Archive · 21 Aug 2026
USCIS Sets September 18 Cutoff for New Green Card Form
USCIS is changing the form people in the United States use to apply for a Green Card.
The new Form I-485 will be dated September 18, 2026.
It replaces the version dated January 20, 2025.
People can use the old form only if they submit it before September 18.
They cannot use the new form before September 18.
There will be no period when both forms are accepted.
Using the wrong form could cause an application to be rejected before it is reviewed.
The change is connected to new rules about whether someone might mainly depend on government support.
USCIS will introduce a revised Form I-485 edition dated September 18, 2026.
The new edition will replace the January 20, 2025, version of the Green Card application.
USCIS will reject the older edition if it is postmarked or electronically submitted on or after September 18.
The revised edition will be accepted only when postmarked or electronically submitted on or after September 18.
The update is intended to align adjustment-of-status procedures with new public-charge rules taking effect that day.
- Who
- United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Form I-485 applicants, and their legal representatives.
- What
- USCIS is replacing the January 20, 2025, edition of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with a September 18, 2026, edition.
- When
- The revised form and related public-charge rules are scheduled to take effect on September 18, 2026; the reports were published on August 21, 2026.
- Where
- The change applies to eligible people already in the United States seeking adjustment to lawful permanent resident status.
- Why
- USCIS said the revised form aligns the adjustment-of-status process with a final rule concerning public-charge inadmissibility.
- Agency
- United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, operating under the Department of Homeland Security
- Form
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- New edition
- September 18, 2026
- Replaced edition
- January 20, 2025
- Transition policy
- There is no grace period during which both editions are accepted.
- Filing-date rule
- The old edition is accepted before September 18; the new edition is accepted on or after September 18, based on the postmark or electronic submission date.
- Other changes
- USCIS did not announce changes to filing fees or application deadlines in the notification.
Sources
USCIS changes key Green Card form
US green card applicants alert: New Form I-485 takes effect from September 18 — All you need to know about it
US issues details of new Green Card rules coming into effect from September 18
US to roll out new green card form; old Form I-485 filings rejected after September 18 - Telegraph India
