u/Its11thPlanet

AMC North Dekalb 16 is now temporarily closed (for about a week now) as they are currently remodeling the entire theater and going from 16 screens down to 11. No word on when it’ll reopen but this will be a big renovation due to it remaining at the new Lulah Hills development.

I wanted to share my timeline because reading everyone else’s posts helped me get through this process. Hopefully this helps someone who’s still waiting.

Background:
• Married to a U.S. citizen
• Entered the U.S. in 2000 on the Visa Waiver Program (WT) from Uruguay
• DACA recipient since 2013
• No Lawyer used

Concurrent filing (I-130, I-485, and I-765)

Field Office: Atlanta

This whole process was honestly a roller coaster.
Back in November 2025, my DACA renewal was taking much longer than normal. Since my current DACA was about to expire, I was incredibly stressed about losing my work authorization while my AOS was still pending. Thankfully it was eventually approved, but those few weeks were rough.

Then in May 2026, the USCIS memo regarding Visa Waiver entrants came out. Even though I was adjusting through marriage to a U.S. citizen, I still found myself doom-scrolling Reddit and worrying that somehow it would affect my case.

Timeline:

August 1, 2025

USCIS received my concurrent filing:

• I-130
• I-485
• I-765

December 9, 2025
Biometrics were reused.

December 18, 2025
Interview notice received.

January 23, 2026
Marriage-based interview.

The interview honestly couldn’t have gone any better. It was super quick and straightforward. The officer was incredibly nice, barely asked us any questions, and made us feel comfortable the whole time. She basically said she had everything she needed and, while she couldn’t officially approve us on the spot, it definitely felt like a verbal approval. She was just playing it safe and explained she had to finish everything on her end.
Right after the interview, both my I-130 and I-485 changed to “Case Is Being Actively Reviewed by USCIS.”

Then… nothing.

For months.

Honestly, I had completely forgotten about my I-765. It had been sitting on “Case Was Received” since August 1st with absolutely zero updates, so I assumed my green card would come before my work permit.

May 16, 2026
I-485 received an internal backend update.
My online account still showed “No action required.”

June 23, 2026
Completely out of nowhere, my I-765 was approved after almost 11 months of no movement. I definitely wasn’t expecting that.

June 26, 2026
Another backend update appeared on my I-130.

June 27, 2026
I-485 approved!
This surprised me because my I-130 still showed it was pending.

June 29, 2026
I-130 approved, officially completing my Adjustment of Status journey.

Total Timeline
Filed: August 1, 2025
Biometrics Reused: December 9, 2025
Interview Notice: December 18, 2025
Interview: January 23, 2026
I-765 Approved: June 23, 2026
I-485 Approved: June 27, 2026
I-130 Approved: June 29, 2026

Total processing time: Just under 11 months, with about 5 months between the interview and final approval.

The waiting after the interview was honestly the hardest part. Every backend update had me thinking, “This is it,” only for weeks to go by with nothing. I checked my USCIS account way more than I care to admit.

If you’re waiting after your interview, especially if it went well, don’t lose hope. I know it’s easier said than done because I was constantly overthinking, but sometimes USCIS is just… slow.

Happy to answer any questions if my timeline can help someone else.