u/FirstPrinciplesMind

Hey everyone, wanted to share a data point for those who are anxious about the new USCIS memo regarding adjustment of status only in “extraordinary circumstances.”

Not a single question was asked related to the new memo. At least our officer did not ask anything like:

•	“Why didn’t you apply from your home country?”  
•	“Why are you adjusting status instead of consular processing?”  
•	“What extraordinary circumstances apply to your case?”

What was actually asked:

The officer asked standard questions directly from the I-485 questionnaire:

•	Criminal history  
•	Prior deportations  
•	Drug trafficking  
•	Other standard questions

That was essentially it — very straightforward and professional.

Of course one data point doesn’t speak for everyone but hopefully it helps ease some anxiety for those with upcoming interviews.

Hey everyone, wanted to share a data point for those who are anxious about the new USCIS memo regarding adjustment of status only in “extraordinary circumstances.”

Not a single question was asked related to the new memo. At least our officer did not ask anything like:

• “Why didn’t you apply from your home country?”
• “Why are you adjusting status instead of consular processing?”
• “What extraordinary circumstances apply to your case?”

What was actually asked:

The officer asked standard questions directly from the I-485 questionnaire:

• Criminal history
• Prior deportations
• Drug trafficking
• Other standard eligibility questions

That was essentially it - very straightforward and professional.

Of course one data point doesn’t speak for everyone but hopefully it helps ease some anxiety for those with upcoming interviews.

Hey everyone, posting a quick update and looking for data points from the community.

Background:

•	EB-2 PERM ROW concurrent filing  
•	Primary applicant and child approved a few months ago  
•	Derivative spouse interview completed today at local field office  
•	Interview went very smoothly  -no issues

Today’s timeline:

•	Scheduled interview time  
•	First backend update \~40 minutes after start  
•	FTA1 event \~1 hour 48 minutes after scheduled time  
•	actionRequired changed from true to false shortly after FTA1

My questions:

1.	How long after your I-485 interview did you see the H008 approval event appear?  
2.	Was the approval same day or did it take longer?  
3.	Did you receive any verbal confirmation of approval at the interview itself?  
4.    Any other signals to watch for between FTA1 and H008?

Hey everyone, looking for data points from others in a similar situation.

Quick background:

•	EB-2 PERM ROW concurrent filing  
•	Primary + child approved April 2026  
•	Derivative spouse interview scheduled June 2026  
•	Marriage is almost 10 years old  
•	5 years of joint tax returns  
•	Spouse on E-2S dependent for 5+ years  
•	Children together including a US citizen child  
•	Clean case — no RFE, no criminal record  
•	EAD/AP already approved

Questions:

1.	Has anyone had a derivative spouse interviewed despite a long established marriage?  
2.	Do you know what triggered the interview?  
3.	What questions were asked and how long did it take?  
4.	Was decision given same day?  
5.	Any tips for preparation?

Any experience appreciated — trying to understand what to expect! 🙏

Hey everyone, looking for data points from others in a similar situation.

Quick background:

•	EB-2 PERM ROW concurrent filing  
•	Primary + child approved April 2026  
•	Derivative spouse interview scheduled June 2026  
•	Marriage is almost 10 years old  
•	5 years of joint tax returns  
•	Spouse on E-2S dependent for 5+ years  
•	Children together including a US citizen child  
•	Clean case — no RFE, no criminal record  
•	EAD/AP already approved

Questions:

1.	Has anyone had a derivative spouse interviewed despite a long established marriage?  
2.	Do you know what triggered the interview?  
3.	What questions were asked and how long did it take?  
4.	Was decision given same day?  
5.	Any tips for preparation?

Any experience appreciated — trying to understand what to expect! 🙏

Hey everyone, posting an update on our case and looking for advice from those who have been through a similar situation.
Background:
• EB-2 PERM ROW, concurrent filing
• Family: Primary applicant + spouse + child
• Filed: November 2025
• Biometrics: December 2025
• Interview: Waived for primary
• Primary and child I-485 approved: April 15, 2026
• Spouse EAD/AP combo card approved: March 2026
Current Situation:
After primary and child were approved on April 15, spouse contacted USCIS and two separate agents confirmed she has been placed in line for an interview with no timeframe given. No RFE has been issued, no reason for the interview has been communicated.
Actions Taken:
• Contacted attorney - attorney believes it may be a USCIS error or wrong advice from agent
• Submitted congressional inquiry
• Case has since been transferred to local field office
• Most recent backend API update appeared today (May 5)
Our Situation:
• 10 year marriage
• Joint tax returns filed together for 4 years
• Children together
• Spouse has been dependent on primary’s visa for 5+ years
• Spouse is currently employed as a medical professional
• No criminal record, no RFEs, completely clean case
My Questions:
1. Has anyone experienced a similar situation where derivative spouse was placed in interview queue while primary was approved without interview?
2. Do you know what triggered the interview request in your case?
3. Would you recommend proactively uploading marriage evidence (tax returns, joint accounts, photos, etc.) via the USCIS portal’s “Upload Unsolicited Evidence” feature before the interview notice arrives?
4. Did the interview eventually get waived after transfer to local FO?
5. How long after transfer to local FO did you receive an interview notice or approval?
6. Any general advice for navigating this situation?
Any data points or personal experience greatly appreciated — trying to understand what to expect and whether proactive evidence submission would help or hurt. 🙏