Life After Mandamus: Next Steps Toward Deferred Action & Green Card

Your Pro Se Mandamus worked—USCIS finally approved your I-765 work permit. But what comes next? This quick guide explains how to leverage your victory, maintain status, and ultimately adjust to a green card under the U-Visa program. Whether you filed alone or used our DIY kit, these milestones keep you moving forward—no more immigration case delay.

Immediate Wins After Mandamus Approval

• Deferred Action — An approval under INA §237(d)(2) generally comes with four-year “deferred action,” shielding you from removal. Confirm this in your USCIS approval notice (USCIS Victims of Crime page).
• Social Security Number — Take your EAD card to SSA; most clients receive an SSN within two weeks.
• Driver’s License — Use your new EAD + SSN to obtain or renew state ID.
• Job Portability — No sponsorship needed; your card authorizes work nationwide.

Want to see real outcomes? Check our success stories.

Roadmap: From EAD to Permanent Residence (Years 1–3+)

1. Year 1–2: Maintain Compliance
   • Keep your address current via Form AR-11.
   • Renew your EAD (Form I-765) 180 days before expiration.
2. Year 3: File Form I-485
   • After three years of continuous physical presence under U-Visa status, you may apply for a green card. See CLINIC’s adjustment-of-status guide for exact criteria (source).
3. Include Qualifying Family
   • Spouse, children, and certain parents may adjust with you if they held derivative U status.
4. Prepare Evidence Early
   • Tax returns, continuous residence proof, and any law-enforcement compliance letters make I-485 adjudication smoother.

Tip: Even though Mandamus ended your I-918 petition delay, USCIS will still vet your good-faith cooperation with law enforcement when you file for residency.

CTA — Plan Your Green Card Strategy Now

Text GREEN to (855) 998-5542 or email info@diyapp.org. We’ll map a custom post-Mandamus checklist—free.