Marriage-Based Green Card Success Story, Baltimore, MD FO (Approval in 3 months)

Our office recently assisted a couple with their marriage-based green card application. The husband was a U.S. citizen and the foreign spouse, residing in Maryland, was here on a student visa. We guided them through the entire process with careful preparation and attention to detail, ensuring that the case was error-free. The result: their green card was approved in only three months—with no Request for Evidence (RFE).

Case Timeline

• 06/12/2025 – Concurrent filing of I-485 (Adjustment of Status) & I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), along with I-765 (Work Authorization) and I-131 (Advance Parole).

• 06/20/2025 – Biometrics notice issued.

• 07/10/2025 – Biometrics appointment completed.

• 07/17/2025 – Combo card (work and travel permit) issued.

• 08/05/2025 – Interview notice issued.

• 09/11/2025 – Adjustment of Status interview completed / Baltimore, MD USCIS field office

• 09/12/2025 – Both I-130 and I-485 approved.

Important Note About Interviews

At the end of the interview, the clients received a standard paper notice stating that “your case is being held for review.” This is becoming more common, even in well-prepared cases.

In our client’s case, USCIS approved the case the very next day with no issues or delays.

For applicants, this is a reminder that if your case has been thoroughly prepared, a “case held for review” notice should not cause undue concern. It is simply part of USCIS’s internal review process. However, it might also mean a few weeks or months delay in the process, or lead to a second interview, RFE, or NOID.

In today’s immigration climate, where scrutiny is high and delays are common, achieving such a smooth approval is both remarkable and encouraging. We are so pleased to have helped our clients reach this important milestone in their lives.