Applicants seeking a US Green Card through various pathways, including employment or family sponsorship, must prepare for a significant change in the application process. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that a new edition of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, will become mandatory on September 18, 2026.
Old Form I-485 Will Be Rejected
Effective September 18, USCIS will strictly reject any Form I-485 applications submitted using the previous January 20, 2025, edition. This applies to both electronically submitted and postmarked applications. There will be no grace period for using the outdated form, emphasizing the critical need for applicants to use the correct version to avoid delays and the necessity of refiling.
Why the Change? New Public Charge Rules
The updated Form I-485 is directly linked to revised “public charge” requirements that also take effect on September 18. Public charge rules are designed to determine if individuals seeking immigration benefits are likely to become primarily dependent on government assistance. The new rules incorporate changes to how various government benefits are assessed in this determination, impacting how certain applications are evaluated.
What Applicants Need to Do
- Verify the Form Edition: Before submitting, applicants must carefully check the edition date of Form I-485. The new edition will replace the January 20, 2025 version.
- Do Not File Early: USCIS has provided a preview of the new form and its instructions but has explicitly warned applicants not to file the revised edition before September 18.
- Timely Submission: If planning to submit an application before September 18, applicants should continue to use the January 20, 2025 edition, ensuring it is postmarked or electronically submitted before the deadline.
- Plan for September 18 Onwards: Any applications filed on or after September 18 must use the new, mandatory edition of Form I-485.
This update is particularly relevant for individuals pursuing permanent residency, as using the incorrect form after the deadline will lead to rejection, causing potentially significant setbacks in their immigration process. Careful attention to these new requirements is essential for all Green Card hopefuls.