July 2001, joined current company as H1- B;
Summer 2002, ask boss about green card sponsor. Told that company has to review you for a period of time. (unlucky, since my boss also had the same hard green card experience).
Winter 2003, Boss orally OKed my green card petition, but no further action.
March, 2004, HR receives notice from Boss and assigned the lawyer. Start paperwork.
August, 2004, paperwork done, start Advertisement.
Nov 12, 2004, RIR EB2 labor submitted to State Labor dept.
Mar 28 2005, RIR labor was transferred to Backlog center (PA).
Jan 2007, Labor is approved.
April 6, I-140 & I-485 concurrent filing.
Aug 03, I-140 RFE (lost former employment letter--- the one of China), RFE received Aug 15, 2007
Aug 20, 2007, I-140 approved. Received on Aug 27.
Aug 29, I-140 online status changed back to RFE received on 08/05. I-485 LUD RFE sent
Sep 11, Lawyer received RFE on I-140 after approval, asking: “Do you want to do A.O.S in the U.S. or go back to China?” Lawyer replied on Sep 11. --- Kind of rare RFE you will never get.
Sep 16, I-140 LUD RFE received.
Oct 9, called lawyer about the I-485 RFE (online status shows since 08/30), told that they never received it. Lawyer called CIS and also sent an inquiry letter.
Oct 19, I called CIS Customer service, told my case has been re-opened, and it will take 30 days to let the IO see it.
Oct 31, Card ordered for entire family. Checked with lawyer and they said NO RFE coming since Oct 9.
Nov 01, Welcome notice sent.
Nov 05, Approve notice sent.
Nov 07, Welcome notices received.
Nov 08, Green cards arrived for entire family.
Summary:
Lawyer sending inquiry letter is very useful. Phone call is not helpful.
Since I directly came from China as H1-B, so looks I don’t have very long background check.