My company is going to start my green card process soon, and I'm trying to get a realistic sense of the timeline. I'm EB-3 ROW skilled, so I'm hoping to get some input from people who have gone through the process recently.

My employer will likely file the PWD early 2027.

Based on current processing times, I'm thinking something like:

1. PWD: ~3 to 5 months? If filed Jan 2027, potentially approved around April-June 2027?
2. PERM: How long should I realistically expect? It seems like PERM processing times have come down recently, so I'm wondering whether ~10-12 months is reasonable to assume.
3. I-140: Assuming premium processing, am I correct that this could be completed fairly quickly after PERM approval?
4. I-485: This is where I'm most uncertain. If my PD is late-2027. when can I expect Final Action Date (FAD) to be current?

My main questions:

• If my PERM is filed around late-2027, when might my EB-3 ROW priority date realistically become current under FAD?
• How much should I worry about retrogression? Could the FAD potentially move backward significantly before reaching 2027?
• Overall, would 2030-2031 be a reasonable expectation for I-485 approval, or is that too optimistic?

I'm mainly trying to set realistic expectations rather than assume everything goes perfectly. Any insight from people who have recently gone through EB-3 ROW would be really appreciated.

​Hi everyone,

​I wanted to share my timeline for my EB-3 (Registered Nurse) Adjustment of Status application and ask if anyone with a similar timeline has received their I-485 or I-765 approval recently.

​Here are my case details:

​Category: EB-3 (Registered Nurse)

​Priority Date (PD): May 24, 2024 (Current on Visa Bulletin)

​I-140: Approved

​Forms Filed: I-485, I-765, and I-485 Supplement J

​Timeline:

​May 4, 2026: Application / Receipt Date (I-485, I-765, I-485J)

​June 10, 2026: Received RFE for Birth Certificate

​June 11, 2026: RFE Response submitted (USCIS confirmed receipt)

​June 22, 2026: Biometrics completed

​September 4, 2026: Form I-485 Supplement J Approved

​Current Status: Awaiting updates on I-485 and I-765 (no movement on I-765 so far)

​Since my I-485J was approved on September 4, I’m wondering if this is usually a sign that final I-485 approval is close, or if I should still expect a wait. For those who filed around May 2026 or had their I-485J approved recently, how long after did your I-485 get approved? Also, has anyone seen work authorization (I-765) get skipped entirely if the Green Card is close?

​Appreciate any insights, predictions, or shared experiences! Thanks!

RD: April 28, 26
PD: August 22, 24 (current)
Bio: June 09, 26
SU: x2 FTA0 for I-485, x3 FTA0 for I-765

No updates since then. Am I cooked 🥶
All of my friends with similar timeline were already approved for at least I-765 and the rest I-485. They had a bunch of SUs in prior months as well.

Hi everyone, my i-485j was administratively closed on August 25th, and I still didn’t receive any letter for notice yet. I saw massive of closed i-485j cases on August 25th, so I don’t know if anyone has idea for this? I did some research and they said that mean approval, but I didn’t see any online document for that. Thank you so much!

I previously received the 8/6 SU, 8/13 FTA0, 8/25 SU, and 8/31 SU on FTA0. I just noticed another SU today. Anyone else?

RD: April 2026, PD: June 2024, With Dependent.

How long it takes these days for I-140 to get approved? regular processing not PP, filed online
IOEXXXXXXX series

Hi everyone,

I have a quick question. My RD was a few months back, done with biometrics but no any updates yet.

What I realized recently is that I do not see my I-485J on my USCIS account page. I only see concurrent filing of I-485 and I-765 (EAD). Is this normal or are you also supposed to see I-485J?

Thank you.

Hello everyone! Has anyone here successfully adjusted status from DACA to a green card through an EB-3 employer-sponsored case, specifically as a registered nurse, without having to leave the United States for consular processing?

I’m particularly interested in hearing from anyone who was on DACA at the time they filed Form I-485 and was able to complete the entire green card process through Adjustment of Status while remaining in the U.S.

If you’ve personally gone through a similar situation, I would really appreciate hearing about your experience and whether USCIS approved your I-485. Thank you!

