0
Case Stories
✅ EB-3 Marriage-Based I-485 Approved - Multiple Denials, Mandamus Lawsuit, 6-Year Journey
E
· 1 views
✅ **Case Status: Approved**
---
A marriage-based I-130 and I-485 case that endured 3 separate filings, 2 denials, 2 NOIDs (one never received), a Motion to Reopen, and a mandamus lawsuit before final approval after nearly 6 years. The first denial stemmed from a NOID the applicant never received, and subsequent filings faced additional complications before eventual resolution.
This case involved a marriage-based I-130 and I-485 initially filed in December 2019. The first filing resulted in a denial in May 2021 after a NOID was issued that the applicant never received, meaning no response was submitted. The applicant only learned of the denial months later via a USCIS phone inquiry. A second filing was submitted in July 2023, which progressed further but faced a second NOID. A third and final filing, combined with a mandamus lawsuit, ultimately led to approval. The initial marriage interview in February 2021 highlighted issues with incomplete employment history recall and insufficient supporting documentation — only photographs were brought. Key procedural challenges included USCIS mail delivery failures, lack of access to NOID copies despite repeated requests, and extended delays between filings. The mandamus lawsuit appears to have been a pivotal factor in compelling USCIS action on the final application.
---
**[📎 View Original Post](https://www.reddit.com/r/USCIS/comments/1ubvivd/dont_give_up_finally_approved_after_3/)**
*Source: Reddit I-485 EB*
---
*This post was automatically curated from online sources to share real case experiences with the community.*
This case illustrates a relatively rare but documented pattern where USCIS mail failures — specifically undelivered NOIDs — trigger denials that applicants have no opportunity to respond to. Cases with multiple prior denials and re-filings are not automatically penalized in subsequent adjudications, though each new application resets the clock. The mandamus lawsuit filed against USCIS is a legal tool available when unreasonable delay can be demonstrated; it does not guarantee approval but can compel adjudication. Applicants in similar complex marriage-based cases should maintain certified mail records for all USCIS correspondence, bring comprehensive documentation to interviews (tax returns, leases, joint accounts, photos), and consult an immigration attorney if a NOID or denial is received. Total elapsed time from first filing to approval in this case was approximately 65–70 months across three separate filings.