AOS from B-2 Visa

[jack0011 1]

Hello everyone. I'd appreciate any help regarding my case.

 

I had a pending immigration case (I-130) that got approved in August 2025. I fall under the "Unmarried Under 21 Son of U.S citizen category (IR-2)" as my dad is a USC.

In january 2026, I got B-2 visitor visa approved, and I came to the US for my mothers birthday (both my parents live here) with the intent of going back and continuing my case. Infact, I was going to the UK next as I had my UK visa and hotel bookings to visit some relatives. However, due to the 75 country immigration pause, after waiting for almost 3 months for any update regarding the pause, we decided that AOS might be the better option. I then filed I-485 along with I-765, and attached copy of I-130 ofcourse. I've already gotten my receipt notice (I-797C) for both forms.

 

I now have 2 concerns:

1. I'm 20, and my education has been affected alot as my case has been going on from almost 2019 (i havent added those details as they are irrelavent now). I really want to start my education back. Is the I-797c receipt notice enough to get admission in a community college and/or get a driving license? (im from virginia btw) This might seem like a stupid question, but a few people have told me to try, and even google says it is possible for both.

 

2. Will i have any trouble at the Green card interview? I shouldnt be worried because, well AOS is a completely legal process and you do get a legal period of authorized stay, but because of the recent political situation, it is making me a bit concerned.

 

And also if possible, if you are familiar with any case similiar to mine, please give me some approx timelines, as 95% cases i see online for AOS are either employment or marriage based, so I dont have any idea how long will my process take. 

 

Any help in any form would be really appreciated.

[Boiler 48,995]

Ask the Community College and DMV, some DMVs do some dont.

 

Not sure I would do this without a Lawyer, difficult to say as very fact specific. And this seems complicated I can think of no end of possible issues.

 

Interview timelines vary a lot by office so it depends. Many people now seem to get GC before EAD. I assume you did the medical.

[Fr8dog 600]

For Virginia DMV, the I-797C may not be enough (according to their own documents). And be advised that they issue a license with the same experation date as is given on the I-94 or other document you provide. Regardless be prepared for some push-back from them. They know a green card and that's about it.

[jack0011 1]

1 hour ago, Boiler said:

Not sure I would do this without a Lawyer, difficult to say as very fact specific. And this seems complicated I can think of no end of possible issues.

Thanks for the advice. I will look into this. I hope its not too late to still get a Lawyer or attorney involved, as I have already filed it myself.

1 hour ago, Boiler said:

 

Interview timelines vary a lot by office so it depends. Many people now seem to get GC before EAD. I assume you did the medical.

Yes I have completed the medical requirement and sent them the sealed document. The ideal situation would be to get the GC asap, but EAD will do for now so I can start working. Thanks

[Moda25 97]

From past experience, most schools will charge you as an international student without proof of permanent residency aka green card. So unless you are willing to pay, you may have to wait for your green card.

[TBoneTX 49,776]

Moda25 may well be right; however, it never hurts to confirm with the respective Admissions departments.  We rarely get what we don't ask for.

[jack0011 1]

1 hour ago, Moda25 said:

From past experience, most schools will charge you as an international student without proof of permanent residency aka green card. So unless you are willing to pay, you may have to wait for your green card.

Thanks for the reply. I actually don't mind paying international fees, I just need to get admission and resume my studies asap. Will be contacting them tomorrow, hopefully they let me enroll.

1 hour ago, TBoneTX said:

Moda25 may well be right; however, it never hurts to confirm with the respective Admissions departments.  We rarely get what we don't ask for.

Will do that this week, hoping for a positive response from them. Thankyou

[TBoneTX 49,776]

Keep us apprised of what happens.

[appleblossom 6,040]

I agree with @Boiler, I’d be getting a lawyer given the current climate. You’ve not said which country you’re from originally? If it’s a high fraud one a lawyer may be even more vital. 
 

The UK travel is useful in proving you didn’t intend to AoS but only if it wasn’t fully refundable. A cynical immi officer might think you’d booked hotels exactly for that reason!
 

Did you apply for the B visa before the pause was announced? That would be better proof than the UK plans IMO - again a cynical officer might think you’d applied for a B visa as soon as the pause was announced to circumvent it.