Celebrations & Thanks

[gten20]

Congratulations to gc_2021, MeraNumber09, bangaloreboy and srimurthy.

[aGCHopefull]

Finally had the interview yesterday first thing in the morning, and late in the evening the status changed tp "Case Approved, New Card is Being Produced"

The interview was good and I will capture the questions and details in the appropriate thread. It is a relief for sure than anything changed in the excitement or way of life atleast at this point.
I need to thank Q for starting this forum, and others being part of the valuable experts and contributors acting as the energy to keep this forum going on and relevant.
I am sure this forum would not have been what it is today without contributions from Spec, Q, Kanmani, Teddy, Suninphx, Soggadu, idliman, Turbulent, Aceman and many more.
The knowledge and expertise surely bowled me over, while the humor from time to time eased things and the stories of people have given me strength showing there are far more tough conditions people are facing than me.

Priority Date---------: 10/30/2010 EB2 India - National Benefits Center (MSC21903*****)
Receipt & Notice Date-: 10/21/2020 & 11/20/2020
Biometrics Date-------: 03/25/2021
SR raised for EAD - 07/02/2021
EAD/AP Approval I797--: 07/06/2021
EAD/AP Card in hand---: 07/16/2021
Interview Confirmation - 08/09/2021
Interview Date and Interview - 9/30/2021
I485 Approval---------: 9/30/2021 (Case Approved and Ordered New Card)
GC in hand------------:

The PD and the approval dates are same 11 years apart and after a near 14 years stay in US.
Did three job changes and the second company went through 3 mergers and multiple delays in filing Labor during the initial years. Also wife started working on H4 EAD from 2016 after giving up on her Dental Career with more than 8 years experience and after that being house wife for 8 years it was difficult to get back into the Job Market, putting a denting in her confidence. Had companies taking advantage when we tried for her H1 between 2010 and 2012, and lost some full time opportunities in the last three years and one as recently as 2 months back as at the final confirmation they declined as there was no GC in hand even though she had H4 EAD and EAD based on AOS.

My elder daughter lost a couple of chances with no GC earlier, but I am glad we got it right on time as she is a Sophomore in Highschool and getting ready for applying to colleges.

Congrats srimurthy!

[bangaloreboy]

Hey bangaloreboy, congratulations on getting approved! So sorry to hear about the health issues your wife is facing. I know everyone here keeps piling on the healthcare system over and over, but we do have some of the best doctors and facilities in the world. I hope you all enjoy life here on moving forward and stay happy and healthy.

Thanks for your wishes Dragonfly!
If you have good insurance, then healthcare here is second to none. We seldom hear about inferior care, its the cost of healthcare that hits people the most

[bangaloreboy]

What a story. So many of us can identify with it. When I arrived in 2000, I had no clue who would pick me up or where I would stay or anything really! I stayed at a kind soul's place for a few days and then crashed at one of my batchmate's place until I was able to secure an apartment myself. Delays in GC filing. Kindness of Americans ... a bit of racism. Wife's health. Kids growing up. Fellow H1Bs and all the trips we made. H1 / EAD struggles. USCIS checking our status along border. Driver's license struggles ...

Can go on an on. Thank you for writing an interesting tale. Very happy for you again. I hope your wife becomes 100% fit. Health is more precious than anything else. I wish you great life and career.

Thanks for your wishes Q! There are days she can run 3k and then some days when getting out of bed becomes difficult. Looking how far she has come, I am sure she will only get better!

[bangaloreboy]

Finally had the interview yesterday first thing in the morning, and late in the evening the status changed tp "Case Approved, New Card is Being Produced"

The interview was good and I will capture the questions and details in the appropriate thread. It is a relief for sure than anything changed in the excitement or way of life atleast at this point.
I need to thank Q for starting this forum, and others being part of the valuable experts and contributors acting as the energy to keep this forum going on and relevant.
I am sure this forum would not have been what it is today without contributions from Spec, Q, Kanmani, Teddy, Suninphx, Soggadu, idliman, Turbulent, Aceman and many more.
The knowledge and expertise surely bowled me over, while the humor from time to time eased things and the stories of people have given me strength showing there are far more tough conditions people are facing than me.

