Recently, Worldway Immigration learned that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released a new version of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. USCIS stated that after incorporating public feedback, the new form reduces complexity, improves filing efficiency, and lowers the error rate.
Form I-485 is used to assist foreign nationals currently in the United States in adjusting their immigration status. By submitting this form, immigrants can obtain lawful permanent resident status (commonly known as a "Green Card") and work authorization. It is a necessary step toward becoming a U.S. citizen and is considered the final stage before obtaining a Green Card.
Key revisions to the new application form include: the G-325A form, previously used for personal history information, is no longer required; 27 immigration categories are now available for applicants to select; and a series of mandatory questions has been added to assist adjudicators in evaluating and reviewing applications more effectively.
USCIS has also updated the content of Form I-485 Supplement A and Supplement J to provide applicants with more detailed information and filing instructions. For a 60-day period starting today, USCIS will accept both the new version (released June 26, 2017) and the old version (released January 17, 2017). Starting August 25 of this year, the old version will no longer be accepted. This update further simplifies the process for immigration applicants, a move that is expected to be well-received.