Free US immigration self-help guides, example forms, community discussion, case tracking & estimated approval dates!

Hello everyone,

I was active on this forum a few years ago while preparing my own VAWA case. Like many here, I had to navigate the process carefully, gather supporting evidence, and learn how to present my case as clearly as possible. At the time, I could not afford an attorney and had to rely on personal research and guidance from the VisaJourney community. I remain deeply grateful for the support and information I found here.

My VAWA petition was approved in 2019, and I received my green card in 2020.

Since then, I have completed my medical training and now practice as a physician in Texas. Because I personally went through this journey, I understand how important strong documentation can be, particularly when explaining the psychological and emotional impact of abuse or trauma.

One piece of evidence that can significantly strengthen VAWA, U visa, T visa, and asylum cases is a well-prepared medical or psychological evaluation describing how the experience has affected mental health, daily functioning, work, relationships, sleep, concentration, and overall well-being.

I now provide trauma-informed medical evaluations for immigration cases and strive to make the process clear, respectful, and accessible to all individuals, especially those who may not have legal representation.

If anyone has general questions about how medical or psychological evaluations work in immigration cases, I am happy to share information based on both personal and professional experience.

Wishing everyone strength and success as you move forward in your cases.

I am applied for i-751 in February 2024 and N-400 in February 2025. Received NOA for both but have not heard anything since then. I check myUSCIS at least monthly. No changes. I used to have myProgress tab towards the end of last year. I thought I would hear back by December but then the tab disappeared and jt is like we are back at square one. Is it normal to take this long? What actions would you guys recommend I take. Thank you

"Any immigration-related documentation ever issued to you, including any Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document (EAD); Form I-512, Authorization for Advance Parole; and Form I-571, Refugee Travel Document."

Does this include tourist visas from the far past? My spouse entered the US on tourist visas a few times many years before we met. She no longer has all these passports/visas. Are they considered "immigration-related"?

"All travel documents used to enter the United States, including Passports; Form I-512, Authorization for Advance Parole; Form I-571 Refugee Travel Document; and Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record"

Similar question as above. I think we should be able to get all her I-94's online, but she no longer has the passports/visas she used to enter the country years ago

As in the title.

If the US citizen spouse is angry about something with their overseas spouse who is about to immigrate to the US on a marriage-based spousal visa (the one where he'll get a marriage-based green card), so much so that they want to "cancel" the visa, do they have the power or authority to do so? Such as threatening to "call immigration". As far as I know, there is no true "calling immigration".

Or, if they can't stop the spouse from legally entering on that visa, can they somehow stop the green card from being issued? Or anything else that they can sabotage?

My wife's and my I-130 spouse petition was officially approved today! To prepare for what's to come, I'm reading as much as I can about the NVC, medical, and interview processes. Is there a detailed guide somewhere about next steps specifically for Philippines beneficiaries? I already know in general about the CFO process, the need for a medical exam and vaccinations (and how this can get crazy with sputum testing and treatment), and the difficulty of scheduling an interview (refreshing the website every hour until a slot opens up). However, is there anything I'm missing? I don't expect the DS-260 or the I-864 to cause any issues but I know how unpredictable the US embassy in Manila can be from reading past stories. I'd love to learn about the document requirements that we'll have to submit that are specific to the Philippines (police clearances, etc.)

Any words of wisdom, gotchas, etc. from anyone who's recently gone through this process, or a guide I can read somewhere that's up-to-date?

Thank you all!