130, got our receipt number, but didn’t receive a receipt notice like we were supposed to. It literally says “case was received and receipt notice was sent”. I filed everything I could to remedy this and contacted USCIS several times.

Not only did we get conflicting information and false hope from many agents, but the last one we spoke to said he could quite literally see on his end that they never sent us anything. He also said there was nothing he could do about it. Keep in mind I filed a non-delivery on September 22 which I asked about, he said in response that the last agent I spoke to had submitted another non-delivery which cancels out the first one. Now we’ll have to wait ANOTHER 30 business days if that even works (I doubt it will).

I know people are suffering through so much more than this and in much worse positions due to USCIS and ICE’s antics and reading those stories makes me even more enraged. We paid $600 to submit a form and they can’t even hold themselves responsible for giving us the receipt so we can actually file our case. We’re losing time and I’m so frustrated.

If we were in any other administration this would be a non-issue because of the authorized stay. But now that ICE has shown up to interviews and arrested people for not being in status we have to fear our loved ones being taken at our green card appointment regardless of their record. I’m sorry this is long, and I know it’s nothing compared to other stories on here, but I just can’t believe the absurdity of this system even in the simplest of issues.

Those who live in chicago or interview would be in chicago, did u guys receive interview notice? Im specifically asking for people those who had thier biometric in July- September 2026. Whats update on case??

If u have interview coming up in nov or december 2026. Whats ur timeline?? Im only asking for chicago field office.

Hi all,

I received my approval on 10/24, approximately 5 months after interviewing. I posted about my interview some time ago here.

I've been in the U.S. for about two decades years under different statuses. Never out of status, no violations. I had initially come for school on F-1, switched to H1B after graduating, back to F-1 for a graduate degree, and then (cap exempt) H1B again in my current job. Didn't think I'd stay for this long but one thing led to another and I found myself in the green card line. My I-140 was approved in Jan 2021 but I was unable to file for adjustment because I'm from a backlogged country. Along the way I got married so my wife and I adjusted status using cross-chargeability (i.e., using my wife's country of birth rather than my own).

Here is our timeline.

Jan 12, 2026: Application received

Feb 19, 2026: Biometrics

April 6, 2026: I-485J approved. Interview was initially waived (per Emma). I thought I was headed for a quick approval.

April 20, 2026: Interview scheduled at Boston FO.

May 26, 2026: Interview day. It went well but we went in right after the May memo, so were told things would be a bit slower partly due to additional background checks. Got an FTA1 right after the interview.

Mid-August 2026: Contacted senator's office to inquire about our case. Heard back from USCIS saying our case was progressing normally. Based on what some folks were saying back then we thought the inquiry would bring our file some attention and we'd get an approval. This didn't happen.

Mid-September 2026: My wife got a silent update.

October 4, 2026: I got a silent update.

October 23, 2026: Both my wife and I got silent updates within a few minutes of each other. I started thinking we'd get an approval soon.

October 24, 2026: Approvals came in 24 hours and a few minutes after our last silent update.

I'm very glad that our journey has finally ended! I have checked this sub often, especially during the brutal 5 month wait after the interview. I'm super grateful to have seen other people's updates and approvals as these gave me some hope about my own. I thought I'd post about my approval now, in solidarity with all of you that are waiting. I'm really looking forward to traveling to see my family after a long gap and not worrying about getting a visa (have only been back once in the last 7 years because of how hard things have gotten).

Good luck and stay strong during the wait!

I’m so happy to share with you all that I got approved this morning. I did my paperwork myself no legal assistance but got so much help from this thread and @KseniyaInternational on YouTube.

My case:
Family based through marriage to USC. Married 1 year prior to my entry in US on a B1/B2. Filed packet before period of stay expired on I94.

My timeline:

May 19: Packet sent to Elgin via UPS

May 21: Official Receipt date (Package delivered)

May 26: Notified via text that packet was received.

June 26: Biometrics scheduled notice (scheduled for July 20 something, rescheduled to earlier date)

July 2: Biometrics completed (multiple FTA updates on API immediately after completion)

July 9: Interview scheduled. (My spouse is in the military and would’ve been deployed on the day of the interview. I had planned to attend without my spouse after getting advice from this thread. Eventually my spouse was able to submit documentation to command and was cleared to attend interview.) PLEASE EXHAUST EVERY OPTION BEFORE RESCHEDULING AN INTERVIEW, it could delay your case badly.

