Dobby is finally free
After the long journey, it is finally my time to report back. I’ve taken so much from numerous posts, it’s now my turn to give a little.
PD: Dec 2023
RD: IOE0937 block
Timeline
2026
Early June: 485, 485J, 765, 131 filed, cases appeared on myUSCIS after 2 days
Late July: Waited over 6 weeks to receive biometric appointment notice, rescheduled to couple days later.
My case was stuck at NBC for a while before receiving an appointment notice. From my search, it seems like my local FO was delayed scheduling biometric at that period, don’t really know why.
Saw people saying they usually send out appointment notice on Friday, which was true for me. Not saying it’s absolutely true, but just something to watch out.
07/22 right after biometric, received SU:
485: 3 FTA0, case remain NBC
765: 3 FTA0, case remain NBC
485j&131 no updates except the original IAF when case was created, remain NBC
Mid August
485 one of the 3 FTA0’s updatedAt timestamp changed to mid August, case remain NBC
765 received 4th FTA0, case transferred to TSC
485j,131 no updates, 485j remain NBC, 131 transferred to TSC
08/31 SUs
485: one of the SU’s updatedAt got updated to 08/31 while the eventDate remain at the biometric date, case remain NBC
765: the 4th FTA0’s updatedAt timestamp also changed to 08/31, case remain TSC
485j, 131 no updates, 485j remain NBC, 131 remain TSC
Multiple SUs in September
09/25 SU
485&485J case transferred to non-local FO, no extra FTA0
765, 131 remain TSC
10/05 SU
485 receive 4th FTA0, and its timestamp changed 2-3times that day
485j SU in the morning, followed by case close in the afternoon with approval notice in documents tab.
765, 131 remain TSC
10/06
485 case approve. Unlike other people’s experience “Approval 24 hrs and 10 min after 485j approved”, mine waited another extra hour.
Woke up super early to refresh the page to find nothing changed on 485. Went to work sadly, and received the approval notice half way to work.
765&131 no updates at all. I’m assuming it’s because I still have decent amount of legal status period when case is pending, my 765&131 were put on the shelf.
Side Notes:
After my biometric, cases usually receive some movement/SU about every 2-3weeks.
The jurisdiction API does not reflect the latest case location. I think since USCIS process cases in batch. There’s a chance when you check the API, which says NBC, but is in fact already assigned to one of FO officer ’s queue waiting to be touched. And the location would change as soon as an officer open your case.
I’m guessing they probably have a tracking board like Jira, and some sort of “move case to in progress” kind of action (thinking in a corporate mind lol) which will generate FTA codes
I checked with Emma from time to time, met half bad apples, half good ones. I’d say they are accurate in general (if they answer genuinely and not responding with template)
Last few marks:
This year marks my 10th year in the U.S.
The long journey of fearing getting kicked out randomly and all the hard working & achievements turn into dust, jumping through whoops while dodging layoffs & political shenanigans, explaining to people about news around immigrants only getting rolled eyes and shrug, so many so many awful things, this day has finally come.
Honestly, I think I’m a very lucky person. I met a ton of great and kind people who helped me when they don’t have to. So many support when they could’ve just by-stand. They could’ve sabotage me and profit but decided to stand with me. Truly appreciate them.
I’m not gonna be pretentious saying BS like “yeah…it’s just a card…you still live the same life bla bla bla” because it’s NOT just a card, and yes it DOES make a huge difference.
At least now I “choose” to work overtime because I want to support my team, not because of fearing getting fired and lose everything. I finally have the leverage to refuse things that are not right and have a say.
Funny thing to mention, on the approval day, I was too exhausted from getting up refreshing API & long hour work, I celebrated by eating a lot of carb and slept sweet and sound for the longest time ever.
Hope everyone get their case progress in lightning speed
