Im adjusting my status from F-1 to F-2A and have a pending I-485 (AOS) with an EAD. Should I start working using my EAD?
My concern is that if I start working, I may lose my F-1 status. Since a pending I-485 does not itself give me lawful nonimmigrant status or maintain my F-1 status, I’m wondering whether I would still be allowed to remain in the U.S. while my I-485 is pending
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for advice from people who have experience with standalone I-130 / consular processing cases.
My I-130 was filed on December 30, 2022, and it has been pending for almost 4 years.
The beneficiary is outside the United States, so this is a consular processing case, not adjustment of status.
My case history shows:
I-130: Petition for Alien Relative
Receipt date: December 30, 2022
Current status: USCIS is currently processing the case
August 6, 2026: USCIS updated the case
I contacted USCIS after this update, and the USCIS representative told me that the case is being processed by the Houston Field Office (HOU).
The representative specifically stated:
“06-08-2026 Interview Requested.”
They also told me that nothing is needed or outstanding from me at this time.
Today is October 4, 2026, and I still haven’t received an interview appointment notice.
Since the beneficiary is outside the U.S., this will be a standalone I-130 interview, followed by the normal consular-processing/NVC process if the petition is approved.
I’m trying to understand:
How long does it normally take for a Houston Field Office standalone I-130 interview request to actually result in an appointment?