u/Best-Box-6535

Hello everyone,

We are planning to file I-485 in June 2026 based on EB2-NIW and would appreciate suggestions from anyone with a similar experience.

My situation:

- I am on F-1 status with about one year remaining.

- My wife is on F-1 OPT.

- Her OPT expires in September 2026.

- Her current job contract also ends in September.

- STEM OPT may be difficult because she would need a new eligible job.

We are considering two options:

1. File I-485, I-765, and I-131 together in June while she is still on OPT.

2. First change her status from F-1 OPT to F-2, wait for approval, and then file I-485.

My questions:

- If we file I-485 in June and her OPT expires before the I-485 EAD is approved, can she remain in the U.S. based on pending I-485?

- Has anyone filed I-485 when their spouse’s OPT was close to expiring? What did your attorney suggest?

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice or experiences from people who have dealt with a perianal abscess/fistula, especially in the setting of possible Crohn’s disease.

In September 2025, I developed a perianal abscess. It was extremely painful and lasted about a week, so I ended up going to the ER. They gave me antibiotics, and the abscess eventually drained/popped on its own. They also did a CT and MRI and said there might be a fistula, so they recommended that I follow up with gastroenterology.

I saw a GI doctor, and they recommended a colonoscopy. During the colonoscopy, they found a small area of inflammation near the junction of the small intestine and large intestine. Because of that finding, along with the suspected fistula, they thought I might have Crohn’s disease and started me on medication for Crohn’s.

Over time, the pain and swelling from the fistula improved a lot. My doctor told me the Crohn’s medication usually takes around two months to show improvement, but I noticed improvement in the fistula area within the same week of starting the medication. Because of that, I’m not sure whether the improvement was due to the medication or if it was already healing on its own.

Right now, I’m doing much better compared to before. I only have slight discharge after bowel movements and mild pain after bowel movements. I try to eat a healthy diet and keep my stools soft so I don’t irritate the area.

Last month, I followed up with my doctor. They said the fistula may or may not close on its own. They also mentioned placing a seton, which might help with drainage and possibly help the fistula close. Since my symptoms are currently mild, I’m unsure whether I should go ahead with the seton or wait and monitor it. My doctor said waiting is also an option since I’m not having significant pain.

For those who have had a perianal fistula, especially with Crohn’s or suspected Crohn’s:

What was your experience with waiting versus getting a seton placed?
Did your fistula ever close on its own?
Did a seton help even when symptoms were mild?
Is it better to treat it early before it gets worse, or is monitoring reasonable if symptoms are manageable?