August 13: Interview at ATL FO. It went well, was relaxed. Officer said walk me through the timeline of your relationship. (We’ve been together a total of 9 years including marriage) The officer was interested in the details so he typed a lot while we spoke. He didn’t interrupt he just used hand gestures which meant “keep talking” so we talked all about everything we’ve done over the years. At the end the officer said “We could’ve been done a while ago but I just let you keep talking.” At the end we went over the 485 questions then he said. “This isn’t apart of the interview I just want to know how many kids do you plan on having.” We found that very funny. He handed us the paper about my case being under review. My spouse smartly asked so “Based on our interview what can we expect?” The officer said “Based on what I saw here I’d say your i130 is looking like an approval but other checks need to happen so I’d give it a few weeks.” We were happy about that answer.

It indeed took a few weeks during this time my grandmother had passed and I wanted to attend the funeral . I did three requests on the basis of humanitarian need. I did an expedite request of my I485 using secure messaging on myuscis website. (Later denied after the funeral) I submitted one congressional and one senatorial inquiry. I only heard back from Jon Ossof after the funeral. I was offered emergency parole by USCIS but was warned not to take it due to several unjustified ICE arrests. So I missed her funeral that was a hard blow.

September 29: Email saying USCIS took action on your case. Status change from interview scheduled to currently reviewing. API updates showed multiple FTA1 on I130

September 30: I130 approved (I genuinely thought my 485 would be approved the next day and I could make it to the funeral but unfortunately it did not happen.)

October 21: Expedite request for 485 denied (USCIS did not state why, just unable to expedite at this time. But the funeral already passed so it didn’t matter.)

October 26: API Updated at timestamp now saying October 26. No notifications

October 27: Case approved.

God be praised. Happy to answer any questions.

Please share your experience.

Hey y’all so I’m trying to petition for my husband that is already in the us however I am not sure if it best to submit the application online or through mail so are saying it best to submit all the forms through mail so the office would have everything to look at some say it easier online but might get denied faster what do you thing any suggestions to help ?

What was your experience ?

Finally It's my turn to post here!

Hi Everyone, I entered on F1 ten years ago.

Applied: Aug 2026
Biometrics: Sept 2026
EAD approved: a week before interview
Interview: oct 2026
Approved: oct 2026 the next day after the interview ( i130 approved in the morning and i485 on the evening)

I had an overstay of couple of years and unauthorized work as well.
Needless to say I was nervous for the interview, specially after it all moving so quickly.
The interview went really smooth, the officer was nice and even made a few jokes. She asked a few questions about the relationship and then moved on to i485 questions. She asked all the questions of i485 and she took her time describing what each question meant also. She was very considerate and helpful throughout.

We were in and out within an hour.

From what the officer said in my case, What helped my case was uploading a lot of evidence in the portal beforehand. I had extra evidence that I hadn't uploaded and I offered it to her at the beginning of the interview but she said she doesn't need them.
Give short answers and only the truth, they really didn't seem to care as long as we told the truth.

It is a huge relief that has been burdening my life for years at this point, many times I felt like I lost hope. Hang in there, I know it really doesn't feel like it but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

I recently got a notification that I was tentatively selected for CI position for USCIS. Does anyone know the next steps in the process by chance? What is the difference between USCIS, USSS, and ICE? I have an offer for all three

I know it’s been so soon, but I filed mid-September for a marriage based AOS. Had biometrics on September 30th, and received EAD approval in early October but its been crickets on the AOS front.

I know Emma is run by USCIS contractors but I asked today if my case has been transferred to an FO and they said “no, and it shouldn’t be for several months - it’ll take around 14 months.” I know this is the standard timeline and everyone’s case is different but I’m just nervous because I’m seeing so many people get their marriage based AOS approved so quickly and my case is still at NBC.

Anyone else on a similar timeline?

I filed my I485 with my I140 earlier this year. I am also the spouse of a US citizen with a pending I130.

My I140 was recently denied, and despite submitting a transfer request 5 months ago, the I485 also got denied the next day. I had filed the I485 online through an attorney. We have a lot of evidence submitted with the I130 to show that out marriage was bona fide but it looks like USCIS never looked at the pending I130/decided not to grant the transfer. (The denial notice simply says that the 485 was denied as the underlying I140 was denied).

What options do I have? Is it better to file a fresh I485?

Or to request a motion to reconsider/reopen?

I believe I will need a new EAD/AP form and I693 packet to make a fresh filing.

I was lawfully admitted on an L visa but I became out of status while my I485 was pending. Now with the denial, I am afraid I might be accruing unlawful presence. My spouse and I are very concerned and I am considering just departing to prevent a longer ban.

Will USCIS consider negative merits for accruing unlawful presence post this denial even if we reapply within 30 days?

Hi Guys, I received my work permit (EAD) card but I wanted to know if I will be receiving the SSN as well within 14 days. My case is already stated as closed on myuscis account and on the form didn't ask if I wanted a SSN, only on I-485. So, is it going to be delivered or do I need to wait for my schedule at the nearest office?