Priority Date---------: 10/30/2010 EB2 India - National Benefits Center (MSC21903*****)
Receipt & Notice Date-: 10/21/2020 & 11/20/2020
Biometrics Date-------: 03/25/2021
SR raised for EAD - 07/02/2021
EAD/AP Approval I797--: 07/06/2021
EAD/AP Card in hand---: 07/16/2021
Interview Confirmation - 08/09/2021
Interview Date and Interview - 9/30/2021
I485 Approval---------: 9/30/2021 (Case Approved and Ordered New Card)
GC in hand------------:

The PD and the approval dates are same 11 years apart and after a near 14 years stay in US.
Did three job changes and the second company went through 3 mergers and multiple delays in filing Labor during the initial years. Also wife started working on H4 EAD from 2016 after giving up on her Dental Career with more than 8 years experience and after that being house wife for 8 years it was difficult to get back into the Job Market, putting a denting in her confidence. Had companies taking advantage when we tried for her H1 between 2010 and 2012, and lost some full time opportunities in the last three years and one as recently as 2 months back as at the final confirmation they declined as there was no GC in hand even though she had H4 EAD and EAD based on AOS.

My elder daughter lost a couple of chances with no GC earlier, but I am glad we got it right on time as she is a Sophomore in Highschool and getting ready for applying to colleges.

Congratulations Srimurthy on crossing the finish line! I am sure your wife and daughter can reap the benefits of PR now!

[android09]

Got our green cards last week. Big thanks to this forum and for all the members who provide genuine and in-depth analysis !! This group is almost therapeutic in many ways. Best wishes to all. Here is my profile:

EB2I PD: 01/12/2011 | NBC : MSC21903****
I-485 RD: 10/20/2020 | ND: 11/24/2020 | FP: 03/03/2021 | New Card Produced EMail: 09/22/2021 | Approved: 09/24/2021
I-485J ND: 04/28/2021 | Approved: 09/22/2021
I-693 Submitted with I-485
I-765, I-131 Approval: 06/09/2021
Green card mailed: 9/28/2021
Green card received : 9/29/2021

[MightyMimi]

I too am someone who has followed this forum and a couple of other forums too, for 6 to 7 years and never registered. Posts by Q, Spec, Idliman, AceMan and many others have been invaluable in providing me insights into the US immigration system which I have been interested in because my twin sons had also undertaken this journey. I learnt so much from you all that I was able to accurately predict when their long journey would probably conclude. I've now just registered to thank you all for your contribution and to share the news that both my sons have recently had their cards issued within a week of each other! It is my sincere wish that everyone on this forum receives good news soon.

[qesehmk]

Got our green cards last week. Big thanks to this forum and for all the members who provide genuine and in-depth analysis !! This group is almost therapeutic in many ways. Best wishes to all. Here is my profile:

EB2I PD: 01/12/2011 | NBC : MSC21903****
I-485 RD: 10/20/2020 | ND: 11/24/2020 | FP: 03/03/2021 | New Card Produced EMail: 09/22/2021 | Approved: 09/24/2021
I-485J ND: 04/28/2021 | Approved: 09/22/2021
I-693 Submitted with I-485
I-765, I-131 Approval: 06/09/2021
Green card mailed: 9/28/2021
Green card received : 9/29/2021

I too am someone who has followed this forum and a couple of other forums too, for 6 to 7 years and never registered. Posts by Q, Spec, Idliman, AceMan and many others have been invaluable in providing me insights into the US immigration system which I have been interested in because my twin sons had also undertaken this journey. I learnt so much from you all that I was able to accurately predict when their long journey would probably conclude. I've now just registered to thank you all for your contribution and to share the news that both my sons have recently had their cards issued within a week of each other! It is my sincere wish that everyone on this forum receives good news soon.

Congrats to both - android and mimi. Have a terrific life ahead. Freedom is happiness!

[srimurthy]

Congrats to both - android and mimi. Have a terrific life ahead. Freedom is happiness!

Congrats Android, Mimi, gc_2021, bangloreboy, and others who got approved.

Thanks bangloreboy, aGCHopefull, gten20, neosis and everyone.

