I-485 approved - 5months- with RFE- and tough interview- Dallas FO - loss of H1b status
My I485 was approved on July 3rd !! here's the timelines.
Married to US spouse - Mid December
Sent application - 21st Jan
Application received - 29th Jan
Receipt notice - 13th Feb
Received RFE - 9th April ~ some docs weren't scanned properly
Responded to RFE - 10th April
Biometrics scheduled - 11th April
Biometrics - 30th April
Interview scheduled - 28th April
Our cat died - 1st July
Interview - 2nd July
I485 approval - 3rd July
The interview as at 8:45 am on July 2nd, the officer was friendly, but was quick to get into the details, we messed up a few dates, but nothing was serious. I was on H1b earlier which expired late Jan due to layoff, and I covered that gap by applying for a b2 visa, asked about previous citations, I had one which was missing license plate.
The officer asked for updated joint bank account statements, and joint tax return, we didn't have it at that time (cause our lawyer forgot to bring it). The officer told us to upload it after we reach home, along with some co-habitation pics. I posted all the pics again, along with the requested docs and additionally I uploaded joint insurance docs.
Due to the memo, I got 10 affidavits for my character support, and a police clearance certificate ~ initially we submitted 4 letters to support our marriage. We also have a house together.
What I learned - the officers may not go through all of your docs thoroughly, its best to carry all of your docs that you submitted initially, along with supplemental information.
Personal life- I lost count of the recruiters who reached out to me for a job but wouldn't proceed due to my h1b status. Been unemployed for 7 months now, thankfully I hand finances to cover our expenses including the house mortgage. But we did talk about selling the house if things didn't go as planned. Can finally resume my job search with will full force, hopefully I get my card soon.
It wasn't tough, but not easy either - daily meditation, gaming, and cooking for my wife helped me stay sane.
We miss our cat- but our other pets are happy and healthy with with us.