They cannot approve your gc until your priority date is current on the final action date chart. Uscis used the dates for filing chart to allow adjustment of status applicants to submit their applications early. I’m in the same category with a priority date of February 2016 but I’ve been waiting a while with no interview or EAD. Would you mind sharing your timeline for EAD?

I am also under same category That is understandable that VISA is not available until your priority date is current on the final action date chart on VISA Bulletin buy why they are not giving EAD and I-131 ? I am April filer for AOS with Priority date of June 2016

@ss plt that’s just my bad luck lol. I think most people got their EAD/ap. I applied October 2020 and apparently it was the worst time to apply because a lot of those applications got stuck 😭

@ker and : Then your case must be out of normal processing time and you are eligible for case inquiry

@ waitfor long: Did you receive your EAD ? Could you please share your timeline and FO?

@ss plt, it is and I’ve submitted numerous service requests and contacted my senator but nothing helps. I recently contacted the ombudsman so hopefully that helps. I’m praying for a miracle.

Good Luck Ker and! 👍🏻

applied in Oct 2020. bio in august 2021. FO Santa Ana, CA recd EAD in last week of sept. I filed out of processing time. contacted congressmen. I did receeive a reply from congressmen that right now USCIS is working on processing request filed before AUG2020. but I told them that its outside service period, gave then service number and then they enquired further. Though official reply from USCIS was that they are still working on cases before Aug 2020.. i dont know if it was co-incident but a day after, I recd interview notice and my EAD was issued shortly.. hope this helps.

@waitfor long It actually says here there are two dates, one for filing, one for GC issuance, which is determined by final action date https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-7-part-a-chapter-6

but since she already said she approved the GC, I guess the next step would be waiting for the card to be produced then? Did she mention that’s the case? or did she mention any steps to take next?

@ waitfor long : Yes it helps Thanks for sharing your timeline with details

@ JayZee L: If you refer Section A that is final action date table as you can see currently they are approving September 2015 filers except Mexico and Philippines filers so unfortunately we have to wait until your Month comes in I assume status will automatically change to card being produce or if you inquire that your case is already in current status they will send Green Card let's hope those dates move fast !

@ss plt Thanks for the note. I know, its unfortunate, and it’s such a pain to wait and check case status all the time. (I obsessively check daily 😑) What makes it more depressing is that Charlie, the Visa Bulletin Chief, said in the last month YouTube chat that family categories dates won’t move further until at least January… sorry, not trying to keep everybody down here. Lets keep the spirit up! Who knows, things might change. Let’s all hope the dates move fast! 🤞🏼

Yes I heard the same @JayZee It is because of 77% and 23% quota was already filled for 2021 fiscal year so it will reset in Jan 2022 Supposedly reset on October 1 but let's hope for the best 👍🏻

@waitfor long: are you living in the USA? or are you overseas? my case is f2b but overseas.

@ Alice Smith : You will receive mail from National Visa Center Portsmouth, NH confirming your Visa number is available and provide you guidelines how to proceed with it once you pay the fees to USDOS you will need to submit the documents after completion of submitting required documents NVC will schedule your medical and Interview at local Embassy from Visa Number you can tell which Consulate they are processing your case

it's online ceac website so you will see all updates online

There are many US Consulates in other countries still not operating normally USCIS received F2B cases until September 2016 So they will try to finish Sept 2015 to Sept 2016 F2B VISAs by September 2022 as USCIS reset their fiscal year in October

I won't be surprised if F2B Visa moves faster after June 2022

F2B PD March 2016 application date Sep 2020 interview Aug 2021 approval March 2022

Stay strong. Dont lose hope.

@ Kiki K: Did you receive your Green Card?

@kiki k: Congrats. But F2B PD in April 2022 Visa Bulletin chart A is only till SEP/22/2015 though. Did the officer pre approve your case?

After the interview they gave me a paper that “Case is under review” officer didn’t ask me anything. I called USCIS twice every month to check the status. I put 2 expedite request both were approved but no update till feb2022. I put a 3rd expedite request this month and also asked congressman for help.

All the situation was very stressful. I send my medical exam 3 times.