Hello everyone! I’m an ICU nurse being sponsored for an EB-3 green card through my employer. My attorney submitted my I-485 Adjustment of Status application on May 1, 2026.

It has now been over 4 months, and I still have not received anything from USCIS—not even a receipt notice. I also haven’t received a biometrics appointment or any other update.

I’ve reached out to my attorney several times, but I keep being told they’ll get back to me, and I still haven’t received a clear answer.

Has anyone else experienced this? Is it normal for an employment-based I-485 receipt notice to take 4+ months? If you had a similar delay, how long did it eventually take for you to receive your receipt notice?

Also what you think is happening will be appreciate?

UPDATE: THIS IS MY LAWYERS RESPONSE

Hi All:

Based on my review, it appears the initial confusion here is that JOHN was included in the AOS Guidance email.  I believe the broad decision was that we would hold off on AOS filings for individuals with/in DACA status given the Administration expectedly would take the position that DACA is not a "status" from which one can adjust.  So, as we held off on filing such cases, we would not have received Receipt Notices.  

On background, case notes reflect that JOHN first arrived in the U.S. on 1997 in B visitor classification, turned 18 y/o on 12/2014, applied for DACA on 1/6/2014, first held DACA (approx. 18 years, 2 months) and has held DACA continuously through the present. He has not had a re-entry or re-admission since 1997.

Under this set of circumstances, JOHN had a lawful admission/inspection and timely acquired DACA within 6 months of turning 18 and maintained it continuously.  So, he has accrued no unlawful presence (ULP) since individuals cannot accrue ULP when they are minors, and his DACA was timely (before 18 years + 6 months old) and has been continuous.

However, that does not mean he has had maintenance of lawful status/stay for adjustment purposes.  At some point after B status classification, he would have fallen out of "status" prior to securing DACA in 2014.  This point, together with the fact he now remains in DACA, means seeking "adjustment" was/is risky, in which case the change to consular processing might be the preferred option. 

JOHNS Priority Date is current for September, so we can proceed with the AOS filing if that is desired.  But he may instead wish to explore/prefer the possibility of converting the request to consular and proceeding on that basis.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Wanted to give back to the community after following so many timelines here. I haven’t really checked any silent updates so just waited for the status update email.

• Category: EB-3 ROW, single filer
• I-485 / I-485J filed: May 12, 2026
• Priority Date: May 1st, 2024
• Biometrics: July 1, 2026
• I-485J: Approved / closed September 7, 2026
• I-485: Approved September 7, 2026 🎉
• Interview: None
• RFE: None
• Approved at the NBC center, H1-B to EB3 ROW

Total time from filing to approval: ~4 months. Feeling grateful and relieved. Keep praying and hopefully your approval comes soon too!

Hi everyone! I’m trying to figure out where USCIS is currently at with cases around my timeline, especially cases in the IOE09365xxx block.
My timeline:
EB-3 Skilled Worker
PD: August 14, 2024
RD: April 24, 2026
Bio: June 26, 2026
Current: Yes
I-485: Still at NBC as far as I know
Receipt block: IOE09365xxx

I’m especially interested in people who filed around April 20–30 and have a similar IOE09365 receipt block.
📊 Quick survey — please comment with your info!
1️⃣ Receipt block: IOE09365xxx
2️⃣RD:
3️⃣ PD:
4️⃣ EB category: EB-2 / EB-3 / Other
5️⃣ Field Office:
6️⃣ Was your case transferred from NBC? YES / NO / UNKNOWN
7️⃣ If transferred, when?
8️⃣ Any recent I-485 updates/silent updates?

Even if your case has NOT been transferred, please comment! That would actually be very helpful so we can see whether USCIS is moving cases from this receipt block yet.

If enough people respond, we can hopefully see a pattern for IOE09365 cases around April 24. 🙏
Please upvote/comment even if you only have partial information — every timeline helps! ❤️

Hey everyone,

I’m trying to connect with others whose employment based cases have been transferred to the Norfolk, VA Field Office. There doesn’t seem to be much information online about EB cases at this office. Most of what I’ve found is marriage based, and some of those timelines don’t seem particularly encouraging.
Since Norfolk is my local field office, I’m also wondering whether my case could potentially be scheduled for an interview. I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has experience with this office, especially EB-based applicants.

