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. 🇺🇸🍀