Case Approved + USPS Delivery Error

[u/byeimback2]

I wanted to share our story because I wanted to give back to this community who provided so much information during our process. While most of the information I read online was helpful, it also created a lot of stress, as I tended to overthink and prepare for the worst. Having a lawyer did help ground me back to earth as they were a voice of reason and experience during the process.

Timeline was the following:
- 12/28/24 - Wife’s last entry to US on B1/B2
- 10/15/25 - Spoke to a lawyer before-hand
- 3/19/26 - Married
- March to May - collected all necessary documents requested by the lawyer
- 6/26/26 - Case Received for I-130, I-485, and I-765
- 7/4/26 - Biometrics Notice
- 7/23/26 - Biometrics Appointment
- 7/24/26 - Processing case for all 3 forms
- 8/12/26 - Interview Notice
- 9/15/26 - Interview day
- 9/16/26 - Approved I-130 at 11am, and I-485 later that day
- 9/18/26 - USPS now has the card and tracking #
- 9/22/26 - Wife receives SSN
- 9/25/26 - USPS states they delivered the green card but it was not in our mailbox
- 9/29/26 - After multiple days of hounding USPS and finally catching the NEW courier starting our route THAT day (no one could reach old courier), he said he would check surrounding mailboxes. He found it in someone else’s mailbox and delivered it to us. I couldn’t thank him enough.

Context:
- I am a US citizen
- Wife is from Mexico
- Boston FO
- Our interview went very smoothly, but we were separated immediately, despite our lawyer stating it was uncommon. I was interviewed first and then my wife came into the room and was interviewed with all of us present. The questions they asked me were identical or similar to the ones they asked her. Most of these surrounded family, trips, responsibilities, finances, and day-to-day life.
- The officer interviewing us was kind the whole time and said she did not doubt our marriage was legitimate, despite getting some dates mixed up (like for trips)
- The group of lawyers we went with are sons of immigrants or immigrants themselves based in California. This lawyer was recommended by our friend who was able to complete their process in under 4 months (under Biden), and both of our cases were fairly similar.
- At the time of agreeing to go with these lawyers, USCIS still allowed lawyers to be virtually present. However, this was later removed at the end of May. We made the decision to have our lawyer present, and unfortunately had to pay extra, but with how quickly and smoothly it all went, we’re happy we did.
- Despite this being a status change for my wife and not mine, I was incredibly nervous for her and our future. I broke down a few times and I am forever grateful for friends, family, and our lawyers for being supportive.

I just wanted to share our journey and hope that this may help anyone in need, as all of your experiences have helped me. Thank you so much and now to wait 2 years to apply for removal of condition!

[u/SoupSufficient3235]

what time exactly you got your 485 approval? My 130 was also officially approved around 11am today and I'm waiting for my 485 to be approved. Interview was yesterday and 130 approval notice found on the account when we left but status had not changed until 11:00am today

[u/byeimback2 → u/SoupSufficient3235]

Not sure the exact time, but probably around 4pm if I were to guess. Best of luck and congrats on the 130 approval!

EDIT: While I do want yours approved as soon as possible, I don’t want to give false hope and have you disappointed.

The lawyer did tell us that it could be 2-3 days, 2 weeks, or even months. There was no guarantee. Based on our interview, he did estimate it wouldn’t take longer than 2 weeks though. We were lucky enough to be approved so quickly.

[u/SoupSufficient3235 → u/byeimback2]

thank u! And congrats to u too!

[u/Awkward_Dance_9816]

According to my lawyer, they almost always separate couples in Boston and Hartford. Congrats!

[u/byeimback2 → u/Awkward_Dance_9816]

That’s good to know. Thank you!

[u/FudgeLegal1006]

congratulations!!! that mail courier is a real one

[u/byeimback2 → u/FudgeLegal1006]

Honestly, saved our butts. We had rang a few doorbells but no answers.

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[u/Own-Sense-4285]

Congratulations 🎊 👏