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DV 2026 AOS (Adjustment of Status) Process Only

Hello,
I'm physically present in the US under h1b status. My case number is now current. How should I proceed given the current pause? Would it be wise to switch to consular processing and at least attend the interview in my home country and get a 221g issued ?
I haven't been following a lot recently so I might be missing information that already answers my question.
Thanks
 
Hello,
I was looking for the timeline sheet but I believe the link takes me to 2025 timeline. Does anyone have the link to 2026 timeline sheet?
Thanks
 
lamine123 said:
Hello,
I'm physically present in the US under h1b status. My case number is now current. How should I proceed given the current pause? Would it be wise to switch to consular processing and at least attend the interview in my home country and get a 221g issued ?
I haven't been following a lot recently so I might be missing information that already answers my question.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Can’t tell you which option to go with, you’ll need to decide on which one you think gives you the best chance.
 
Hi Mom, is paying the $330 DV processing fee a sign of immigrant intent? In the US on a non immigrant visa and my CN may become current in June/July. I am wondering if I can get ahead on getting the payment receipt by submitting payment now.
 
lowlbird said:
Hi Mom, is paying the $330 DV processing fee a sign of immigrant intent? In the US on a non immigrant visa and my CN may become current in June/July. I am wondering if I can get ahead on getting the payment receipt by submitting payment now.
Click to expand...
Yes, it is.
 
Hi Mom, I’m currently in the US and my number will be current in April based on latest visa bulletin. Right now, I’m on F-1 status and working under my first year of F-1 OPT, but my OPT expires in June. I'm considering to gather all documents and send my AOS package in April. I also want to apply for STEM OPT in March if I can. I’m not sure whether I need to maintain valid status throughout the entire AOS process or only at the time I file the application. Also, I’ve already paid the $330 DV processing fee and gotten 2NL, and now I’m worried that this could be seen as immigrant intent and potentially cause issues with my STEM OPT application.

1. Would you recommend applying for STEM OPT as a safety guard and to make sure I stay in valid status while waiting?
2. Could paying the DV processing fee be considered immigrant intent and negatively affect my STEM OPT application?
3. Do I need to maintain valid nonimmigrant status during the entire Adjustment of Status process, or only at the time of filing?
4. Do I need to mention about my STEM OPT application anywhere in my AOS package or are two processes separate?

Thank you so much! Appreciate all you do for us.
 
narna061 said:
Hi Mom, I’m currently in the US and my number will be current in April based on latest visa bulletin. Right now, I’m on F-1 status and working under my first year of F-1 OPT, but my OPT expires in June. I'm considering to gather all documents and send my AOS package in April. I also want to apply for STEM OPT in March if I can. I’m not sure whether I need to maintain valid status throughout the entire AOS process or only at the time I file the application. Also, I’ve already paid the $330 DV processing fee and gotten 2NL, and now I’m worried that this could be seen as immigrant intent and potentially cause issues with my STEM OPT application.

1. Would you recommend applying for STEM OPT as a safety guard and to make sure I stay in valid status while waiting?
2. Could paying the DV processing fee be considered immigrant intent and negatively affect my STEM OPT application?
3. Do I need to maintain valid nonimmigrant status during the entire Adjustment of Status process, or only at the time of filing?
4. Do I need to mention about my STEM OPT application anywhere in my AOS package or are two processes separate?

Thank you so much! Appreciate all you do for us.
Click to expand...
1 & 3. Yes apply for STEM OPT to ensure you have a fall back status as AOS approval is not guaranteed for any applicant. That is why it is important to maintain a valid status throughout the process.
2. The payment will not impact OPT approval.
4. Separate processes.
 
Hi @Sm1smom,

Thank you, as always, for your support.

