[EB-3] Full Timeline: From Prevailing Wage to Green Card Approval (Aug 2022 - May 2026)

EB-3 case was finally approved on 05/04/26.Wanted to share my complete timeline, including the backend API event codes I tracked, hoping it will be helpful to others who are currently in the waiting room.

Profile & Background

Category: EB-3 (Employment-Based)
Priority Date: September 13, 2023
Law Firm: Chenhalls Nissen, S.C. (highly recommended based on my experience throughout the process; fast and efficient in getting everything done before the timeline)
I-140 Processing: Premium Processing

Phase 1: Department of Labor (PWD & PERM)

The longest waiting game of the entire process.

08/18/2022: Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) Submitted
09/13/2023: PERM Filed (This established my Priority Date)
12/11/2024: PERM Approved (Total PERM wait: ~15 months)

Phase 2: USCIS Form I-140

My employer opted for Premium Processing to speed this stage up.

01/10/2025: I-140 (EB-3) Petition Filed (Premium Processing)
01/13/2025: I-140 Received by USCIS
01/21/2025: I-140 Notice Date

Phase 3: The Wait for Current Priority Date

01/12/2026: Priority Date became CURRENT! (The filing dates for the EB-3 category finally advanced past my PD of 09/13/2023, moving to 10/01/2023).

Phase 4: Adjustment of Status (AOS)

Filing the final bundle.

02/12/2026: AOS forms (I-485, I-765, I-131) submitted by my lawyers
02/13/2026: Receipt Notices Received
03/13/2026: Biometrics Appointment Completed
05/04/2026: CASE APPROVED! (I-485) before EAD and AP (EAD/AP case still pending)

Backend System / API Tracking Codes

For the data tracking the backend API network requests (like I was!), here is exactly what my event codes looked like leading up to approval:

02/24/2026: IAF
03/13/2026: FTA0 (x2)
04/17/2026: FTA0
04/21/2026: Ghost Update (No new event code, but the updatedAt timestamp changed in the background...)
05/04/2026: H008 (x2) (Status officially changed to Case Approved!)

Final Thoughts

It took almost 4 years from the PWD submission to having the I485 Case approved...

I hope this gives some clarity to those of you matching up API codes or wondering about timelines. Best of luck to everyone!

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