DV 2025 AOS (Adjustment of Status) Process Only

[ozzy123]

1. When exactly did you contact your congress person?
2. When was the last time you heard back from them?
3. What did they say?

Your background check clearance may still be pending, which will account for the delay in case adjudication if that were the case.

4. Did your IO confirm the status of your background check at the end of your interview?

1. Contacted Congress person on the 31st of July
2. I heard back from them on the 1st of August
3. They had "contacted USCIS seeking further information regarding this issue. We will notify you as soon as we receive a response"
4. No, they only mentioned that they would review the paperwork and that I should be hearing from them in a few weeks given the DV cutoff date (has been 1.5 months). Considering I had my biometrics in Dec, and most others on the timeline spreadsheet have had their cases approved within a week or two it seems why would the background check be taking so long?

 

[Sm1smom]

1. Contacted Congress person on the 31st of July
2. I heard back from them on the 1st of August
3. They had "contacted USCIS seeking further information regarding this issue. We will notify you as soon as we receive a response"
4. No, they only mentioned that they would review the paperwork and that I should be hearing from them in a few weeks given the DV cutoff date (has been 1.5 months). Considering I had my biometrics in Dec, and most others on the timeline spreadsheet have had their cases approved within a week or two it seems why would the background check be taking so long?

Okay, so it's not like you've had no response from your congressperson, they are basically waiting for your FO to get back to them. You can reach out to them again by the 18th to find out if they heard back from your FO.

Background check clearance varies from person A to person B. While one person's background check could clear within a day of the bio appointment being completed, it could take a year or a lot longer for another person. It all depends on what each individual's back entails, like if the person has visited certain countries such as Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, etc; or if the person's studies or work is TAL related. You can take a look at the FAQ tab of the AOS process spreadsheet to read more about the TAL list.

 

[T1mko]

Good afternoon!
Here is our situation: we won the Green Card lottery, submitted all the required documents on October 1. In October, USCIS automatically pulled my biometrics from their records, while my wife had an appointment for new biometrics. In February, we received a Request for Evidence regarding proof of our marriage. We provided everything requested in the letter, as we have been together for 10 years: photographs, affidavits from friends, joint bank accounts, bank statements, and other evidence. At the beginning of April, we sent our response, they received it — and since then, complete silence.

In our USCIS online account, there have been no updates; it still shows that they sent me a Request for Evidence. In October, both my wife and I had our biometrics taken. I am starting to get very concerned about this. There have been no updates in the account since February, and it has been more than 120 days since we submitted the RFE response without any reply or change in the case status. Our case number is 40**.

Could you please advise how we can resolve this situation now? Are there any options other than filing a mandamus lawsuit? Could sending physical letters, contacting congressmen, senators, or the ombudsman help, or even visiting a USCIS office in person?

 

[Sm1smom]

Good afternoon!
Here is our situation: we won the Green Card lottery, submitted all the required documents on October 1. In October, USCIS automatically pulled my biometrics from their records, while my wife had an appointment for new biometrics. In February, we received a Request for Evidence regarding proof of our marriage. We provided everything requested in the letter, as we have been together for 10 years: photographs, affidavits from friends, joint bank accounts, bank statements, and other evidence. At the beginning of April, we sent our response, they received it — and since then, complete silence.

In our USCIS online account, there have been no updates; it still shows that they sent me a Request for Evidence. In October, both my wife and I had our biometrics taken. I am starting to get very concerned about this. There have been no updates in the account since February, and it has been more than 120 days since we submitted the RFE response without any reply or change in the case status. Our case number is 40**.

Could you please advise how we can resolve this situation now? Are there any options other than filing a mandamus lawsuit? Could sending physical letters, contacting congressmen, senators, or the ombudsman help, or even visiting a USCIS office in person?

This is quite unusual. We need a bit more background information in order to a good understanding of what is going on and possibly better help you out. Please answer the following questions:

1. Who was the selectee, you or your wife?
2. Was the spouse included in the original eDV entry?
3. When you say you've been together for 10 years, do you mean you've been married for 10 years, or you've been together as an unmarried couple for ten years?
4. What was and is the current status of the selectee?
5. When did your CN become current?
6. Which FO has jurisdiction over your case?

