I am so lost.. (adjustment of status)

[ilovehowyouloveme 47]

Hey everyone, it feels like I'm reaching out from the bottom of a well - I really have no idea what's going on and any help would be appreciated.

 

My husband and I went through the k1 fiance visa process, I moved to the US in August 2017, we got married, filed everything for adjustment of status. I had my biometrics done in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin offices on November 14, 2017 - and since then I have heard nothing. Is this normal? How long does adjustment of status take? I called USCIS and they said that nothing is wrong with our case and that we're still in the normal "time frame" so I can't open a case number to track my specific case.

I also have not been able to work or get a driver's license since, and at age 24 this feels a little soul-crushing. Should I go ahead and file a separate work authorization permit (i765)? I desperately just want to be a fully functioning and productive citizen in this country.

Please help if you can! 

[RJandHamid 1,129]

Did you file for the EAD (I-765) with your initial AOS paperwork? The I-765 is currently taking around 3-5 months to process. 

 

The I-485 can take anywhere from 4-12+ months to process, depending on how busy your local office is. According to the USCIS processing times chart, Milwaukee is processing I-485 applications as of February 6, 2017, so you could have several more months of waiting before you hear anything regarding the I-485. 

[Ben&Zian 4,397]

Like above. Had you filed it originally with the I-485 you probably would have the AP/EAD card by now to work. If you file it now, unless expedited it will take another 3-4 months. GC is slowed a bit, so anywhere from 12-14 months it seems.

[ilovehowyouloveme 47]

AHhhh nooo, it seems like we didn't file it with the AOS which would mean that this is all on me. Ughhh.
What do you guys suggest I do now? Wait for my documents or file the i765 right away? 

[RJandHamid 1,129]

You can still file the I-765 (and I-131, Advanced Parole), for no charge if you provide a copy of the NOA1 documentation for the I-485. 

It might be worth it to you because it is difficult to predict when the I-485 will move forward, so if I were you I would still try to go for the I-765.