@kiki k: I can imagine. just waiting alone is stressful enough. I’m a little confused though. Because usually they won’t approve a green card unless there are available visas, meaning the PD should be later than the final action date, which is still SEP/22/2015 in the Visa Bulletin this month. But they approved your case anyway even though your PD is in March 2016? Did you receive your GC already?

The case is approved. I think they will take a week or more to deliver the card. I am not sure but I am a skilled worker working for National interest. In last 7 months, I have put atleast 4-5 request to look into my case and expedite it. I hope everyone gets approval soon. It’s a stressful journey.

Thanks for the clarification!! Good Luck Kiki K keep us posted ^^

yeah, thank you Kiki k

@ss plt: have you received your EAD and/or AP? I’m still waiting after filing last year in June.

yes I received my EAD 2 months ago I filed last year in April

Nice. NBC? It’s been nine months and I’m still waiting…

you will get soon

Thank you! And good luck on your case!

I will keep you guys posted. Did your case got approved at the time of interview?

I didn’t even receive an interview notice yet. it’s still being “actively reviewed”.

@Jayzee whats your pD and when did you file?

PD: June 2016. Filed: June 2021

hi Kiki. just wondering on what basis, did you post an expedited request?

@wait for long I am a skilled worker with higher education. I also got letters of recommendation from my employer. They approved my 2 expedite request but I didn’t get any update till feb2022 then I put a 3rd expedite request in March and my case got approved.

@kiki k: It looks like your case is employment based. But you also said yours is F2B? Or did you mean EB2?

My case is F2B family based but in the expedite request I have mentioned that I am a skilled worker working for US National interest.

oh nice. I didn’t know you can do that. thanks for letting us know

@Kiki k, I have two questions and would appreciate your answers. Are you in the US? or are you overseas? And another question how did you request expedite? I did it through Emma, but the only answer that they sent me in my email was: "We received your request for expedited processing. However, we will not expedite the processing of your case because there are no visas available for your relative's preference category. " My son's category is F2B Last question, what were the questions in your interview? what is it about? Thank you very much in advance!

@Alice Smith I-485 is for adjustment of status within the US. I am in the US. I applied for I-485 in sep 2020 based on filling date in the bulletin (PD March 2016). I had an interview Aug 2021 but decision was not made at the time of interview. During the interview, the officer didn’t asked me much. he just asked about my work and yes and no questions. My petitioner (father) was with me on the day of interview and officer asked me to bring him in the interview room. The officer checked our IDs, father citizenship, my birth certificate, and passport. I had a lot of documents. I asked him if he needs any documents he said no. I also took my medical with me in the sealed envelope but it was overlooked. I forget to give him and he didn’t ask for it. When I got home I realized it was a mandatory document so I mailed it the same day. I spoke to tier 2 officer and they confirmed that they received my medical forms but in NOV 2021 I got a letter regarding medical forms again. I have sent my medical forms 3 times in total. I used to call USCIs after every 2 weeks and spoke to tier 2 officer multiple times regarding my case. In Dec 2021 and Jan 2022 I put expedite request twice both were approved. In the expedite request I have mentioned about my academic achievements and contribution towards the US national interest (as this is one of the clause for the expedite request). I also sent few letter along with supporting documents to USCIS (field office and NBC) because my case was sent back to NBC from field office. In March 2022, I have reached out to congressman for help and also put a 3rd expedite request to approve my case. It was a stressful journey but God helped me. FYI: I have also expedited my EAD based on financial hardship. I also lost a job because of delay in the EAD. If you have any questions please hesitate to ask.

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼thank you for the detailed reply!

@Kiki K : 👌🏻 👏🏻 Thanks for the details

@ Kiki k: What is your field location? Yeah if your Petitioner becomes citizen you can refile in Category F3 if you get married but in your case no need since its approved already Third: (F3) Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

I am not in F3 catagory. It’s for married sons and daughters

There is a different catagory for married and unmarried offsprings. Also, you have to keep USCIs informed about your status and be truthful to them all the time.

Thank you very much for all details @Kiki k. I have another question, did you come to the US after your Dad applied for your green card?

I've appied on Aug-2018, my category is F2B, is there something i need to do or just keep watching the VISA bulletin stuck on SEP 2015

Guys, did any of you use the “I-485 pending status” (technically not a status) while remaining in the US, or did you have a non-immigrant status during the entire time when I-485 being processed?

