My cortisol and anxiety levels are killing me. My GC expired on 07/21/26. I submitted on 04/06/26, got my 48 months extension 2 weeks after and did biometrics on 05/12/26. I have a trip planned to my country for 4 days cause a wedding. I submitted the following:

-Joint Taxes since 2024

- Amex CC bills

-Joint Checking Acocunt

-Pictures on trips with both of our families

-Car loan

-Car insurance

-He (US citizen) legally changed his name and took mine (Beneficiary) submitted his new US passport showing my latino last name 🤣

-ATT joint bill since 2022

-Car registration

-State IDs with same address

I submitted without a lawyer

There are dozens of websites, dozens of apps. i'm sure they are all helpful, some more some less.
Given this subreddit has a lot of folks who have passed the test and got their citizenship successfully, I'm asking what is the ONE best resource you guys used to memorize all 100 (now 128) questions?

I filed my I-485 and I-130 in July 2025. I completed my biometrics and then waited, hoping that a decision would be made soon.

I did not initially apply for Advance Parole because I thought I could wait for my green card decision. However, after more than a year without a decision, I needed to travel urgently to the UK, so I decided to apply.

While reading posts on Reddit, I learned that you could request Emergency Advance Parole shortly before your intended travel date. I also came across a post from someone who had been asked why they had not first applied through the normal Advance Parole process.

Based on that person’s advice, I decided to submit a regular I-131 application before requesting emergency processing.

Here was my timeline:

July 15: I submitted Form I-131 online by myself. I uploaded all my supporting documents, including letters from the clinic in London connected to the reason for my urgent travel.
USCIS initially scheduled my biometrics appointment for approximately four weeks later. However, I went online and rescheduled it for an earlier available date.
Within one week of applying: I attended my biometrics appointment.

August 10: Ten days before my intended travel, I called USCIS to request Emergency Advance Parole. The representative asked whether I had already submitted an I-131 application. I confirmed that I had, and she told me someone would contact me within 72 hours.

August 12: Before receiving the emergency appointment call, I received a notification that my regular Advance Parole application had been approved and that the document was being mailed.

August 13: USCIS called me regarding my Emergency Advance Parole request. I explained that my regular application had already been approved, so I no longer needed the emergency appointment.

That is how my Advance Parole was approved in less than one month—from July 15 to August 12.

I understand that every USCIS case is different, so I cannot say that following these steps will produce the same result for everyone. I am simply sharing exactly what happened in my case in case it helps someone else.

I am also a Christian, and I prayed throughout the process. I do not take the speed of the approval for granted, and I give God all the glory.

I will make a separate post explaining my experience travelling with and returning to the United States using Advance Parole after the major August 13 announcement.

Know that there’s been a million of these questions but curious to hear the latest thoughts and experiences. Planning a trip to Colorado in December with a 2 year conditional GC expired in 2024. I have the extension notice valid for another 2 years. Any issues flying under these circumstances? Would you still recommend not doing it unless necessary?

Hello, I need advice.

It's difficult for me to admit, but I'll keep this brief and direct. How can I confirm if my I-571 was received and check its status, considering my multiple withdrawals from my spouse?

* I am a U.S. citizen who married my partner through a K-1 visa; there's an 18-year age difference, and I am older. He came to the U.S. in 2016, and we married within 90 days.

* I withdrew from our joint application after five years due to infidelity, abandonment, abuse, faith-based misrepresentation, and family issues related to excessive spending on my family in Haiti.

* The withdrawal left him without status from 2023 to 2025. I refiled in late 2024, hoping he would change, but he didn't, so I withdrew again in late 2025, providing additional evidence like recordings and friend messages.

* After my withdrawal, he became abusive, making threats. He refused to leave me or the house, prompting me to seek an Order of Protection last year out of fear that he might harm me, especially after we withdrew the joint application and faced potential fraud allegations. I was removed from the house over a year ago after filing for the protection order.

* He violated the protection order twice late last year and was arraigned, but no charges were filed—though the case is sealed, and I'm unsure if USCIS knows.

* Last month, during our family court trial, he agreed to extend the final order of protection for another year based on the evidence.

* He works in healthcare at a hospital, which could affect his employment. I had to provide a copy of the order of protection because we share doctors due to previous surgeries.

* I filed separately but marked our 2025 tax returns as married, removed myself from joint bank accounts, vehicle and life insurance policies, and updated mailing information—though he still receives mail at my address.

* Just before the family court trial last month, I was served with divorce papers and am awaiting his response through his attorney.

* We have no shared assets, homes, or children.

* His Form I-751 with USCIS has been pending since late 2024, with no indication of withdrawal or confirmation, either online or by mail. His current visa is valid until December 2026.

I have submitted all relevant evidence, including claims of fraud, abuse, infidelity, and marriage misrepresentation, along with proof of my separate filing, removal from joint accounts and policies, and a new address for over a year. It’s likely USCIS isn't aware of my actions since he hasn't updated his address or requested mail forwarding.

Due to the protection order, he is ordered to stay away from me for another year—apologies are not an option.

