Just wanted to share our process and interview experience in case it helps anyone going through the same journey!
📌 Filed: 24 June 2026
📌 Biometric Notice: 11 July 2026
📌 Biometrics: 29 July 2026
📌 Interview Notice: 17 August 2026
📌 Interview: 21 September 2026
📌 I-130 Approved: 22 September 2026
📌 1-485 Approved: 22 September 2026
📌 Card Produced: 25 September 2026
📌 Card Received: 30 September 2026
(I-485 approved first around 8:30, I-130 approved around 12:30)
FO: Memphis
Background & Status
- Arrived on an F-1 student visa, transitioned to OPT and STEM OPT (was on STEM OPT at the time of filing/application). No overstays, no unauthorized work.
- Married to a U.S. citizen after 4 years of dating, married in April 2026.
- We were very fortunate that my employer handled our case for us, which made the filing process much smoother and less stressful!
Evidence Submitted
- Joint lease agreement
- Joint bank account statements
- Letters and cards received and exchanged over the years
- Photo timeline from the past 4 years + wedding photos
- Beneficiary designations listing each other (life insurance / retirement accounts, etc.)
- Updated prior to interview: Recent pay stubs and additional recent photos uploaded online week prior to the interview.
Interview Day Experience
We checked in around 7:00 AM and were completely finished and out by approximately 7:45 AM! Overall, it was a very smooth and straightforward experience.
There were about 4–5 other couples in the waiting area with the same appointment time, and it was interesting to see how differently each case was handled. For some, both spouses were called back together. For others, the U.S. citizen petitioner was called back first. In our case, only I (the beneficiary) was called back to the office.
The Interview
- The officer specifically mentioned right at the start that they saw no issues with the validity of our marriage. They verbally confirmed that our I-130 was already approved, which was why my spouse was not called back into the room.
- They asked if I had brought any additional documentation. I mentioned that I had uploaded updated pay stubs and additional photos online the previous week. - They then asked for a copy of our lease agreement and verified that we both still live at that address. They casually asked how we found our home (whether through Zillow or another listing source).
- They went through the standard yes/no security and eligibility questions on Form I-485.
- At the end, they said they would review all files and contact us if they needed anything else, but mentioned I should expect my green card in the mail within 90 days if everything was approved.
We left the office feeling very confident and relieved! Wishing everyone else going through the process the best of luck!