u/DetectiveRegular1072

My marriage-based green card case was denied on May 8, and I have already received the denial notice. However, I am currently on STEM OPT and still maintaining active F-1 status. I also have a pending VAWA application.
My lawyer told me there is little to no chance that I will receive a Notice to Appear (NTA) because I am still in valid student status, but I have been very worried and wanted to know if anyone has experienced something similar.
Has anyone here had a marriage-based case denied while still maintaining valid F-1/STEM OPT status and a pending VAWA case? Did you receive an NTA, or were you able to continue maintaining your status without issues?
I would really appreciate hearing from anyone with a similar experience. Thank you.

I wanted to share my experience so far for anyone else going through the VAWA process in 2026, especially those who might feel alone in this journey.

I filed my VAWA application through my law firm in April 2026. USCIS received my full package on April 13th, 2026, and today I finally received my receipt notice for all my applications.

One update that came with it is that my biometrics are being reused, which applies to my I-765 and I-130-related filings. From what I understand, USCIS often reuses biometrics when they already have them on file, so I’m taking that as a positive step that things are moving forward without needing another appointment right now.

I know this process can be long and emotionally draining, and the waiting period can feel uncertain. I’m trying to stay patient and grounded through it all.
Because of that, I also created a Discord channel for VAWA applicants filing in 2026. The goal is to build a small community where we can:
Share timelines and updates

Ask questions and learn from each other

Support each other emotionally through the process

Feel less alone while waiting on USCIS decisions

If you’re going through a similar journey and would like to connect with others, you’re welcome to join. I’ll drop the invite link in the comments.

https://discord.gg/zq5YJyUXU

We’re all in this for the long run, so having a space to talk and support each other might make the process a little easier to get through.

With everything going on in immigration right now, finding a good attorney who will truly represent your case can feel overwhelming and honestly discouraging at times. I went through that same stress trying to figure out who I could trust with something so important.

I was fortunate to come across Tenreiro Law Firm, and I genuinely feel grateful for the support I received from Attorney George, along with paralegals Isabella and Santiago.

From the beginning, they were very professional but also very approachable. What stood out to me most was how consistently they communicated with me. Anytime I reached out with questions or concerns, they responded and made sure I understood what was happening with my case. I never felt ignored or like I was “just another file.”

They also never dismissed my concerns as overthinking or stress. Instead, they actually listened, explained things clearly, and helped calm the uncertainty that naturally comes with immigration processes.

Another thing I appreciated was how seamless everything felt. The process is already complicated on its own, but they made it easier to navigate step by step without unnecessary confusion.

Overall, I’m really thankful I found them. If anyone is looking for an immigration law firm that is responsive, respectful, and actually treats you like a person not just a case number this was my experience with them.