Hello all. I wanted to thank everyone that has posted on this forum, it has been very helpful. Thanks again mom for all your hard work.
Today I attended my interview and received notification this afternoon that a new card was ordered.
I applied at the Chicago Field Office, my number was AF15XXX. As I mentioned earlier, I had some delays initially with my documents, but all worked out at the end. Here is my entire experience (I will update the spreadsheet):
March 2018: submitted $330 fee
end of March 2018: received receipt of fee
April 2018: visa number was current
Jan- May 2018: Applied and followed up on original documents (birth certificate etc.)
June 2018: Medical Exam
end of June 2018: Received original documents from South Africa
7 July 2018: sent out application
20 July 2018: received notification of receipt of application via text and email
23 July 2018 received letter in mail (receipt of application to adjust status)
3 August 2018: received letter for biometrics scheduled for 8/16/18
7 August 2018: did a walk in appointment for biometrics
28 August 2018: received a call from a field officer at the Chicago Field office, he discussed urgency due to the September 30th deadline, he scheduled my appointment for 5 September 2018 (was also informed that my file was already at the field office and background check cleared)
29 August 2018: received password protected email from USCIS with a document containing my appointment date and time.
5 September 2018: Attended interview, received 2 text messages after interview 1 stated that the interview has been completed and needed to be reviewed, second one stated that a new card is ordered.
Interview experience: 05 September 2018 - I arrived at 09:30 AM for my 10:00AM appointment. I was checked in and was called in for the interview 5 minutes after being checked in. Interview was 30 min. My documents were reviewed, I was asked to submit my original birth certificate, passport, and drivers license or state ID. The field officer reviewed information about my studies and took interest in my dissertation topic - she spent some time inquiring about my research. She asked about 10 of the yes/no questions. I have previously been denied a student visa, the field officer inquired about the visa denial. I also withdrew my visa once due to financial issues, she asked about that. She told me everything looked good however she needed to review my case with her supervisor, and that if he approved or denied I will get notification by tomorrow latest. She also stressed that she was aware of the urgency of adjudicating the case due to the deadline. I received the first text about an update to my case at 10:30AM and the second one at 1:45PM stating a new card has been ordered.
Overall I was pleased with the people that I encountered at the field office in Chicago. Most impressive was the fast turn around time. the field officer was pleasant, she explained everything clearly, and was friendly enough to reduce my anxiousness. I am glad I followed this forum and knew that receiving a phone call from the field office was a possibility to schedule the appointment. Thanks again everyone!!! I am truly grateful!
PS. the field officer remarked on how thorough and organized my application packet was. Thanks mom for the spreadsheet tips and guidelines.