The university filed my I-140/I-485 (concurrently) petition based on outstanding researchers/professors
32 publications (15 first-author); 30 conference abstracts and 11 invited presentations at national and international meetings; A total of 132 citations from my first-authored papers; 8 recommendation letters (all from collaborators or previous employers);2 book chapters, served as reviewers for five journals and a USDA grant.
I heard the retrogression news on September 19; I was scared, and pushed my references to write me the testimonial letters, and send them to me through Fedex; I got 8 letters (and several still on the way) when the Office of International Education (OIE) gave the application package back to me, and I sent it out to TSC on Sept 28. Try to help others in a prompt way in your daily life, you can get quick help from others when you need it. If you think of others only at the time you need help, nobody will remember you at that time.
My I-140/I-485 was sent to TSC at Sept 28;
Delieved to TSC (signed by M.S.) at 5:27 am, Sept 30;
The checks for I-140 ($190)/I-485 ($385) were cahsed on 4 Oct.
On Oct 4, I check my status on website, then received following message:
For I-140
“Your I140 IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR ALIEN WORKER was received on October 3, 2005. We mailed you a receipt with information about processing. It is taking between 400 and 450 days for us to process this kind of case. We will mail you a decision as soon as processing is complete”.
For I-485
“Your I485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status was received on October 3, 2005. We mailed you a receipt with information about processing. It is taking between 850 and 900 days for us to process this kind of case. We will mail you a decision as soon as processing is complete”.
On Oct 10, I received the I-485 receipt (to my home address). The I-485 receipt indicated that (1) the received data was Sept 30 (not Oct. 3, very important information for me); the notice data was Octb. 3.
The I-485 receipt also indicated:
“if this receipt is for an I-90, I-485, or I-698 application, the next step is to have your biometrics take at USCIS application support Center. Call customer service at 1.800.375.5283 to schedule your appointment……”.
Because of the retrogression issue, it may take several years to get the visa number. Shall I schedule the finger print right now or wait for the further notice from USCIS?
On October 12:
Our Office of International Education (OIE) received the I-140 receipt, and the OIE send a copy to me. TheI-140 receipt indicated that (1) the received data was Sept 30; the notice data was Oct. 3.
On October 26:
I received email from TSC that my I-140 approved.
Detailed information from the website:
‘This case has been approved. On October 26, 2005, an approval notice was mailed. If 14 days have passed and you have not received this notice, you may wish to verify or update your address. To update your address, please call the National Customer Service Center at (800) 375-5283.’
On October 28: Hard copy of the I-140 approval received.
I do not know when the I-485 will be approved
Good luck to everyone, and also to me.