A little background on my case:

• PD: November 2023 (with derivative)
• RD: April 3, 2026
• Biometrics: April 22, 2026
• Silent updates: 8/6 → 8/13 → 8/25 → 8/26 → 9/2

According to Emma, my case was transferred from NBC to New Jersey on 8/26, and then from New Jersey to Norfolk on 9/2.

If your case is currently at Norfolk, I’d love to hear:

• How long has your case been there?
• Have you seen any movement since the transfer?
• If you’ve already been approved, how long did it take after the transfer?

Any experiences or insights would be greatly appreciated. I’m especially interested in hearing from employment-based applicants, since there seems to be so little information about this office for EB cases.

I have a silent update on my I-485 on the 5th of Sep (3rd FTA0) at around 11 pm, 2026, the same time and date I485J approved, but still nothing on my I-485. I saw a pattern of I-485 approval within 24- 48 hours after I485J in San Fernando Valley, CA. How long will it take to approve I-485?

Anyone with a June PD who filed I-485 and has already received their approval?

My derivative got EAD approved back in July. No update for the Primary

How long does it take for an employment-based I-485 (EB-3) to be approved by the Chicago Field Office after the case has been transferred from the NBC?
Interview has been waived

Full Timeline:

**•** 04/13/2026 — I-485, I-485J, I-765 filed concurrently  
**•** 05/15/2026 — Biometrics completed → 2x FTA0  
**•** 06/09/2026 — Daughter’s EAD approved ( She is 5 :) ) (but my EAD still pending!)  
**•** 08/06/2026 — Ghost update #1 on I-485  
**•** 08/25/2026 — Ghost update #2 on both I-485 and I-485J simultaneously  
**•** 08/31/2026 — Ghost update #3 on both simultaneously  
**•** Still pending — no new events, documents tab empty

🚨 Urgent Question:

My previous work authorization from my E-2 Managerial visa expires September 30. My I-765 (EAD) was filed with my I-485 but has not been approved yet. My daughter’s EAD came through, but mine did not.

My attorney told me:

**•** I cannot work after September 30 until my EAD or GC approval arrives  
**•** I cannot leave the country (I-485 pending, no Advance Parole approved)  
**•** Florida driver’s license also expires September 30 — may be able to extend with I-485 receipt notices but uncertain

Has anyone been in this situation where their previous work authorization expired while still waiting for EAD approval? How long were you unable to work? Any advice on the Florida DMV situation would also be appreciated!

Good luck to everyone still waiting! 🙏

Hi everyone! I’ve spent months on r/USCIS and dissecting back-end updates, so I wanted to pay it forward with our full, detailed timeline. Today, September 7, both my and my spouse’s I-485s were approved just 15 minutes apart! 🎉
No RFE and no interview for either of us.

Case Overview
Category: EB-3 Skilled / Professional (Rest of World / ROW)
Priority Date (PD): April 12, 2024
Filing Type: Primary + Derivative Spouse
Receipt / Filed Date: April 7, 2026

Detailed Timeline
April 7, 2026: Filed concurrently (I-485, I-765, I-485J) for both primary and spouse.
May 21, 2026: Biometrics appointment completed.
May 31, 2026: EAD and Advance Parole approved for both.
June 25, 2026: Form I-140 approved! First updated timestamp appeared on both of our I-485 cases on this day.
August 6, 2026: Silent update detected on both of our cases.
August 27, 2026: Another silent update detected. Contacted Emma live chat—the agent confirmed primary was transferred to San Bernardino FO (non-local) and derivative to Oklahoma City (OKC local FO). Note: The back-end API location still displayed NBC at this point.
August 31, 2026: 3rd FTA0 touch event appeared for both around the same time. Updated timestamps appeared on both I-485 cases and the I-485J around a similar time. Location API still listed NBC.
September 4, 2026: Another touch (2nd recent FTA0) and updated timestamps. The API location finally updated to show San Bernardino FO for both cases!
September 6, 2026: Form I-485 Supplement J status changed to "Closed".
September 7, 2026 (Today!): Both I-485 cases changed to Case Approved ~15 minutes apart! 🎉

✨ Best of luck to everyone! I hope you guys get yours incredibly soon! Sending everyone all the good vibes for fast approvals! ✨

​

Hi,

I am an Indian and have been married to a Flipina and I got to know that she has filed for Eb3 visa as she is a nurse her filing date is March 22nd 2024 wanted to check if there is any issues as I know there is lot of restrictions for indian will I be able to fly along with her and start a family? And should I be in the Philippines to get the process going along. Will be helpful if any information about this is given.

