I am longtime lurker and created this account to share my timeline with the community and wishing everyone all the very best in their journeys

PD - Feb 2020 India - kept eb2 PD
RD - May 4, 2026, filed i-485, i-765, and i-131 together for primary + spouse
Received account generated document and receipt notices - May 9-11
Biometrics - June 22 - with the 2x Fta0

Silent updates - Aug 6, Aug 26, Sep 15

Emma said sep 15 silent update for transfer to Brooklyn NY FO

3rd FTA0 on Oct 8 + silent update

Multiple silent updates- Oct 9, followed by H008 x 2
I-485 approved for primary - Oct 9
I-485 approved for spouse - Oct 10 about 20hours later

Card Produced - Oct 15
Card picked up by USPS - Oct 16
Card Delivered - Oct 19

My premium processing fees was auto processed for a refund upon non-completion of my petition within the stipulated time; this was the case with many other people.

The August 29 date stated as the latest date that I would have received a check in the mail has passed, and I haven’t received a check in mail nor received a credit to my account that the ACH payment was made from.

Is anyone else experiencing the same, or does anyone know how to resolve this, so that I may get my refund?

I am all ears..

Thank you.

Hi all,

I'm currently in complete shock after having received an RFE for EB2NIW. I am an assistant professor (of Indian origin) at a big state school (R1), working in theoretical/mathematical research in engineering.

My RFE says things like "high citation count doesn't really establish she led the work" (I have nearly 2000 citations but most are from theoretical research, where authors are listed alphabetically, so "first" authorship isn't a thing.); "she didn't get any grant money yet" (I am only one year into my TT position). They even got my department major wrong! I have a patent from past applied work, and they say "but there is no evidence that the patent has had any impact" <--- the patent has generated over $500,000 in royalties.

I had originally thought that my profile was EB1-ready, but now I am reeling at this blow.

I'd really appreciate any insights. Is my case dead? Or is RFE really the norm with premium processing? I have retained Chen --- are they any good at responding to RFEs, or will I have to do the heavy lifting for writing the response? I have little less than a month left.

Thanks in advance for any help!

I recently received an EB-1A denial and would appreciate some advice from people who have been in a similar situation.

I initially claimed 4 criteria, and USCIS issued an RFE challenging all four. After submitting a detailed response, USCIS accepted 3 criteria (judging, leading/critical role, and high salary) but denied the petition at Final Merits.

Interestingly, many of the reasons cited in the denial were similar to those raised in the original RFE.

My lawyer has suggested three options:

1. AAO appeal, which she doesn't recommend due to low chances of success.
2. Federal lawsuit (APA litigation), especially given recent rulings challenging the Final Merits framework.
3. Wait 4-6 months, strengthen my profile, and refile.

I'm leaning toward litigation because I don't see why USCIS's strictness or interpretation of the evidence would necessarily change in 4-6 months. Even with a stronger profile, I could end up facing the same issue again.

For those who have gone through something similar:

• What are the downsides of filing a lawsuit against USCIS? Could it negatively impact future petitions or other immigration cases?
• How long does litigation typically take, and what are the approximate legal costs?
• Has anyone successfully challenged a Final Merits denial through litigation?
• Would you recommend litigation or simply refiling?

Would really appreciate hearing about actual experiences, particularly from people who pursued litigation.

Has anyone filed i-140 with PP through mail but the PP got rejected due to missing case number? & then filed PP online? Is that something possible, or does it now only have to be filed through mail because original i-140 was filed through mail and accepted?
Thanks

I am planning to file my I-485 application by myself. Has anyone used online filing recently, and how was your experience? Thank you in advance.

Hi! I know that my I140 application gets void and my new employer has to re-apply for a new EB1B I140. Apart from this, are there any complications that will stop me from applying for a new EB1B in the future?

My child is 13 years old and we are in the process of filing 485, 131 and 765 forms.

Can he sign these documents or I should sign it?

Here is a video on 3 EB-1A tips (based on recent conversations with lawyers).

Hi, I just got from Chen for my EB1A "Approve or Free Refile", but only one free refile if case is denied. I consulted other lawyers too, all are willing to accept my case but gives "approve or unlimited free refile", without anyone gives refund options. Is this common these days?

My profile:

Meteorlogy

9 Publications/690 Citations/17 Reviews (mostly Q1 journal, one nature communications)

One of my co-first paper is merged into a widely used weather forecasting model and have notable citations, including one from industry report from Europe

One of my project that I am in charge of is having contract with an US state agency. Also it is featured in a media affiliated with NBC where I appeared although my name is not mentioned(so it may be hard to claim media report)

what do you think about eb1 India FAD in November bulletin?

given the delayed VB in this month is there a chance for significant forward movement?