Q - I was reading your response and yes High School beginning is a good time to start building up the portfolio. Also you can do some activities in Middle school which demonstrate the continuity of the interest and efforts.
About easing the house chores load for the Spouse, I love cooking (not the traditional items or way) but my kids love the ad-hoc combinations or dishes I make. It is a different issue that my wife hates the mess I make in the kitchen ;-). No matter how much I clean there is always a spot to point out for the missing perfection.

[Waiting4GC]

We received our green cards yesterday. My timeline is given in the signature but I would also like to take some liberty to tell my story in brief as below:

I have been in this country for about 14 years and my wait for a green card lasted 8 years. I however feel lucky in many ways. I was fortunate to work in a sought-after field and changed multiple companies to get good jobs, survived major reorgs and layoffs. Strangely I could not change job in the last two years even after doing everything and trying so much. After rejections, I felt heartbreaks and hopelessness but it was probably for a good in the end. It was also a chance interaction with the paralegal of the law firm that enabled me to apply for I-485. My lawyers had told me that I will have to file a new PERM after a promotion. The New PERM process has been pending for more than a year and I was not serious as I was trying to change job. But somehow in the first week of October, I called the paralegal to understand if and what new letters of employment will be required for the new PERM. At the end of the discussion, she casually mentioned that I need not worry about the priority dates as they will complete the PERM process in 6 months and should be able to file I-485 immediately. Till then I had no idea about the priority dates being forwarded so much in the October bulletin. I had assumed that my priority date is not going to be near current for another 5 years and had stopped looking. Immediately after the call with the paralegal, I searched and found that my dates are current with the approved I-140 and made a case to the lawyer with help of my employer to file with the existing PERM/I-140. They finally agreed that promotion can be considered progressive work in the same field (it really was just the next level promotion and I was wondering why it should require a new PERM). Finally, we could file I-485 by the end of October. Even in the end, I got RFE 28th Sept, reached RFER on 29th Sep and status changed to CPO on 29th Sep. So it all ended well with the grace of God and luck.

Many thanks to this forum and all the members who provided analysis and answered queries helping me !! Best wishes to all.

[andhraguy]

We received our green cards yesterday. My timeline is given in the signature but I would also like to take some liberty to tell my story in brief as below:

I have been in this country for about 14 years and my wait for a green card lasted 8 years. I however feel lucky in many ways. I was fortunate to work in a sought-after field and changed multiple companies to get good jobs, survived major reorgs and layoffs. Strangely I could not change job in the last two years even after doing everything and trying so much. After rejections, I felt heartbreaks and hopelessness but it was probably for a good in the end. It was also a chance interaction with the paralegal of the law firm that enabled me to apply for I-485. My lawyers had told me that I will have to file a new PERM after a promotion. The New PERM process has been pending for more than a year and I was not serious as I was trying to change job. But somehow in the first week of October, I called the paralegal to understand if and what new letters of employment will be required for the new PERM. At the end of the discussion, she casually mentioned that I need not worry about the priority dates as they will complete the PERM process in 6 months and should be able to file I-485 immediately. Till then I had no idea about the priority dates being forwarded so much in the October bulletin. I had assumed that my priority date is not going to be near current for another 5 years and had stopped looking. Immediately after the call with the paralegal, I searched and found that my dates are current with the approved I-140 and made a case to the lawyer with help of my employer to file with the existing PERM/I-140. They finally agreed that promotion can be considered progressive work in the same field (it really was just the next level promotion and I was wondering why it should require a new PERM). Finally, we could file I-485 by the end of October. Even in the end, I got RFE 28th Sept, reached RFER on 29th Sep and status changed to CPO on 29th Sep. So it all ended well with the grace of God and luck.

Many thanks to this forum and all the members who provided analysis and answered queries helping me !! Best wishes to all.

Waiting4GC - Many Congratulations!

