Adjustment of Status - I-485

Hello everyone! I want to thank God first for this opportunity and then thank you all  for sharing their experiences in this forum. Every single case is different and unique, but at the end we’re all here for the same purpose. it’s been a long wait for some, and to those who still waiting have faith, cuz that you have been waiting will come soon or later. i want to share my experience with this forum, because i’m in debt with all the people who have share their experience and i use those experience to prepare myself, reading this forum everyday and learning from this process. I don’t want to be one of those who just disappear after they reach their goals. my post is gonna be extensive, but i hope you all will appreciate it.

 Today i received my approval letter for my Green Card, it’s been a whole journey in the process.
Adjustment of Status through Marriage. No lawyer, did everything by myself. I’m sorry but i don’t trust lawyers. Specially when my case is not that complicated

This is my time line:

November 12. Package sent to USCIS (i-485,i-130,i-765)
November 15. Package received from USCIS Chicago Lockbox
November 27. Checks cashed from USCIS (make sure there’s money in the account, cuz they tried to withdraw the money earlier but there was not enough money)
November 29. Received notification for i-485 and i-130
December 2. Notice of rejection for i-765. they said no fee was included.
December 3. I replied with a letter and another signed form explaining to USCIS that im filling concurrently and the fee is embedded on the i-485.
December 5. received fingerprints appointment.
December 20. Did my fingerprints.
December 23. Received appointment for fingerprints (again). Apparently this one was for i-765
December 27: Received RFE because my husband taxes were incomplete. He forgot to file 2015. Who forgets to file?
January 06: Walk in for my other fingerprint appointment. original date was January 12, but i found out i could do it after my first appointment.
February 23. Finally responde RFE. I could have done it earlier, but waiting for the IRS transcript was too much. (whoever saying that you can not send the income tax you submitted to the IRS, is lying. they don’t know about transcripts)

*** Just FYI. at the NBC, there’s no officer checking the paper work. They hire a company and give them guidelines with the basic documents the case have to include before they send it to the field office. That’s when the Officer tells you if you are missing something or not.

March 15. received notification saying: Your case is ready to schedule for interview.

March 20. Call Service Center and did a Service Request for my EAD. 90+ from my original date.
March 23. Received letter of approval EAD
March 29. Received EAD on the mail.
March 31. Received Interview notice for May 02
May 02: Interview date. Not approved in the spot. Case was hold for review.
May 05: i-485 online status changed to “approved”
May 08: I-130 online status changed to “approved”
May 10: I-485 online status changed to “card was mailed”
May 10: Received both letters of approval.

The interview: It last for probably 15 min. i described my interview in a previews post. But never think you are over prepared. Every single piece of evidence you can take with you don’t hesitate to take it to the interview. even if you won’t be asked for. better have it in hand than been asked for something and not be able to provide. * Go to your local police and get a full background check, even if they don’t ask for it. ask relatives, friends for affidavit of marriage support, get your medical upgraded. old passports, put your whole life in a binder, so you won’t regret of not been able to provide evidence.

I've never thought to be able to adjust my status in the past, since same sex marriage was not legal. I've overstayed even knowing I wouldn't be able to adjust, but God is for everybody and he gave me this opportunity. I wish you the best to y'all.