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DV 2026 AOS (Adjustment of Status) Process Only

ern said:
Hi Mom, I am trying to update the 2026 AOS Timeline spreadsheet through Google forms, but my updates are not reflected in the spreadsheet - I am not sure if the issue is on my end.
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Did you hit the submit button?
 
ern said:
Yes, and every time I receive a confirmation that my edited response was recorded - but nothing in the spreadsheet changes.
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That’s interesting. I don’t see anything in the backend here either. I'm not sure what is going on, maybe try again, this time with a new form - fill everything anew.
 
Hello! How are u doing? I have a question: do you know whether people applying for AOS based on the DV lottery are still being placed in “AOS pending status” given the pause, or is it necessary to have another status throughout the process? I will start my OPT in May, and I wonder what happens if I don't find a job before the 90 days, but I already submitted my package before that happens. Thank you so much for your guidance!
 
DiversityVisa_26 said:
Hello! How are u doing? I have a question: do you know whether people applying for AOS based on the DV lottery are still being placed in “AOS pending status” given the pause, or is it necessary to have another status throughout the process? I will start my OPT in May, and I wonder what happens if I don't find a job before the 90 days, but I already submitted my package before that happens. Thank you so much for your guidance!
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1. Yes, adjudication of DV based AOS applications is currently still paused.
2. Maintaining a valid status while the application is pending is recommended.

p.s. number your questions when you have more than one per post to ensure appropriate response.
 
Hi @Sm1smom , I’m aware of the risks associated with early filing. If we proceed with early filing, would the denial come from the Lubbock office? If so, I assume it may be worth the risk of losing 2–3 weeks, along with the medical exam costs.
 
nepali said:
Hi @Sm1smom , I’m aware of the risks associated with early filing. If we proceed with early filing, would the denial come from the Lubbock office? If so, I assume it may be worth the risk of losing 2–3 weeks, along with the medical exam costs.
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There’s a difference between package rejection and case denial. Please take a look at the FAQ tab of the AOS process spreadsheet.
 
Hi everyone!

Quick question for those following the DV-2026 litigation efforts. I noticed there are now two different initiatives from Red Eagle Law and IMMpact.

In a recent YouTube live, Brit Simon (@Britsimon ) hosted one of the IMMpact's attorneys, who briefly mentioned they are suing only the Department of State's policy and intentionally left the USCIS memo out -- because AOS pauses may be better challenged individually (especially in certain districts like CA, MA, or PA).

Did anyone else catch that part? If so, how are you interpreting it, and which route are you planning to take (group case with Red Eagle Law vs waiting vs individual mandamus)? Trying to understand the strategy implications for AOS applicants in tougher jurisdictions. Thanks in advance.
 
pbtl2026 said:
Hi everyone!

Quick question for those following the DV-2026 litigation efforts. I noticed there are now two different initiatives from Red Eagle Law and IMMpact.

In a recent YouTube live, Brit Simon (@Britsimon ) hosted one of the IMMpact's attorneys, who briefly mentioned they are suing only the Department of State's policy and intentionally left the USCIS memo out -- because AOS pauses may be better challenged individually (especially in certain districts like CA, MA, or PA).

Did anyone else catch that part? If so, how are you interpreting it, and which route are you planning to take (group case with Red Eagle Law vs waiting vs individual mandamus)? Trying to understand the strategy implications for AOS applicants in tougher jurisdictions. Thanks in advance.
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I am personally thinking of joining Red Eagle Law for the AOS case. I have no idea yet about the individual mandamus you're mentioning about; we only have 7-8 months left, and waiting probably would be a waste of time IMO. Also, it seems like ImmpactLitigation is only targeting DOS for their lawsuit, so we only have Red Eagle as of now.
 
Dhak said:
I am personally thinking of joining Red Eagle Law for the AOS case. I have no idea yet about the individual mandamus you're mentioning about; we only have 7-8 months left, and waiting probably would be a waste of time IMO. Also, it seems like ImmpactLitigation is only targeting DOS for their lawsuit, so we only have Red Eagle as of now.
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Thank you. The individual mandamus means going solo in a separate lawsuit but it is filed in the district court of where you live. That is why the district is important (you can watch the video on BritSimon's youtube).
 
pbtl2026 said:
Thank you. The individual mandamus means going solo in a separate lawsuit but it is filed in the district court of where you live. That is why the district is important (you can watch the video on BritSimon's youtube).
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Just be aware of the fact that filing a mandamus in this case may not necessarily lead to an approval. Mandamus is used to force case adjudication one way or the other, and since there’s a government pause on DV based AOS applications, USCIS can simply go ahead and deny the application in order to close out the case.
 
Sm1smom said:
Just be aware of the fact that filing a mandamus in this case may not necessarily lead to an approval. Mandamus is used to force case adjudication one way or the other, and since there’s a government pause on DV based AOS applications, USCIS can simply go ahead and deny the application in order to close out the case.
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@Sm1smom considering Impact’s opinion that AOS may be more challenging to fight, and given USCIS can simply deny the application, does it follow that the likelihood of securing a DV visa now favors overseas embassy processing over AOS?
 
Sm1smom said:
Just be aware of the fact that filing a mandamus in this case may not necessarily lead to an approval. Mandamus is used to force case adjudication one way or the other, and since there’s a government pause on DV based AOS applications, USCIS can simply go ahead and deny the application in order to close out the case.
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one of the advantages of AOS vs CP is the possibility to appeal. if one's case is "clean", i suspect the agency would rush into a bad faith decision that can be easily disputed
 
pbtl2026 said:
one of the advantages of AOS vs CP is the possibility to appeal. if one's case is "clean", i suspect the agency would rush into a bad faith decision that can be easily disputed
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If USCIS claims the filed mandamus forced case adjudication while background check clearance was still pending led to the initial denial, this is not something that can be easily disputed.

Yes in general, there may be an option for filing a motion to reconsider if one can demonstrate their application was erroneously denied. However, the fact of the matter is that the MTR would still be filed with USCIS. If they’re determined to not approve the case, all they’ll need to do at that point would be to let the clock run out before making a decision on the MTR, since DV based cases can no longer be approved once the applicable FY is over.
 
Sm1smom said:
If USCIS claims the filed mandamus forced case adjudication while background check clearance was still pending led to the initial denial, this is not something that can be easily disputed.

Yes in general, there may be an option for filing a motion to reconsider if one can demonstrate their application was erroneously denied. However, the fact of the matter is that the MTR would still be filed with USCIS. If they’re determined to not approve the case, all they’ll need to do at that point would be to let the clock run out before making a decision on the MTR, since DV based cases can no longer be approved once the applicable FY is over.
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How is consular processing different from AOS? If USCIS can pull these levers to delay AOS, can consular processing apply the same tactics?
 
Sm1smom said:
If USCIS claims the filed mandamus forced case adjudication while background check clearance was still pending led to the initial denial, this is not something that can be easily disputed.

Yes in general, there may be an option for filing a motion to reconsider if one can demonstrate their application was erroneously denied. However, the fact of the matter is that the MTR would still be filed with USCIS. If they’re determined to not approve the case, all they’ll need to do at that point would be to let the clock run out before making a decision on the MTR, since DV based cases can no longer be approved once the applicable FY is over.
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thanks, that's very insightful.
do you think filing a FOIA, or even asking for a copy of the background check from the FBI, would provide more information on how solid/weak a case is?
 
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