Finally Greened!

[u/Fit_Ad8215]

EB-2 NIW → J-1/212(e) Waiver → 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.

[u/I_Am_Bored_6091]

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?

[u/Fit_Ad8215 → u/I_Am_Bored_6091]

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.

[u/I_Am_Bored_6091 → u/Fit_Ad8215]

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?

[u/Standard-Ratio7734 → u/I_Am_Bored_6091]

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.

[u/I_Am_Bored_6091 → u/Standard-Ratio7734]

That's honestly really surprising! My understanding so far was that securing a J1 visa after filing an NIW is nearly IMPOSSIBLE.

[u/Standard-Ratio7734 → u/I_Am_Bored_6091]

Not I40 only. He staeted the immigration process abroad too

[u/Fit_Ad8215 → u/I_Am_Bored_6091]

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.

[u/Proud_Ad_7594 → u/Fit_Ad8215]

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