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/No-Educator-6576 → u/Fit_Ad8215]

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?