Long-Pending Marriage-Based Green Card Recommended for Approval

We are pleased to share another significant milestone for one of our clients.

Case Timeline:

• 2016 – Entered the United States in J-1 status (subject to the two-year home residence requirement)
• 2019 – Entered the United States in F-1 status
• 2023 – Concurrently filed Forms I-130 and I-485, along with Forms I-765 and I-131
• 2023 – Form I-130 approved
• 2025 – Priority date became current for final action after an extended period of visa retrogression
• 2026 – USCIS issued a request for a new medical examination
• 2026 – Interview completed and case recommended for approval, pending completion of enhanced security vetting

More than 32 months after filing, this case is finally nearing the finish line.

While that timeline may sound extraordinary, a significant portion of the wait resulted from visa retrogression and the unavailability of an immigrant visa number. It was not the result of the USCIS actively adjudicating the case for nearly three years. In fact, USCIS generally does not count periods of visa unavailability when determining whether a case falls outside normal processing times. See (here).

At the conclusion of the interview today, the USCIS interviewing officer advised that she was recommending the case for approval and that the only identified remaining step before final adjudication is completion of the enhanced FBI security vetting procedures implemented on April 27, 2026.

Although the USCIS has stated that any resulting delays should be brief, many applicants and practitioners continue to experience post-interview delays while these enhanced security checks are completed.

Every case is unique, but we are grateful for the opportunity to help our clients navigate even the most complex and lengthy immigration journeys.

Facing Delays in Your Marriage-Based Green Card Case?

Navigating the immigration process can be challenging, especially when visa retrogression, lengthy processing times, or complex procedural issues arise.

If you would like assistance with your immigration matter, contact Lally Immigration today!

Disclaimer: This blog article is provided by Lally Immigration Services, LLC for informational and marketing purposes. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor does it establish an attorney-client relationship. No reader should act, or refrain from acting, on the basis of any information presented in this article, or elsewhere on this website, without seeking the advice of appropriate legal counsel, or other professional counsel, licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. Lally Immigration Services, LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability with respect to any actions taken, or not taken, based on any content of this article or website. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Last Reviewed/Updated: 06/11/2026