 

[T1mko]

This is quite unusual. We need a bit more background information in order to a good understanding of what is going on and possibly better help you out. Please answer the following questions:

1. Who was the selectee, you or your wife?
2. Was the spouse included in the original eDV entry?
3. When you say you've been together for 10 years, do you mean you've been married for 10 years, or you've been together as an unmarried couple for ten years?
4. What was and is the current status of the selectee?
5. When did your CN become current?
6. Which FO has jurisdiction over your case?

1. Me
2. No
3. Together as an unmarried for 10 years.
4.now we married
5. My number is 40**, so October 2024z
6. Newark if i understand correct

 

[Sm1smom]

1. Me
2. No
3. Together as an unmarried for 10 years.
4.now we married
5. My number is 40**, so October 2024z
6. Newark if i understand correct

Now I understand why you received the RFE - it looks like you got married after your DV selection and before filing for AOS, is that correct?

My question 4 is not about your marital status. I was asking about your non-immigrant status in the US.

 

[Sm1smom]

Thank you.
Second criteria, on the Emergency situations that may grant grant an expedite request. I have unexpected need to travel outside the country, which works well for me now that I started off my summer holiday (I have no summer classes). I am torn between requesting a travel authorization, i.e can I fill out form I-131, or ask for an expedited adjudication of my case?

You’re with the Newark, NJ FO - have you had any update with your case?

 

[T1mko]

Now I understand why you received the RFE - it looks like you got married after your DV selection and before filing for AOS, is that correct?

My question 4 is not about your marital status. I was asking about your non-immigrant status in the US.

Yes, that is correct.
I came under Ukrainian humanitarian parole(u4u), now i have (u4u) and tps.

 

[Sm1smom]

Yes, that is correct.
I came under Ukrainian humanitarian parole(u4u), now i have (u4u) and tps.

I think a combination of getting married after your DV selection and your HP status are responsible for the delay you’re experiencing. Seems like your case was put under additional scrutiny due to the marriage (they’re trying to determine it isn’t a sham marriage); then there was the pause in adjudicating AOSers with humanitarian parole status.

You should reach out to your congress person to request assistance with case follow-up. They will be able to obtain a status update for you as a starting point.

p.s. can you add your case details to the 2025 Timeline spreadsheet?

 

[T1mko]

I think a combination of getting married after your DV selection and your HP status are responsible for the delay you’re experiencing. Seems like your case was put under additional scrutiny due to the marriage (they’re trying to determine it isn’t a sham marriage); then there was the pause in adjudicating AOSers with humanitarian parole status.

You should reach out to your congress person to request assistance with case follow-up. They will be able to obtain a status update for you as a starting point.

p.s. can you add your case details to the 2025 Timeline spreadsheet?

Could you provide a link for it?
I reply to rfe more than 120 days ago, case status didn’t update more than 180 days(Since they sent rfe). In my answer i proof our 10 years relationship with photo, documents, receipts, etc., i sent more then they need.
Today received email from them :

The DV cases are handled at the field office as all pending background checks are completed before the September 30thdeadline. The field offices do not have control of that process. Please direct further Inquiries to the USCIS Contact Center as there is no further information that can be shared about pending background checks.

 

[Sm1smom]

Could you provide a link for it?
I reply to rfe more than 120 days ago, case status didn’t update more than 180 days(Since they sent rfe). In my answer i proof our 10 years relationship with photo, documents, receipts, etc., i sent more then they need.
Today received email from them :

Take a look at the first post on page one of this thread for the link to the Timeline spreadsheet.

Who is/are the “them” that you received the email from?

By the way when responding to a RFE, quality of information, and not the quantity of information, is what matters. Sending more than necessary can sometimes backfire.

 

[ddilipaudel]

Hi everyone,

I received the DV Lottery for FY 2025 while living in the U.S. and have already filed my I-485 adjustment of status application. My case number is in the 5300s, and I completed my biometrics appointment around June 20, 2025.

For those who have gone through the DV adjustment process while residing in the U.S., how long does it typically take to receive either the interview notice or the green card approval after biometrics?

I am bit concerned as the deadline is approaching and I have not heard back from USCIS yet. Is there a way to request an expedited process (contact congressmen - if so how does it work)? My wife has an offer letter for a new job and we probably can argue for a loss of income.

Thank you for your help!