Originally from Staten Island, NY. Biometrics done in Elizabeth, NJ.

I submitted my application on October 16th 2025. Had my biometrics scheduled 2 days later, and done within the next week, which I was super excited about how fast things were going. Than in May I received a notification update that "USCIS Is currently Processing the Case". Ever since May - complete silence. No updates, no advancements on the status. I also cannot check the processing times on the website, since they don't have Elizabeth NJ as an option. Does anyone have an idea of what should I do at this point? What are my next steps?

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for advice from anyone who has experienced a similar situation or has knowledge of marriage-based green card cases.
Here is my timeline:
October 2024: I got married to a U.S. citizen.
February 2025: My marriage-based green card application was filed.
July 2025: I attended my marriage-based green card interview.
Since the interview: I have not received any decision or update on either my I-130 or I-485.
It has now been approximately 450 days since my interview, and my case is still pending.
We have submitted evidence to support the legitimacy of our marriage, including:
Our apartment lease.
A joint bank account.
Joint tax returns.
Photos together.
For additional background, I originally entered the United States on a B-2 visitor visa, and I have not overstayed my authorized period of stay. I also filed for asylum approximately two years before getting married, but I have never had an asylum interview.
At this point, I’m wondering what steps I can take to get an update or move my case forward.
My questions are:
Is it normal to wait this long after a marriage-based green card interview without receiving a decision?
Is there any way to request an update or expedite the processing of my I-130 and I-485?
Would contacting my congressional representative or submitting an inquiry through USCIS help in this situation?
At what point should I consider contacting an immigration attorney about filing a mandamus lawsuit?
Could my pending asylum case be contributing to the delay?
I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has been in a similar situation or has successfully taken action after a long wait following their interview.
Thank you for your help!

Hi all,

Married to a USC and currently going through the AOS process in Texas.

I recently found out that I’m pregnant and this was very unplanned so I’m very unprepared for it. We already have a 1 year old going through the AOS process as well.

With health insurance being extremely expensive atm, if I apply for CHIP Medicade, could it cause problems for us immigration wise? Are there any exceptions for pregnancies?

Any help is appreciated!

Location: Texas . So me m(20) and my wife f (20)got married around a year ago and I am an undocumented immigrant and started my immigration status change shortly after it’s been around 2 months since I’ve gotten my fingerprints & photos taken and I will be under a 2 year temporary green card. So my question is if me and and my wife divorce anywhere in those two years how would that affect my green card & would I still be able to apply for residency regardless ? Extra info: I came to the United States at 2 years old with a visa and overstayed the “visit” with a I-94 as well it’s been around 4 months since the process started. Any advice ?

I have had a pending I-765 (c)(9) application since November 2025. I submitted an expedite request through the USCIS online portal on September 28, exactly one month ago, and I received this email from USCIS this morning.
However, I also contacted my congressman’s office for assistance with an expedite request in August. On October 13, 2026, USCIS informed his office that my case had been referred for expedited processing and was currently under review by an adjudications officer.
For those who have experienced something similar, do you think the email I received this morning is an automated response to my September 28 request, or could it indicate a decision regarding the expedite request submitted through my congressman’s office?
I would really appreciate hearing about your experiences. Thank you!

Question for you all, I’m filing the i129f document and on page 7 it says You’re beneficiary’s name and address in His or her native tongue. So that’s easy to understand but my fiancé is from Brazil which has states. Would I put her state in as province or would I correct this in page 12 section 8?

Applied February 13 biometrics march 11 and it has been processing ever since. Does anyone has similar timelines?

Dallas Field Office

Some context:
- US citizen married to Canadian
-No unauthorized work or criminal record
-He did overstay approx. 1 month. We were honest on the form (Yes to violate terms of visitor visa and yes to overstay question). We provided detail on the “more information” section.
“We eloped March 14, 2026 and his authorized stay expired March 27, 2026 - his medical took longer than expected so we weren't able to file by March 27. We filed April 29, 2026”

April 29, 2026
Submitted concurrent I-485, I-130, I-765 to Chicago lockbox

May 4
Fees deducted from account (1-765, I-130, I-485)

May 6, 2026:
RFE received and responded to same day re: most recent tax return
I submitted 2024 with original packet as I had an extension for 2025. The RFE was to submit proof of that extension. RFE was received, responded and response was accepted same day (May 6)
May 9
Biometrics scheduled

May 12
Biometrics completed
API calls indicated I-485/I-130 is at local FO (Fort Myers) I-765 at NBC. This is normal since I-765 is usually processed entirely by NBC.