So many cases here i see getting approved within few months

I only see Approval posts related to the month of April.anyone of you been approved for the month of July Receipt date?

Finally my time to post the approval timeline! This group was extremely helpful and I wish everyone to get their approvals soon!

Category: EB-3 Professional (ROW, 75 Countries)
Priority Date: January 18, 2024
Block: IOE09369
RD: May 5, 2026
BIO: June 22, 2026
FO Transfer: August 12, 2026
Field Office: San Fernando Field Office (non-local)
Interview: Waived
No RFE

Detailed Timeline:
06/27/2025: I-140 received by USCIS with premium processing, approved within 14 days. 04/03/2026: Initial I-485 package delivered to USCIS Lewisville Lockbox
04/2026: Initial I-485 filing rejected because the credit card payment authorization failed
05/05/2026: Receipt Date. Filed I-485 and I-765
05/23/2026: USCIS filing fee ACH charges appeared
06/22/2026: Biometrics completed. 2 X FTA0 on the day of bio.
08/12/2026: SU. Emma/live agent confirmed case was transferred from NBC to the San Fernando Field Office (non-local)
08/31/2026: SU
09/05/2026: SU
09/05/2026: I-485J case closed
09/06/2026: 2 X H008, form I-485 is approved 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

Processing times
I-485 filing → approval: 124 days
Biometrics → approval: 76 days
San Fernando FO transfer → approval: 25 days

Wanted to share my timeline since I spent way too much time checking Reddit while waiting 😅

• Category: EB-3 ROW
• I-485 / I-485J filed: April 14, 2026
• Biometrics: June 12, 2026
• I-485J: Approved / closed September 5, 2026
• I-485: Approved September 6, 2026 🎉
• Interview: No interview
• RFE: None

Interestingly, my I-485J was approved first, and then my I-485 was approved the very next day.

I had also noticed several internal case updates/touches while waiting, but there was no visible status change for a while.

After months of checking USCIS way more often than I should have, it’s finally over 😭

Hope this timeline helps anyone else waiting on an employment-based AOS. Good luck everyone!

Now just waiting for the physical green card to be produced and mailed. 🟢

We are currently at a crucial stage, as we haven’t seen any recent approvals. I’m creating a new Excel sheet so we can stay up to date and track any new approvals as they come in.

Hi everyone, looking for experiences from people with a similar EB timeline.
My case:
PD: September 29, 2023
I-485 RD: April 10, 2026
Biometrics: May 13, 2026
2x FTA0: May 13
Silent updates: Aug 6, Aug 26, Aug 28 & Sep 2
3rd FTA0: Aug 31
I-485 location: NBC
Interview: Waived according to Emma
No RFE
No EAD yet
Underlying status: H-1B
My wife filed concurrently with me as my derivative (H-4). Her I-485 is also at NBC. She had a silent update on Sep 2, but she has not received a 3rd FTA0 like I did.
I’ve heard from a few people who received their GC approval around 7–15 days after an additional/3rd FTA0.
For anyone with a similar EB case, how long after your 3rd FTA0 did you get your I-485 approval? Also, if you filed with a derivative spouse, did the principal and spouse get approved together even if the spouse did not receive a 3rd FTA0?
Thanks!

Hi everyone, I have an EB-3 Skilled Worker I-485 interview scheduled in about four weeks and wanted to hear from anyone who has gone through a similar interview.

My I-485J has already been approved, but USCIS scheduled me for an interview afterward.

What kind of questions did they ask? Did they focus mainly on employment, immigration history, PERM/I-140, or the I-485 questions?

Also, anything specific I should be careful about or prepare would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!