[Turbulent_Dragonfly]

We received our green cards yesterday. My timeline is given in the signature but I would also like to take some liberty to tell my story in brief as below:

I have been in this country for about 14 years and my wait for a green card lasted 8 years. I however feel lucky in many ways. I was fortunate to work in a sought-after field and changed multiple companies to get good jobs, survived major reorgs and layoffs. Strangely I could not change job in the last two years even after doing everything and trying so much. After rejections, I felt heartbreaks and hopelessness but it was probably for a good in the end. It was also a chance interaction with the paralegal of the law firm that enabled me to apply for I-485. My lawyers had told me that I will have to file a new PERM after a promotion. The New PERM process has been pending for more than a year and I was not serious as I was trying to change job. But somehow in the first week of October, I called the paralegal to understand if and what new letters of employment will be required for the new PERM. At the end of the discussion, she casually mentioned that I need not worry about the priority dates as they will complete the PERM process in 6 months and should be able to file I-485 immediately. Till then I had no idea about the priority dates being forwarded so much in the October bulletin. I had assumed that my priority date is not going to be near current for another 5 years and had stopped looking. Immediately after the call with the paralegal, I searched and found that my dates are current with the approved I-140 and made a case to the lawyer with help of my employer to file with the existing PERM/I-140. They finally agreed that promotion can be considered progressive work in the same field (it really was just the next level promotion and I was wondering why it should require a new PERM). Finally, we could file I-485 by the end of October. Even in the end, I got RFE 28th Sept, reached RFER on 29th Sep and status changed to CPO on 29th Sep. So it all ended well with the grace of God and luck.

Many thanks to this forum and all the members who provided analysis and answered queries helping me !! Best wishes to all.

Congratulations, Waiting4GC! Most applicants just assume that once they start the process, they can't be promoted/receive raises etc. based on faulty or nefarious advise from their employers/attorneys. Best to do the research and make sure all options are available early in the process and not hamstrung oneself without reason.

[longwaitgigu]

Thankyou for everyone's help.
This forum has been an immense treasure of information.
We have received our green cards on 10/6.
I am sharing my timeline
Eb3 straight, PD- 10/19/2010
FD- November 9
BM- may 18
Interfiled medicals on july 13- emma could never confirm if medicals attached
Ead/ap - 8/12
I had raised multiple SRs. No reply. I think last SR for i485j issuance and senator quiry on 9/21 did the trick
New card production- 9/30
I485 approval- 10/1
Receipt of i485j waiver on 9/28
10/6- green cards
10/8- i485, i485j receipt approval recieved.

[qesehmk]

Many congratulations Waiting4GC and longwaitgigu.

Wish you the best in future life and career!

We received our green cards yesterday. My timeline is given in the signature but I would also like to take some liberty to tell my story in brief as below:

I have been in this country for about 14 years and my wait for a green card lasted 8 years. I however feel lucky in many ways. I was fortunate to work in a sought-after field and changed multiple companies to get good jobs, survived major reorgs and layoffs. Strangely I could not change job in the last two years even after doing everything and trying so much. After rejections, I felt heartbreaks and hopelessness but it was probably for a good in the end. It was also a chance interaction with the paralegal of the law firm that enabled me to apply for I-485. My lawyers had told me that I will have to file a new PERM after a promotion. The New PERM process has been pending for more than a year and I was not serious as I was trying to change job. But somehow in the first week of October, I called the paralegal to understand if and what new letters of employment will be required for the new PERM. At the end of the discussion, she casually mentioned that I need not worry about the priority dates as they will complete the PERM process in 6 months and should be able to file I-485 immediately. Till then I had no idea about the priority dates being forwarded so much in the October bulletin. I had assumed that my priority date is not going to be near current for another 5 years and had stopped looking. Immediately after the call with the paralegal, I searched and found that my dates are current with the approved I-140 and made a case to the lawyer with help of my employer to file with the existing PERM/I-140. They finally agreed that promotion can be considered progressive work in the same field (it really was just the next level promotion and I was wondering why it should require a new PERM). Finally, we could file I-485 by the end of October. Even in the end, I got RFE 28th Sept, reached RFER on 29th Sep and status changed to CPO on 29th Sep. So it all ended well with the grace of God and luck.

Many thanks to this forum and all the members who provided analysis and answered queries helping me !! Best wishes to all.

Thankyou for everyone's help.
This forum has been an immense treasure of information.
We have received our green cards on 10/6.
I am sharing my timeline
Eb3 straight, PD- 10/19/2010
FD- November 9
BM- may 18
Interfiled medicals on july 13- emma could never confirm if medicals attached
Ead/ap - 8/12
I had raised multiple SRs. No reply. I think last SR for i485j issuance and senator quiry on 9/21 did the trick
New card production- 9/30
I485 approval- 10/1
Receipt of i485j waiver on 9/28
10/6- green cards
10/8- i485, i485j receipt approval recieved.

