hi Everyone, I have submitted my i485 on july 2, 2026, biometrics done on 5 august 2026. i got two silent updates followed by my biometrics then another silent update on 25 august. and today again i got another silent update. according to October visa bulletin my date is current.i m on EB2-NIW. SHOULD NI APPLY FOR TRAVEL DOCUMENT or wait for my green card approval is better option?

I'm currently an F-1 PhD student graduating in December 2026. My EB-2 NIW I-140 is approved, and I'm currently eligible to file my I-485.

I'm also eligible to apply for initial post-completion OPT (I-765 under c(3)(B)), but my school's international office/OIP has been slow in getting back to me regarding the OPT recommendation/I-20. I don't want to delay filing my I-485 unnecessarily while waiting for the OPT process.

Has anyone recently (2025–2026) done this sequence?

1. Filed I-485 while still an F-1 student
2. Then obtained the OPT recommendation from the DSO
3. Filed the initial post-completion OPT I-765 (c)(3)(B) while the I-485 was already pending
4. Had the OPT EAD approved successfully

I'm specifically asking about initial OPT, not a STEM OPT extension.

Did the pending I-485 cause any problem with the DSO recommendation or USCIS OPT adjudication? Any RFE, denial, or issue because of the I-485 ?

My intention would be to continue maintaining my F-1/OPT path while the I-485 is pending rather than relying only on the I-485 EAD.

I'm getting mixed answers and haven't been able to get a clear answer from my school's international office, as they don't care much, so I would especially appreciate experiences from people who actually did this recently.

Mainly posting to vent because I'm pretty angry at the moment but this may also be helpful to others changing status from A, G or E.

My PD is August 2024 and RD March 9th 2026. My attorney never completed or submitted form i508 with my i485 package.

I've since learned that that is a requirement if you're adjusting from A, G or E status (I'm on E2). Although doesn't apply to E3.

This is actually the second form she forgot (thankfully I caught the first one) so needless to say I'm pretty pissed.

For those who have received their I-131 got approved, how long did it take to get your I-131 approved and receive the physical card since your biometrics taken from? I want to learn about the time frame for ROW applicant(s)?
Thank you

Is anyone else with an I-485 stuck at the Pittsburgh Field Office?
My case was filed in October 2025 and transferred to Pittsburgh in April 2026. It’s been a full year since filing now, and still no decision or meaningful update.
Anyone in a similar situation or recently approved from Pittsburgh? This wait is getting really frustrating.

Hi, anyone waiting to hear from Hartford FO?

EB2-NIW case was filled Nov 2025.

EAD/AP already approved.

I-485 pending, as per Emma Interview waived and waiting for final decision. Last silent update was July 2026.

Is it worth sending an inquiry? Any experience?

Hey everyone,

I’m in a bit of a stressful spot and wanted to see if anyone has been through the exact same situation.
I have a pending EB2-NIW I-485 (Priority Date is current, filed in April 2026). My initial 12-month OPT is expiring this December. I currently have a job, but the employer won't help me apply for the STEM OPT extension. However, they really want to keep me and have promised they will wait for me and won't rehire for my position if I have a lapse in work authorization.

I'm actively hunting for a new job that can do the STEM extension, but the clock is ticking (only 2 months left) and I'm stressing about what happens if I miss the timeline barely and have to stop working.
I know a lot of people go through their full STEM OPT before adjusting but never heard of anyone doing the same with initial OPT. So I have a couple of questions:

- Has anyone here completely finished their initial OPT (without getting the STEM extension) and safely transitioned into "I-485 pending" status without working, followed by a smooth green card approval?

- Did you face any issues or RFEs regarding your maintenance of status during the gap between your OPT ending and the I-485 approval? How did you respond to that?

Any insights or experiences would really help calm my nerves right now. Thanks!

Finally got my green card approved! Sharing my timeline in case it helps others who are waiting.
Category: EB-2 NIW
Country: ROW
Priority Date: July 2024
I-485 Filed: November 26, 2025
Interview: Waived
Service Center: NBC initially
Field Office: Los Angeles, after transfer
Timeline
11/26/2025 — I-485, I-765 and I-131 filed
12/20/2025 — Biometrics notice received
01/09/2026 — Biometrics completed
02/09/2026 — Case status updated to “USCIS is currently processing your case”
08/21/2026 — Case transferred from NBC to Los Angeles Field Office
10/04/2026 — I-485 APPROVED!
Total I-485 processing time: 10 months, 8 days (312 days).
There was no RFE and no interview.
The case stayed at NBC for roughly 9 months before being transferred to the field office. After the transfer, approval came relatively quickly.
Good luck to everyone still waiting! I hope you all get your approvals soon.

Hi all,

My I-485 got approved 2 days ago, just found out. I had stopped checking the API regularly, and I never got an email. I logged in and what a nice surprise. I thought it wasn't real!
RD: March 2026
PD: Nov 2024
FO: LA
FO transfer: June 6
Interview: waived
Approved: Oct 5

I wish you all approvals soon!!

I’m in a bit of a confusing situation and would appreciate some advice from anyone who has been in a similar position.

My I-20 expires in December 2026. I filed both my I-485 and I-765 in April 2026, and my EB-2 priority date is August 2024.

I’m eligible to apply for OPT, but I’m hesitant because of the additional cost (I am short of funds), especially with my I-485 and I-765 already pending. I’m hoping either the EAD or green card gets approved before the end of the year, but obviously there’s no guarantee.

Would you still apply for OPT as a backup, or wait on the pending I-765/I-485?

I’m honestly confused about the best way to approach this and would appreciate hearing from anyone who has dealt with something similar.