USCIS Publishes Revised Form I-485

Date : December 26, 2024 By Sercan Sakalli

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a new edition of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This update, published on December 10, 2024, includes significant changes aimed at streamlining the application process and reducing the burden on applicants. Starting February 10, 2025, only the 10/24/24 edition of Form I-485 will be accepted. Older editions will no longer be valid.

Key Updates in the New Form I-485:

1. Mandatory Submission of Form I-693:
   • Applicants required to submit a Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, or a partial Form I-693 (e.g., vaccination record), must now submit it with their Form I-485.
   • Failure to include the required Form I-693 with Form I-485 may result in rejection of the application.
2. Simplified Request for Affidavit of Support Exemption:
   • Applicants exempt from the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA, requirement can now request this exemption directly on Form I-485.
   • As a result, Form I-864W, Request for Exemption for Intending Immigrant’s Affidavit of Support, has been discontinued and removed from the USCIS website.
3. Clarifications on Public Charge Questions:
   • Revised questions regarding the public charge ground of inadmissibility now require applicants to identify their immigrant category.
   • This update aims to simplify the determination process for USCIS and reduce applicant confusion.
4. Streamlined Instructions and Information Collection:
   • Consolidated and clarified instructions provide applicants with a more straightforward application process.
   • Enhanced instructions and requirements are expected to facilitate smoother submissions and processing.

USCIS’ Commitment to Accessibility: The revision of Form I-485 aligns with USCIS’ agency-wide initiative to improve accessibility and reduce the procedural burden on applicants. Incorporating Form I-864W into Form I-485 eliminates the need for an additional form, further simplifying the process.

Important Deadlines:

• The new edition of Form I-485 is currently available for use.
• Effective February 10, 2025, USCIS will only accept the 10/24/24 edition. Older editions submitted on or after this date will be rejected.

For detailed instructions and to access the updated form, visit USCIS Form I-485 page. Stay informed on this and other immigration updates by following USCIS announcements.