[Waiting4GC]

Many congratulations Waiting4GC and longwaitgigu.

Wish you the best in future life and career!

Thank you @qesehmk, @Turbulent_Dragonfly, @andhraguy.

Best wishes.

[srimurthy]

Priority Date---------: 10/30/2010 EB2 India - National Benefits Center (MSC21903*****)
Receipt & Notice Date-: 10/21/2020 & 11/20/2020
Biometrics Date-------: 03/25/2021
SR raised for EAD - 07/02/2021
EAD/AP Approval I797--: 07/06/2021
EAD/AP Card in hand---: 07/16/2021
Interview Confirmation - 08/09/2021
Interview Date and Interview - 9/30/2021
I485 Approval---------: 9/30/2021 (Case Approved and Ordered New Card)
GC in hand------------:

The updates as After the Interview on 9/30/2021, the status changed to Card / Document Production late in the evening.
9/30/2021 - Card / Document Production late in the evening
10/1/2021 - Post Decision Activity (Approval Notice mailed)
10/3/2021 - Post Decision Activity (Card mailed)
10/5/2021 - Approval Notice delivered
10/7/2021 - Card delivered

Looking at the pace it looks like either they had all the documents and all printed or the workload and delays last year to send notices and card productions and delivery were all not needed and could have been on the same pace if they wanted.
Got

[aGCHopefull]

Many congratulations android, mimi, Waiting4GC and longwaitgigu! Enjoy your green life

[gten20]

Congrats to android09, MightyMimi, Waiting4GC and longwaitgigu!

[sudebusa]

Long-time follower and recently a semi-active member of this forum. I would like to thank this forum especially Q, Spec, Aceman, and many other gurus for their insights; in past, this is where I came back almost every day to get some news/ analysis that is positive and those kept me going during the gloomy days when each month PD used to advance for 1 or 2 days!!! I am thankful to all the contributors!

Yesterday (10/18/2021) was the end of my 10 years of waiting for GC! Here is the timeline:

SRC219005**** series

PD - 09/2011 (EB2 to EB3 downgrade)
I-485 RD: 10/27/2020
I-485 ND: 01/06/2021
BM: 06/11/2021
I-140 (EB3-PP) APPROVAL: 06/14/2021
RFE(Medical): 7/30/2021
RFE Response: 08/12/2021
I-485 New Card Production: 10/18/2021
I-485 Approval: 10/19/2021

Wish the best of luck to those who are waiting. I am confident that no law would take away FY22 spillover and hopefully, many more will be greened!

Thanks again!

PS: If someone could give me a list of "TO DO" after getting the GC, that would be really helpful!

[aGCHopefull]

Long-time follower and recently a semi-active member of this forum. I would like to thank this forum especially Q, Spec, Aceman, and many other gurus for their insights; in past, this is where I came back almost every day to get some news/ analysis that is positive and those kept me going during the gloomy days when each month PD used to advance for 1 or 2 days!!! I am thankful to all the contributors!

Yesterday (10/18/2021) was the end of my 10 years of waiting for GC! Here is the timeline:

SRC219005**** series

PD - 09/2011 (EB2 to EB3 downgrade)
I-485 RD: 10/27/2020
I-485 ND: 01/06/2021
BM: 06/11/2021
I-140 (EB3-PP) APPROVAL: 06/14/2021
RFE(Medical): 7/30/2021
RFE Response: 08/12/2021
I-485 New Card Production: 10/18/2021
I-485 Approval: 10/19/2021

Wish the best of luck to those who are waiting. I am confident that no law would take away FY22 spillover and hopefully, many more will be greened!

Thanks again!

PS: If someone could give me a list of "TO DO" after getting the GC, that would be really helpful!

Congratulations!!

[LightAtEndOfTunnel]

Long-time follower and recently a semi-active member of this forum. I would like to thank this forum especially Q, Spec, Aceman, and many other gurus for their insights; in past, this is where I came back almost every day to get some news/ analysis that is positive and those kept me going during the gloomy days when each month PD used to advance for 1 or 2 days!!! I am thankful to all the contributors!