I completed my master’s degree and then used my one-year OPT while working under my own LLC. My priority date is expected to become current in April. I have now enrolled in a doctoral program starting in March and will be back in F-1 student status.
Should I still include employment documentation from my OPT period, even though I am now in F-1 status and enrolled in school again?
Also, I understand that the flu shot is required during flu season (oct - March 31). If I submit my documents by April 1, will I still be required to obtain the flu vaccination?

Thank you again for your guidance.
 
KISS2025 said:
Hi @Sm1smom,

Thank you, as always, for your support.

I completed my master’s degree and then used my one-year OPT while working under my own LLC. My priority date is expected to become current in April. I have now enrolled in a doctoral program starting in March and will be back in F-1 student status.
Should I still include employment documentation from my OPT period, even though I am now in F-1 status and enrolled in school again?
Also, I understand that the flu shot is required during flu season (oct - March 31). If I submit my documents by April 1, will I still be required to obtain the flu vaccination?

Thank you again for your guidance.
Click to expand...
1. Please use your discretion in what you’ll be including with your AOS package.
2. It depends on when the medical exam was completed.
 
Thank you for your response @Sm1smom.

Are people currently being scheduled for interviews? Based on the spreadsheet, it seems that even some October cases have not yet received interview notices, while applicants with similar case numbers going through consular processing are already being invited to interviews.
 
KISS2025 said:
Thank you for your response @Sm1smom.

Are people currently being scheduled for interviews? Based on the spreadsheet, it seems that even some October cases have not yet received interview notices, while applicants with similar case numbers going through consular processing are already being invited to interviews.
Click to expand...
What you see on the Timeline spreadsheet is what is known/reported so far in this forum.
 
Hello,

Thank you for all the amazing information here. I really appreciate the help and would be grateful for some guidance.

My DV number became current in February, but I have not taken any steps yet because of the current pause. I am a student in the U.S. on a J-1 visa, and my wife is here with me on a J-2 visa.

I am trying to think through the most sensible next steps and have a few questions:
1. If I submit everything now (pay the $330 DV fee, complete the medical exams, and file the I-485), but the government does not lift the pause and the case ultimately cannot be processed, how could that affect my future J-1 plans? For context, if I need to extend my J-1 status (either to continue my studies or for Academic Training), that would likely be in 2027, so after we know the outcome of the DV case. Could the fact that I filed for adjustment of status, but it was not approved due to the pause, negatively affect a future J-1 visa renewal or Academic Training authorization?
2. If I submit the full package now despite the pause, what would actually happen procedurally? At what stage would the case likely stop moving, and how would I know? Would USCIS issue receipts and then simply hold the case, or would it be rejected or denied?
3. Given the current uncertainty, do you have any general recommendations on best next steps? Would it be wiser to submit now to get into the system, or to wait until (and if) the pause is lifted? I understand that nothing is guaranteed and that each situation is different, but any general guidance or intuition would be very helpful.

Thank you again for your time and advice.
 
Hi Mom. I previously (9 years ago) held a J-1 visa and since leaving the US on that status, I have lived in my home country on and off for more than two years total. I am currently in the US. I noticed in the spreadsheet that I need to provide my DS-2019 form and proof that I fulfilled the two-year foreign residency requirement - 212(e), which also applied to me. I have a few questions:

1. Do shorter stays (some of them 7-8 months, some a few weeks) count toward the two-year HRR?
2. What type of documentation is acceptable to prove that I have accumulated more than two years of physical presence in my home country? Would a timeline chart of dates along with passport entry and exit stamps be sufficient?
3. I can't find my DS-2019 form :( Would providing a copy of my previous J-1 visa (which indicates that the two-year HRR applies) be sufficient in your opinion?
4. If not, what is the best way to retrieve a copy of the DS-2019? I have read that DOS FOIA requests can take several months.

Thank you!
 
jondjon said:
Hello,

Thank you for all the amazing information here. I really appreciate the help and would be grateful for some guidance.

My DV number became current in February, but I have not taken any steps yet because of the current pause. I am a student in the U.S. on a J-1 visa, and my wife is here with me on a J-2 visa.