Absolutely NOTHING between May 12 and July 8. No silent updates, no timestamps NOTHING.

July 8
Filed I-131 separately with a written expedite request attached as a cover letter. We tried to avoid this form because of the hefty filing fee ($580) but we planned our post elopement celebration with family and friends in Canada in August and were getting nervous

July 14
2nd biometrics for the standalone travel doc

July 31
Congressional inquiry to support the I-131 expedite request

August 4
Requested a Tier 2 appointment to request an emergency advanced parole for the August event. We received the in person appointment about a week later.

August 11
Emergency advanced parole denied at the in person appointment. Officer was nice but stated that a planned event is not an emergency.

August 13
Standalone I-131 approved!

August 14
512-L Document mailed

August 21
Advanced Parole document (512-L) in hand JUST in time for our August 23 event.

September 4
I-765 inquiry

September 14
Interview scheduled!

October 13
Filed my 2025 taxes ahead of the extension deadline (October 15) to avoid any issues during the interview/show good moral character etc.

October 14
Interview at Fort Myers Field office. The interview was relaxed. Officer went through I-130 first, then moved to the I-485. We had 2 corrections to make to the I-485 (length at previous address and dates in work history). Before she started, we proactively mentioned the updates and asked when the best time to give those are. I think that helped because she didn’t seem too concerned, she just said to let her know when we get to that section.

Most of the interview was reviewing and updating the form questions. The relationship questions she asked us were also form questions but she asked us each other’s info. as she completed/input her side of things :
- What are each others’ birthdays?
- What are each others’ phone numbers
- What are each others’ parents names
- How did you meet?

The interview lasted about an hour. She let us know we would receive RFEs and exactly what she needed from us. No on the spot approval, no white paper.

October 14
RFE received for I-485 and I-130.

I-485 Birth registration - On the original application, they do not indicate birth “registration” with both parents names is required and if your birth certificate is ripped at all, it’s unacceptable. Wish we knew/realized that ahead of time. But we ordered it online and it came in a week.

I485 Corrected I-693: The civil surgeon forgot to check the box for one of the tests that were required (Syphillis). The test was conducted on the original date but he made an error on the form so when we went back with post-interview RFE, he just checked the box and resubmitted the same form from the same sample data in a sealed envelope. IMPORTANT - If the test wasn’t actually conducted for whatever reason on the original date, it would have required a brand new medical since all tests need to be conducted on the same sample. It is now flu season so he would have had to get the flu shot whereas when he had the original test, it was not flu season so that was waived even though the form was updated during flu season.

I-I30 Certified copy of divorce decree - self explanatory. I submitted it originally but for some reason the initial intake did not capture every page so I had to resubmit.

October 21
RFE responded to and mailed directly to field office as requested (medical needed to be sealed and mailed so all responses were mailed together with separate cover sheets on top of each packet, in 1 mailing envelope).

October 24
RFE delivered to field office mailbox (Saturday)

October 28
Response received notification for both forms in the portal.

As of today, October 28:
I-765: USCIS is still processing your case

I-130: RFE response received and USCIS has begun working on your case again.

I-485: RFE response received and USCIS has begun working on your case again.

HOME STRETCH (I hope)

Title: My sponsored spouse stole my identity and now seeks I-864 support. How can I advocate for reform?
I’m a U.S. citizen who sponsored my spouse in good faith. Several years into our marriage, she defrauded me and stole my identity. I sued her in a civil case. She also currently faces felony charges, which are pending—not convictions.
She is now seeking financial support from me under the I-864 Affidavit of Support. It is devastating to seek accountability for the harm someone caused while also facing their demand that you financially support them.
I understand that sponsorship carries serious responsibilities. But I believe there should be a meaningful legal protection for sponsors when the person seeking support has committed serious crimes against them, including identity theft or financial fraud.
The reform I want to advocate for is a way to bar I-864 recovery when serious wrongdoing against the sponsor is established through a fair legal process. I’m looking for help understanding how that protection could be written into law.
I’ve written hundreds of letters seeking help and bringing attention to this issue, with very little response. I haven’t stopped, but I need a more effective path forward.
Does anyone know:
Attorneys or legal organizations experienced with I-864 civil cases involving fraud or crimes against the sponsor?
Advocacy groups or other sponsors working toward legislative reform?
Congressional offices or committees that would consider a specific reform proposal?
How to organize affected sponsors and turn these experiences into meaningful legislative action?
I’m keeping identifying information and case details private. I’m sharing my experience, and I recognize that pending charges do not establish guilt.
My concern is accountability for individual wrongdoing and a fair process for sponsors who have been harmed. Any concrete resources or firsthand experiences would be appreciated.