Yesterday (10/18/2021) was the end of my 10 years of waiting for GC! Here is the timeline:

SRC219005**** series

PD - 09/2011 (EB2 to EB3 downgrade)
I-485 RD: 10/27/2020
I-485 ND: 01/06/2021
BM: 06/11/2021
I-140 (EB3-PP) APPROVAL: 06/14/2021
RFE(Medical): 7/30/2021
RFE Response: 08/12/2021
I-485 New Card Production: 10/18/2021
I-485 Approval: 10/19/2021

Wish the best of luck to those who are waiting. I am confident that no law would take away FY22 spillover and hopefully, many more will be greened!

Thanks again!

PS: If someone could give me a list of "TO DO" after getting the GC, that would be really helpful!

Congratulations !!

[qesehmk]

Long-time follower and recently a semi-active member of this forum. I would like to thank this forum especially Q, Spec, Aceman, and many other gurus for their insights; in past, this is where I came back almost every day to get some news/ analysis that is positive and those kept me going during the gloomy days when each month PD used to advance for 1 or 2 days!!! I am thankful to all the contributors!

Yesterday (10/18/2021) was the end of my 10 years of waiting for GC! Here is the timeline:

SRC219005**** series

PD - 09/2011 (EB2 to EB3 downgrade)
I-485 RD: 10/27/2020
I-485 ND: 01/06/2021
BM: 06/11/2021
I-140 (EB3-PP) APPROVAL: 06/14/2021
RFE(Medical): 7/30/2021
RFE Response: 08/12/2021
I-485 New Card Production: 10/18/2021
I-485 Approval: 10/19/2021

Wish the best of luck to those who are waiting. I am confident that no law would take away FY22 spillover and hopefully, many more will be greened!

Thanks again!

PS: If someone could give me a list of "TO DO" after getting the GC, that would be really helpful!

Very happy for you Sudebusa. Enjoy the freedom!

Regarding To-do list
0) Let the employer know so that I-9 can be updated
1) New Driver's ID
2) Update Social Security
3) Let schools/colleges know (if applicable) so that you are charged in state or whatever normal rate is.
4) Update financial institutions (least priority because they need your money regardless of your status!)

[sudebusa]

Very happy for you Sudebusa. Enjoy the freedom!

Regarding To-do list
0) Let the employer know so that I-9 can be updated
1) New Driver's ID
2) Update Social Security
3) Let schools/colleges know (if applicable) so that you are charged in state or whatever normal rate is.
4) Update financial institutions (least priority because they need your money regardless of your status!)

Thank you, Q!

I think DL I can wait as due to COVID it is too much rush in DMV.

I am more worried about the SSA office; I need to apply for SSN for my son but all the SSA offices are closed. I will call them and try to find out the process. I am not comfortable sending them the (hard earned) GC in mail or dropbox!

[Noesis]

Long-time follower and recently a semi-active member of this forum. I would like to thank this forum especially Q, Spec, Aceman, and many other gurus for their insights; in past, this is where I came back almost every day to get some news/ analysis that is positive and those kept me going during the gloomy days when each month PD used to advance for 1 or 2 days!!! I am thankful to all the contributors!

Yesterday (10/18/2021) was the end of my 10 years of waiting for GC! Here is the timeline:

SRC219005**** series

PD - 09/2011 (EB2 to EB3 downgrade)
I-485 RD: 10/27/2020
I-485 ND: 01/06/2021
BM: 06/11/2021
I-140 (EB3-PP) APPROVAL: 06/14/2021
RFE(Medical): 7/30/2021
RFE Response: 08/12/2021
I-485 New Card Production: 10/18/2021
I-485 Approval: 10/19/2021

Wish the best of luck to those who are waiting. I am confident that no law would take away FY22 spillover and hopefully, many more will be greened!

Thanks again!

PS: If someone could give me a list of "TO DO" after getting the GC, that would be really helpful!

Many Congratulations.!

[qesehmk]

Thank you, Q!

I think DL I can wait as due to COVID it is too much rush in DMV.

I am more worried about the SSA office; I need to apply for SSN for my son but all the SSA offices are closed. I will call them and try to find out the process. I am not comfortable sending them the (hard earned) GC in mail or dropbox!

I think they should accept copies.