What steps should I take next to confirm that USCIS has received and accepted my withdrawal? I have requested to join any interview if needed to provide more evidence.

I have also contacted the DOJ and USCIS fraud departments via email and mail.

Hi everyone! It’s almost been a month since my marriage-based interview, but my account still says "interview scheduled"—nothing has changed. Has anyone else experienced this? It feels like we’ve been forgotten 😄

Hi,

Does anyone know if they are doing ESTA approvals today despite the federal holiday? Our flight is tomorrow morning and we haven't received ESTA yet.

I'd like to know if anyone is still waiting for an interview.

May 28, 2026 - Package shipped

June 12, 2026 - letter, RFE and biometric scheduled

June 23, 2026 - RFE answered

July 2, 2026 - biometrics done

This is my timeline if you want to share yours.

Hi,

I have the NTA master hearing coming up in 10 days. Pending asylum active, entered on J1 in 2023 and filled within the first year.

What I want to “check” in case someone might have had a similar path is this:

1. I got an attorney who will show up for me, so some risks are covered.

2. Attorney advice me to get my employer to file the EB-3 like tomorrow (despite, yes, the long time for that to process step by step) but he says he wants to have something like that as a solid argument to fight against removal proceedings. (Yes, nothing guaranteed anyway) - employer is happy to assist tho’

3. Can such move actually be in my favor despite being done like this or is just the attorney trying to make us much money possible with us? (Me and my employer)

Because now, the attorney also straight up mentioned the choice of voluntary departure if the judge’s point of view on this will be “ok go wait in your country for your EB-3 to process”. But considering my overstay and asylum application, is there an actual chance for the employment sponsorship to eventually succeed if I wait outside the US?

And finally, let’s say we do these moves, and open a case of Employment based on top of the Asylum, after this Master Hearing, to buy more time, what if I get married in a couple months with already these 2 other things open? My profile will look like a fucking Christmas Tree.

I know, I timed things very poorly, but I am asking openly and shamelessly cause I have everything to lose and I gotta try everything before giving up, so mocking/sarcastic comments won’t do anything.

Thanks!

My American fiancé got a job offer to teach in Taiwan. Our plan is to get legally married in the Philippines before he starts the job. He'll go to Taiwan and establish his job and residency, while I stay in the Philippines to finish my existing commitments. Once I can legally join him as his spouse, I'll apply to live there with him. At the same time, we'll process my U.S. spouse visa. Taiwan is temporary. We plan to move to the U.S. together once immigration approves.

For anyone who has done this, what part of the process surprised you or caused the biggest delay?

Is there any problem with my U.S.-citizen husband petitioning for my spouse visa while he temporarily lives and works in Taiwan?
For couples who processed a spouse visa while both spouses lived in a third country, what did you use as evidence of intent to re-establish U.S. domicile?
Could his Taiwan teaching income count toward the I-864 if that employment will end when we move to the U.S., or should we plan around assets/a joint sponsor/U.S.-based employment instead?
Best or most likely interview location?

Can our friend safely join us on a trip to Hawaii? She has a valid C09 work permit, a pending I-485, and a REAL ID. I honestly don’t know what any of that means, but she asked me to check around and make sure she’d be okay traveling to Hawaii and back.

Hello!

sharing my timeline here to see if anyone else is in the same boat.

PD: 5/18/26 (Chicago Lockbox)
Receipt Notice: 5/20/26
Biometrics: 6/11/26
Silent Case Update: 6/16/26

Waiting ever since for scheduling of interview. Asked multiple agents and they all said that the case is at NBC and there is nothing pending / RFEs from our end.

Filed i-130 + i-765 + i-131 + i-485 concurrently.

Anyone with a similar timeline in the same boat? Is it unusual to not receive an interview notice even after almost 2 months post biometrics?

Any info would help, thank you!!

After I passed the civics test, the officer asked for my 2025 tax return. I explained that I had paid my 2025 estimated taxes by April 15, obtained a valid extension, and would file by October 15 because my final schedule K-1's for investor partnerships gets issued in august/September. I provided my IRS account transcript, payment records, extension documentation, prior tax returns, and IRS tax compliance report.

The officer appeared unfamiliar with tax extensions and questioned how I could pay taxes without filing by April 15. The supervisor was also unsure about the extension and asked me to provide a written explanation. The officer ultimately said I passed the test but would receive a letter.

I have now received an RFIE asking for an IRS-signed tax payment plan and an explanation for why I have not filed my “2026” tax return. I received my final 2025 K-1's and have already filed my 2025 tax return and got refund.

Along with 2025 tax return transcript and explanation of 2026 tax due in april 2027 and also explanation of why I had to apply extension and now filed after receiving final K-1's.

do you think I should add any other documents along with these ?

also do I have to upload RFE/Cover letter too if I am uploading response online ?

was anyone in this situation and got approved ?

Has anyone here from Haiti filed for asylum based on their sexual orientation? I came to the U.S. as a child after the 2010 earthquake and have had TPS for many years. Because of the uncertainty surrounding Haiti TPS, I spoke with my attorney and filed for asylum as a gay man. My application includes evidence explaining why I fear persecution if I return to Haiti.

