USCIS has released a new version of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Resident or Adjust Status, which includes updated questions and instructions for US Green Card seekers.
Adjustment of status is the process that you can use to apply for lawful permanent resident status (also known as applying for a Green Card) when you are present in the United States. This means you may get a Green Card without returning to your home country to complete visa processing.
Starting February 10, 2025, USCIS will accept only the 10/24/24 edition of Form I-485 and reject any older editions of Form I-485. Until then, you can also use the 08/28/24 M and 08/28/24 editions.
It is important to note that you may not file your Form I-485 until an immigrant visa is immediately available in your category. Where you file your Form I-485 depends on your eligibility category.
The new edition of Form I-485 features these major changes:
Requires applicants who need to submit a Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, or a partial Form I-693 (such as a vaccination record), to submit the Form I-693 or partial Form I-693 with their Form I-485. If the applicant does not submit Form I-693 with Form I-485 when required, the Form I-485 may be rejected.
Enables applicants who are exempt from Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA, requirement to request the exemption on Form I-485 rather than submitting Form I-864W, Request for Exemption for Intending Immigrant’s Affidavit of Support. Form I-864W has been discontinued.
A clarification of the form questions about the public charge ground of inadmissibility. The questions now will require an applicant to identify their immigrant category so that USCIS can more easily determine whether or not they are exempt from this ground of inadmissibility and can adjudicate the application accordingly.