I did use last year my H1B Visa was expired and you could legally stay in USA but cannot work and travel until you receive your Work Permit EAD /Advanced Parole Card

that’s my situation too. My H1B is expiring soon while my I485 is still pending. But I was also told by my lawyer that I need to maintain my status with another visa, etc. Otherwise I’d be in “unlawful status”, which would be a problem during the interview?

nope I was without VISA and Expired I-94 stayed in US for 6 months only you cannot travel and work

but you can work with the EAD, right? my lawyer told me it’s better not to use it. Instesd, it’s better to stick the non-immigrant visa

I don't know why your lawyer told not to use EAD but it is recommended where you can work anywhere with EAD. Also In Interview they might ask where did you work once you receive EAD

That’s my understanding too. I guess my lawyer was being very conservative. @ss plt: Do you know if they ask you why you are “out of status” and why you didn’t maintain your status during the interview?

They didn't ask me why you were out of status but they made sure I didn't work during "Out of Status"

Got it. They wanna make sure you didn’t work after H1B status expired without receiving the EAD, right? Because like you mentioned earlier, you are allowed to work with EAD even tho it’s technically “out of status” while i485 is pending, right?

yes JayZee L! Correct

Good to know. Thanks for sharing the details! @ss plt

when your I-485 is pending you can work once you receive EAD. The day you file for I-485 you are not technically out of status. I didn’t renewed my non immigrant visa once I filed for i485. I spoke to 3 lawyer and all of them mentioned that I can used both the routes either I can renew my non immigrant visa while I-485 is pending. If I don’t renew non immigrant visa while pending I485 that’s fine too. You shouldn’t work if you don’t have EAD.

Got it, thanks @kiki k. Once you have EAD, you can find any jobs, right?

yes

very good to know 👍🏼 thanks!

I had my interview in October 2021 and was immediately approved for GC. My priority date in NOT until April 2016 so I’m still waiting. I however applied for an EAD in Jan 2020 and received it in Feb 2020. On my way to the MVA in March I lost my EAD and reapplied with an explanation letter and USCIS sent me another EAD within the same month with my cancelled Cheque attached I.e. ( they did not charge me for replacement). The F2B category hasn’t had any movements for close to 2years and I included that concern in the EAD explanation letter I wrote to them but they said they would respond on any other application separately. My case is a bit complicated ( at least to me) because I did my I-485 here in the US but my children who were covered in the application are abroad. USCIS and NVC give me conflicting information so am just waiting for my GC first but I really dunno if there’s something else o should be doing. I had already made payment on CEAC for my children and requested NVC to waive my fee as I had already paid all fees here in the US. Anybody has info on this kind of situation? Also has any one of you applied for AP and travelled in and out the the US without any issues?

@waitfor long did you receive your green card? any updates? I’m in the same boat

nothing mate

damn. when is your EAD expiring?

@JayZee L I fell out of status after my B2 visa expired and my stay extension had not been approved due to covid lockdowns. My visa expired July and I filed I-485 in September so I was out of status in August. In my interview in October 2021, I was asked about being out of status and I explained that I had filed I-534 on time but did not hear from USIC so it was out of no fault of my own. I was still approved for a GC though I’m still waiting for a physical card. My PD is April 2016.

@W N good to know. thankful my EAD arrived before my visa expired. so i didn't fall out of status. but i’m glad you were approved, since the PD for F2B in visa bulletin table A is still in 2015. supposedly they won't approve a case until the date is current.

@kiki K, I was reading your post and it gave a lot of motivation. I am on the same boat, however my father applied for my I-130 for f2b in march, but I am in the US working already, when would be the right time to apply I-485, after I-130 approval or you can apply both together?

hi guys. I just got my interview done a month ago but the status is still "interview canceled" because as my attorney said that they didn't recieve my document yet, but I still attended for the interview because I was already there. The officer finish my case without saying anything. He only asked me for my I20 because I'm here as student visa F1 and he took the interview letter then told me to go home and wait bc the visa is unavailable. So my question is should I quit school now because I already had EAD and started working part time, but now I wanted to work full time. is it going to be fine?