I am trying to think through the most sensible next steps and have a few questions:
1. If I submit everything now (pay the $330 DV fee, complete the medical exams, and file the I-485), but the government does not lift the pause and the case ultimately cannot be processed, how could that affect my future J-1 plans? For context, if I need to extend my J-1 status (either to continue my studies or for Academic Training), that would likely be in 2027, so after we know the outcome of the DV case. Could the fact that I filed for adjustment of status, but it was not approved due to the pause, negatively affect a future J-1 visa renewal or Academic Training authorization?
2. If I submit the full package now despite the pause, what would actually happen procedurally? At what stage would the case likely stop moving, and how would I know? Would USCIS issue receipts and then simply hold the case, or would it be rejected or denied?
3. Given the current uncertainty, do you have any general recommendations on best next steps? Would it be wiser to submit now to get into the system, or to wait until (and if) the pause is lifted? I understand that nothing is guaranteed and that each situation is different, but any general guidance or intuition would be very helpful.

Thank you again for your time and advice.
Click to expand...
1. A demonstrated immigrant intent (regardless of the reason for the GC application denial) can negatively impact the approval of a non-dual intent NIV. No impact to approval of academic training based on existing J1 status.
2. Package gets accepted, you complete bio appointment, case processing gets paused at that point; or could get interviewed and case adjudication gets paused at that point.
3. Sorry, I don’t have any recommendations. Personal decision you’ll have to make.
 
narna061 said:
Hi Mom. I previously (9 years ago) held a J-1 visa and since leaving the US on that status, I have lived in my home country on and off for more than two years total. I am currently in the US. I noticed in the spreadsheet that I need to provide my DS-2019 form and proof that I fulfilled the two-year foreign residency requirement - 212(e), which also applied to me. I have a few questions:

1. Do shorter stays (some of them 7-8 months, some a few weeks) count toward the two-year HRR?
2. What type of documentation is acceptable to prove that I have accumulated more than two years of physical presence in my home country? Would a timeline chart of dates along with passport entry and exit stamps be sufficient?
3. I can't find my DS-2019 form :( Would providing a copy of my previous J-1 visa (which indicates that the two-year HRR applies) be sufficient in your opinion?
4. If not, what is the best way to retrieve a copy of the DS-2019? I have read that DOS FOIA requests can take several months.

Thank you!
Click to expand...
1. Yes.
2. Yes.
3. Yes.
4. No big deal if you no longer have your DS2019.
 
Hi,
I might be a bit confused, but the ones who want to do AOS and participate in the ongoing lawsuit only have the option with Red Eagle, as ImmpactLitigation is not targeting USCIS; nothing's been mentioned on their website either.

Need help here ??
 
Sm1smom said:
1. A demonstrated immigrant intent (regardless of the reason for the GC application denial) can negatively impact the approval of a non-dual intent NIV. No impact to approval of academic training based on existing J1 status.
2. Package gets accepted, you complete bio appointment, case processing gets paused at that point; or could get interviewed and case adjudication gets paused at that point.
3. Sorry, I don’t have any recommendations. Personal decision you’ll have to make.
Click to expand...
Thank you!
Quick follow-up on question (1):

If I need to extend my J-1 and obtain a new visa stamp (for example, if I have not yet finished my studies), or if I am on Academic Training after graduation and want to travel internationally, would applying for a new visa stamp be treated as a completely new visa application? In that case, could the prior green card filing create an issue? Or is it viewed more as a continuation of my existing J-1 program with the same university, such that the prior DV adjustment filing would not significantly affect it?

(2) Statistically speaking, in situations like this, how common is it for a new nonimmigrant visa to be denied because the applicant previously initiated a green card process? I understand that it depends on the embassy and the individual officer, but in general are denials relatively common, or are most cases still approved? I am just trying to better understand the level of risk in order to make an informed decision.

Thank you again for any insight you can share.
 
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