The United States Immigration and Citizenship Services (“USCIS”) regularly updates forms. Sometimes, these changes are minimal and only involve a change of the edition date of the form. Other times, such as the most recent form I-485 update, the changes are more substantial. Overall, the changes to the form expand on information already listed on prior editions, with more specificity. Notable changes to the form are as follows:
- Overall change to formatting.
- The new edition of the form contains four more pages than the previous edition. This increases the total length of the form from 20 to 24 pages.
- New question about dates of birth used by the applicant, in addition to the official date of birth. The new form also provides a box to enter any alternative dates of birth.
- New question about other A-numbers (also called USCIS numbers or Alien numbers). The new form also provides a box to enter any alternative A-numbers).
- Added an option for a third-gender marker.
- Added some additional questions about status and travel.
- Added some more specific questions about residential history.
- Added more specific questions about the basis for filing. Previously, the form provided general grounds for filing. The new form lists all available grounds for filing.
- For those who wish to apply for a waiver of the affidavit of support, generally used for family-based cases, the new form contains a section to enter this request. Previously, this request was submitted on a separate form.
- Added questions about previous adjustment of status filings and previous green cards.
- Added more requirements to employment section. Previously, applicants needed to list any employment for the last five years. The new edition of the form required applicants to add all unemployment, retirement, employment, and school for the last five years. Additionally, for any periods of unemployment and retirement during the requested time period, the applicant must report their source of financial support.
- Added more questions to clarify whether an applicant is subject to the public charge ground of inadmissibility.
The new edition of the form is available and may be used at this time. Beginning February 10, 2025, all applicants must use the new edition of the form. Applications submitted using the previous edition are subject to rejection.
Written by Ciara Melville.
