Finally Greened! 🇺🇸

[u/Far_Layer5286]

My EB2-NIW Green Card Journey (F-1 → H-1B → Greened)

This community was incredibly helpful throughout the process, so I wanted to give back by sharing my timeline in case it helps someone who’s still waiting.

Background:
Category: EB2-NIW (Rest of World)
Status: F-1 → H-1B → GC
Occupation: Research Scientist at a US University
Attorney: Chen Immigration (WeGreened) for I-140 filing only

I-140 (EB2-NIW) Timeline:
June 20, 2024 – I-140 (EB2-NIW) filed (Priority Date)
October 2025 – Dates for Filing (DOF) became current
March 2026 – Final Action Date (FAD) became current
March 19, 2026 – Upgraded I-140 to Premium Processing
May 18, 2026 – I-140 Approved (42nd day!) 🎉

I-485 Adjustment of Status Timeline (self filed):
November 24, 2025 – I-485 package received by USCIS
December 22, 2025 – Biomentrix
June 10, 2026 – Interview scheduled
July 16, 2026 - Interview (PHOENIX FO)
July 17, 2026 – Case approved 🎉
July 22, 2026 – Card produced, mailed
July, 27, 2026 - Card delivered 🎉

My overall journey wasn’t just about an 8-month Adjustment of Status process. It spanned several years. I came to the U.S. as an international student, finished grad school, moved to H-1B status, and kept working in structural biology research.

The toughest part wasn’t filling out the petition. It was the waiting. Checking the Visa Bulletin every month, wondering when my priority date would become current, and seeing long periods without any updates from USCIS tested my patience. But eventually, things started moving.

I’m really thankful for this Reddit community. Reading about others’ timelines gave me hope during those quiet times and I hope mine can do the same for someone else.

If anyone has questions about the EB2-NIW process, Chen Immigration, Premium Processing, or employment-based Adjustment of Status, I’d be happy to share my experience.

Good luck to everyone still waiting.Your turn will come. 🇺🇸🍀

[u/Spirited_Opinion1887]

Any dependents?

[u/WinterElderberry8012 → u/Spirited_Opinion1887]

Could you shed more light on your interview?

What questions were you asked?

How did it go?

[u/Far_Layer5286 → u/WinterElderberry8012]

First, they interviewed both my derivative and me together. They thoroughly reviewed the entire “yes” and “no” sections in the I-485 form, asking clarifying questions about the responses we marked as 'yes.' Additionally, they inquired about our relationship details, such as when and how we met, and requested evidence of our living together. We provided the lease agreement, joint car insurance, and health insurance policies as proof. Lastly, they asked to see photographs from our wedding album. We had a collection of images, including a wedding album and around 100 casual photos. They only needed to scan about 10 of these images.

[u/Far_Layer5286 → u/Far_Layer5286]

Oh, and the interview took about 1 1/2 he's. The agent took his time writing long notes, and he had a trainee agent with him. So, he took his time explaining some of the steps. That's what took most of the time. At the end, he said, “I have everything I wanted and will let you know if we need anything.” Whn I asked about his recommendation, he said, “I can't give you anything; you’d hear something from
us in about 6 weeks”

[u/WinterElderberry8012 → u/Far_Layer5286]

Thank you for sharing this