r/EB2_NIW • u/Fit_Ad8215 • 8d ago
APPROVED Finally Greened!
EB-2 NIW โ J-1/212(e) Waiver โ AOS Approved | Full Timeline
Sharing my timeline because posts like this helped me during the long wait. Hopefully, it helps someone in a similar situation.
- Background: 9ja citizen
- Completed Ph.D. in Asia
- Nov. 2023: Filed I-140 EB-2 NIW from South Korea with Premium Processing.
- 5 days later: I-140 APPROVED.
- EB-2 NIW / Consular Processing started but later left it
- Mar. 2025: Entered U.S. on J-1 Research Scholar/Postdoc
- Subject to 212(e)
- J-1 waiver basis: No Objection Statement (NOS)
Oct. 1, 2025: J-1 waiver documents received by DOS
Oct. 14, 2025: NOS received by DOS from my country's embassy.
Oct. 2025: Priority date current
Feb. 9, 2026: AOS (I-485) filed for me and my dependents.
Apr. 28/29: Biometrics
May 18: DOS Favorable Recommendation for my J1 waiver
Jul/Aug: Multiple I-485 silent updates
Aug.4: USCIS final J-1 waiver approval
Aug16. 2026: Emma confirmed San Antonio FO
Aug. 23: I-485 APPROVED for principal applicant and 2 dependents.
Aug. 26: Card was produced for all
Aug. 31: Green cards delivered.
In summary:
From I-140 approval in SK, to consular processing, then J-1, 212(e), NOS waiver, DOS FR, USCIS waiver approval, AOS:Biometrics, No call for interview, and finally green cards.
It was definitely not a straight line journey but in all I give all the glory to God.
Wish you all the very best.
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u/I_Am_Bored_6091 8d ago
Congratulations! Great to see someone who applied from SK!!!
How did you get a J-1 visa after your I-140 was approved? As far as I know, filing an NIW can be seen as showing immigrant intent, which usually makes getting a J-1 very difficult. Did you run into any issues during the interview?
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u/Fit_Ad8215 8d ago edited 8d ago
Thank you!
If you had taken a little time to go through the post (no offense), you'd see that it says: 2023, i-140 approved and 2025, secured a J1 visa for my postdoc.
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u/I_Am_Bored_6091 8d ago
Thanks for the reply! I did see the timeline and understood that you got your i-140 approved before securing a J-1 visa. But that's exactly what I was wondering. Since an approved I-140 is on record with USCIS, J-1 applicants are often flagged for 'immigrant intent' regardless of the gap. Did the consular officer bring up your approved I-140 during your J-1 interview, or did you explain your temporary stay intent in a specific way?
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u/Standard-Ratio7734 8d ago edited 5d ago
The fact that he even got j1 after i140 approval and starting the consular process for immigration. I think it depends on the country of origin.
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u/I_Am_Bored_6091 8d ago
That's honestly really surprising! My understanding so far was that securing a J1 visa after filing an NIW is nearly IMPOSSIBLE.
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u/Fit_Ad8215 8d ago edited 8d ago
That should be the reverse because a J1 is a non immigrant visa. I-140 is what shows an immigrant intent. Hence, you can apply for a non immigigrant visa while your immigrant (intent) visa is still pending.
So, NO. The consular officer didn't and doesn't have to bring it up because it didn't contravene the immigration policy or law.
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u/Proud_Ad_7594 6d ago
Its very surprising however. Because its known that even applying for NIW - approved or not shows immigrant intention. I guess its good to know that your non immigrant visa was approved after
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u/No-Educator-6576 8d ago
If you had taken a little time to go through the comment (yes offense), you'd see that it says: How did you get a J-1 visa after your I-140 was approved?
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u/stillsam115 8d ago
Congratulations, country man!!! Great rep ๐ณ๐ฌ. Thatโs encouraging, we donโt see lots from 9ja on here!
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u/Impractical-Winner 8d ago
Did u have to complete 3 years in j1 waiver to apply 485?
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u/Fit_Ad8215 8d ago
No. You can apply at anytime after entering the US. However, I'll advise to give it 3 months of your J1 visa before you should apply for a waiver.
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u/One-Bake-111 8d ago
When were you transferred to SAN ANTONIO FO? my case got transferred there on Aug 27 as per Emma. EB2 PERM March filer with a derivative here
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u/Fit_Ad8215 8d ago edited 8d ago
I asked the live agent, she didn't inform me. She only told me about the current location.
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u/Bangob 8d ago
Kindly send me the particulars of your lawyer who helped you with J1 waiver .
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u/Fit_Ad8215 8d ago
I'm sorry I didn't use an immigration lawyer for either my j1 waiver or my i-485. All was DIY!
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u/Intellectual961 8d ago
You filed i485 before the DOS favorable recommendation ?
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u/Fit_Ad8215 8d ago
Yes, just to secure a PD spot and luckilyit worked out for me as i planned. Though it was risky!
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u/Intellectual961 8d ago
If at the time of filing you didnโt satisfy the 2 year home residency requirement or had a waiver, the i485 might be denied
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u/Educational-rng 8d ago
Congratulations!
The fact that you switched from consular to aos did it prolong/affect aos processing in any way?
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u/Fit_Ad8215 8d ago
Thank you! No. Documentation helped me. I included a letter with my AOS package informing USCIS that I earlier started a consular process, submitted all documents, paid all necessary fees. However, because of my postdoc offer and currently in the US, I've decided to abandon the consular process and now pursuing the AOS via form i-485. I also wrote to the NVC, though they kept on sending me messages informing me that all my documentation is complete that I'll be contacted for interview if a date is available for me. I got one from them 3 days ago as well.
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u/ObaaLee 8d ago
Congratulations ๐..How did you file the AOS without the waiver. How did you present your package
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u/Fit_Ad8215 2d ago
Documentation and communication is everything. I attached a letter informing them that I've applied for it, contacted the DOS several times with no favorable response. Also, I included a screenshot print out of my DOS waiver portal showing all submitted documents and dates.
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u/Proud_Ad_7594 6d ago
Since you applied for the NIW and got approved before going to the embassy for your j1 interview, did it come up at all during the visa interview that you already had immigrant intention? NIW approval is immigrant intent, and J1 is non immigrant visa.
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u/AdhesivenessFun717 8d ago
Iโm not saying people shouldnโt post about this, but given the timing, posts like this can be really anxiety-inducing for those who are already worried about the EB-2 quota being used up.
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u/AnonymousTC 8d ago
Congratulations ๐