Hi All,
a massive update on my very problematic case. As you know, my case was at a total standstill. I tried everything to push it forward from congressional inquiries, inquiries to two senators, USCIS tier-2 call back, USCIS request to expedite, ombudsman inquiry, etc.
On Friday I received a private note from someone on this forum that explained they were in a similar situation two years ago and found an immigration attorney to contact a senior member of the USCIS Albany FO directly to track down the status of the case.
Being so close to the deadline, I felt it necessary to take the same steps (after all, nothing to lose). I called around 15 immigration lawyers asking for a quick 5-minute consultation. One attorney from the city noted that he had an interview for another client on Monday (today) and that after the interview he would try and get a word in with the supervisor to check on my case. We actually ended up meeting at USCIS Manhattan FO on Friday last week around 3:30pm but they wouldn't let us in without an appointment and all the supervisors had already gone home.
I then decided to join him at 9am this morning - just felt like the best thing to do and was reluctant to leave it up to someone else to fight for me given how passionate I am about this. We arrived at USCIS and were able to skip the queue without an appointment as he had an attorney card. I had my I-485 Receipt notice, my biometrics notice, my passport, and birth certificate. We then made it up to the floor of the Manhattan FO and walked straight up to the counter. He had a letter prepped and explained that I was a DV winner with 15 days to get a GC and that he thought my case had fallen through the cracks. She looked up the number and concluded that my application was in fact at the Manhattan FO (phew).
She then had us take a seat and wait while she spoke to someone. After around 10 mins she came back to ask if I was ready to interview TODAY. I of course said yes, even without the appropriate documentation (once-in-a-lifetime opportunity). After another two hours, I got called into the interview. I had a lovely lady. She asked about my home country, my current non-immigrant visa, what I did for work, some questions on a previous J1 visa, and then went through various questions relating to the I-485 form. Criminal record, etc.
She asked if I had my taxes and a letter of support from my employer, I said yes in my application but apologised for not bringing another copy due to the last-minute interview. She said it was fine and found it in the stack of paper. We spoke about my work which she took an interest in, a bit about her own living situation in new york (small talk really). After about 20 mins she said I was good to go. I asked her what that meant, and if I was approved and she said yes all approved and you'll get the green card in the mail in around 3 weeks.
My case status changed to
Card is being Processed around 1 hour after I left. I know it's not the end until I have that card in my hand, but I think it's looking good. I will say, though it cost me to get an immigration lawyer, I think it was the right decision being so close to the cut-off date.
I want to thank everyone here from the bottom of my heart for providing recommendations and bringing positive thoughts! It's corny, but true - if you want something bad enough don't give up. There's always a way. Hope this works out and I get the card in the mail soon!
Will continue to pay it forward on this platform in the future and update my timeline accordingly.
again, not the end, but THANKS!
