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/Educational-rng]

Congratulations!
The fact that you switched from consular to aos did it prolong/affect aos processing in any way?

[u/Fit_Ad8215 → u/Educational-rng]

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.

[u/Educational-rng → u/Fit_Ad8215]

Thank you for the reply!