Adjustment of Status - I-485

From “I do” to “I hold” in less than seven months, and below $ 2,500.

The journey started with “I do”, the wedding, which took place January 1, 2017.
The journey ended with “I hold”, the green card, which arrived by mail July 22, 2017.
Total from wedding to green card in hand: 202 days.

Our priority date is January 10, 2017. Then, total from priority date to green card in hand: 193 days.

We did not use a lawyer, and adding what we spent in filing fees, document translations, doctor visits, lab tests, postage, passport photos, etc., the total amount ended up being just below $ 2,500.

In retrospect, the money is well spent, and the seven-month time frame is reasonable, particularly when halfway there is permission to work and travel.

Based on experiences posted in this forum, Hartford, Connecticut may not be the fastest processing USCIS local office, but it is certainly more expeditious than many other local offices around the country.

However, the waiting itself, whether short or long, is always difficult because of the constant uncertainty, the unguaranteed outcome, the ever-present possibility of an unforeseen setback, the unknown of what will happen next, or when it will happen, the being at the mercy of government and inspection officers…in essence…the lack of control…

So…with a sense of humor, our final reflection…the difference between immigration and race car driver Mario Andretti…
Mario Andretti once said: “If everything seems under control, you’re just not going fast enough”. Dealing with immigration, nothing is ever under control…and most of the time, you’re not even moving…

Once again…to all, our sincere gratitude….and to all, our best wishes!