I already have legal representation, so I am not seeking legal advice. I am only hoping to hear from Haitians who have had a similar case. Was your case approved, denied, or still pending, and what was your experience with the process?

“USCIS can now require electronic filing form by form, but the Aug. 11 rule imposed no mandate itself. A form must have been offered electronically for at least 180 days, and USCIS must publish 60 days' notice before making it mandatory.”

Got my asylum approved about a month ago!

My lawyer is telling me we should wait another five months before applying for my green card.
Her reasoning is that if USCIS opens my file before I hit that full one-year physical presence mark, it could trigger a denial or throw me right back into a massive backlog, making the wait even longer.

I’m really torn on what to do. I know people who waited the full year, filed, and got their green cards smoothly. But I also know people who filed early or right at the mark and have been stuck waiting for over two years now.

I’m super conflicted and not sure which route is actually the safest or fastest.

Would love to hear your experiences - what did you do, and how did it turn out for you?

it was a common thing for checks to be done this way. Will something like a biennial statement be a good way to establish that the company operated in the 2000s and in turn prove physical presence on December? The paystubs provide a timeline from 2000-2004, there’s one that even has a pay period ending: December 22, 2000.

Edit: this is for adjustment of status under section 245(i)

Hi, I’ve seen many people who did congressional inquiry after the interview and were successful. In my case I’m still waiting for an interview to be scheduled. I’m preparing to do the inquiry in the near future, and I’m just wondering does anybody do it also because they can’t get an interview? if so, what kind of evidence do people provide to convince the congress person?

Financially we are okay, and no big medical emergency, or any other significant difficulties. It’s just the long wait that has been hard on our mental health, the only thing we have is the therapy records. And I guess also fear of losing jobs due to an unstable industry.

Since learning about how absurd the whole process is, we just feel so helpless and depressed. We hope the best for everyone who has to go through this process. We are sorry, and we feel you.

Any info is helpful, thank you!

* AOS married to usc

Hi everyone. I’m looking for people with a similar immigration history because I haven’t found many cases like mine, especially Venezuelans processed through the Nashville Field Office.

My timeline:
Feb. 2023: Entered through CBP One, inspected and paroled (DT parole).
I was placed in immigration court proceedings, which were dismissed without prejudice on Feb. 2024.
I previously had TPS and currently have a pending affirmative asylum case with USCIS.
March 30, 2025: Married my U.S. citizen husband.
October 2025: Filed I-130, I-485 and I-765 concurrently. Biometrics were reused.
My case was later affected by the USCIS pause/review involving Venezuelans.
July 2026: We had our I-130/I-485 interview at the Nashville FO. We were not separated, and the officer reviewed both the I-130 and I-485.
No RFE or NOID after the interview.
As of today, I-130, I-485 AND I-765 are all still pending with no decision.
API / silent activity:
I-130: API activity before/around the interview → FJ internal activity updated Aug. 31 → still pending.
I-485: FTA0 around the interview → additional post-interview activity → another FTA0 created/updated Aug. 31 → still pending.
I-765: Filed Oct. 2025 → biometrics reused → still pending with no EAD approval.

The Aug. 31 activity on both the I-130 and I-485 did not produce any visible status change in my USCIS account. I know API codes/silent updates don’t necessarily mean approval, but I’m including them in case someone has seen a similar pattern.
At this point, my applications have been pending for almost 11 months, and it has been almost 2 months since the interview, with all three forms still pending.

Has anyone had a similar case — especially Venezuelan, CBP One/DT parole, dismissed court proceedings, asylum/TPS history, or Nashville FO?
How long after your interview were you approved? Did you see similar API activity? And would you keep waiting at this point, or start with a service request/congressional inquiry or another action?

Thank you!

Does anyone have experience with online filing for spouse how long does it take

Our priority date is 04/24/2026

Interview was 07/16/2026

I-130 approved on the spot and I-485 stayed pending because the civil surgeon made a mistake (literally the only reason why I didn’t get approved on the spot for both a month ago) and a page from the form was missing. The officer requested a new copy to be sent directly to her office instead of a processing center which we sent by 07/28/2026 because the doctor was on vacation (how dare he delay my process even more) and they didn’t seem to receive until 09/01/2026, so about a 35 days from the moment I mailed the RFE to the moment they notified received.

On Sept, 04 I was watching a video of a girl who was telling her story about how she got kicked out of the country basically and that made me feel the urge to go check, surprise was that the I-485 was finally approved 3 days ago and I didn’t get notified lol, at first I thought it was just the I-130 that’s been approved for over a month but looked again to make sure my eyes were not deceiving me, I never planned on living here permanently but found love and now get to live a normal life with my amor.

I need a joint sponsor so my husband’s cousin is helping us with that. He made 180K last year and will be making 210K this year. His wife made 39K last year and is currently unemployed. We do not need her income but since they fill taxes together do I still need her to fill the 864A and add her income in her husband’s 864? A lot of people say we need her authorization since they fill taxes together. Please help I’m very confused and have no guidance with this. We received and RFE and want to send everything right