 

[Yousafzai]

Do i need to inform my university of my status change? I received my today

 

[Sm1smom]

Hi everyone,

I received the DV Lottery for FY 2025 while living in the U.S. and have already filed my I-485 adjustment of status application. My case number is in the 5300s, and I completed my biometrics appointment around June 20, 2025.

For those who have gone through the DV adjustment process while residing in the U.S., how long does it typically take to receive either the interview notice or the green card approval after biometrics?

I am bit concerned as the deadline is approaching and I have not heard back from USCIS yet. Is there a way to request an expedited process (contact congressmen - if so how does it work)? My wife has an offer letter for a new job and we probably can argue for a loss of income.

Thank you for your help!

1. When did your CN become current?
2. Which FO has jurisdiction over your case?

Your response to the above questions can help shed more light on your case.

A job offer letter will not necessarily lead to an expedited adjudication of the AOS application. Loss of income expedite criteria is for EAD approval and not the AOS application itself, as the EAD allows an applicant to undertake authorized employment and prevent presumed loss of income while the AOS application is pending.

p.s. do add your case details to the Timeline spreadsheet to give us better insight into your case.

 

[Sm1smom]

Do i need to inform my university of my status change? I received my today

Yes.

 

[ddilipaudel]

1. When did your CN become current?
2. Which FO has jurisdiction over your case?

Your response to the above questions can help shed more light on your case.

A job offer letter will not necessarily lead to an expedited adjudication of the AOS application. Loss of income expedite criteria is for EAD approval and not the AOS application itself, as the EAD allows an applicant to undertake authorized employment and prevent presumed loss of income while the AOS application is pending.

p.s. do add your case details to the Timeline spreadsheet to give us better insight into your case.

---

My case became current in May, and I submitted the application that same month. Biometrics were completed on June 17. I believe the case was processed through Kentucky.

It has now been almost two months since the biometrics. My wife and I applied together—she is my dependent—and we got married in March before submitting the application. I have not yet received any update regarding the interview.

Is this delay normal? I am from Nepal, and my case number is in the 5300s. Any insights would be appreciated. I would be thankful if you can advise on the next steps.

Sure, I will add timeline there

 

[Sm1smom]

---

My case became current in May, and I submitted the application that same month. Biometrics were completed on June 17. I believe the case was processed through Kentucky.

It has now been almost two months since the biometrics. My wife and I applied together—she is my dependent—and we got married in March before submitting the application. I have not yet received any update regarding the interview.

Is this delay normal? I am from Nepal, and my case number is in the 5300s. Any insights would be appreciated. I would be thankful if you can advise on the next steps.

Sure, I will add timeline there

I have no way of knowing if the delay is normal or not, since you don’t seem certain of the FO with jurisdiction over your application. Take a look at the FAQ tab of the AOS process spreadsheet for information on how to identify your FO. Add your case to the Timeline spreadsheet, then I will be in a better position to answer your question.

 

[ddilipaudel]

I have no way of knowing if the delay is normal or not, since you don’t seem certain of the FO with jurisdiction over your application. Take a look at the FAQ tab of the AOS process spreadsheet for information on how to identify your FO. Add your case to the Timeline spreadsheet, then I will be in a better position to answer your question.

My FO is Fairfax VA..I have updated the excel sheet

 

[T1mko]

I have no way of knowing if the delay is normal or not, since you don’t seem certain of the FO with jurisdiction over your application. Take a look at the FAQ tab of the AOS process spreadsheet for information on how to identify your FO. Add your case to the Timeline spreadsheet, then I will be in a better position to answer your question.

The last updates what I received that case in newark field office

 

[Sm1smom]

My FO is Fairfax VA..I have updated the excel sheet

Based on the limited information you added to the spreadsheet (you’re still missing quite a bit of pertinent information), it seems to me the delay you’re experiencing could be due to a pending background check clearance considering there’s a reported Fairfax, VA case filed in late June (CN current in July), bio completed in late July, which has already been adjudicated. There’s also a couple of other earlier Fairfax, VA cases that were adjudicated within 4 to 6 weeks of bio completion, so it is possible you could see an update in the next couple of days. The good news is your FO has been waiving the interview based on the reported cases that have been reported.

In terms of your next step, you could initiate a congressional case inquiry now, or wait until the end of this week to see if there’ll be an update before initiating the congressional case inquiry.