Archive · 23 Aug 2026
New Form I-485 Required for U.S. Green Card Applications
The United States is changing the form used by many people applying for green cards.
The new Form I-485 must be used starting September 18.
The older version can be used only if it is mailed or submitted online before that date.
There will be no extra time to use the old form after September 18.
USCIS may reject applications that use the wrong edition.
The agency has released a preview of the new form and instructions.
Applicants should not submit the new edition before September 18.
The change is related to how officials assess whether some applicants might depend heavily on government assistance.
USCIS will introduce a revised edition of Form I-485 on September 18.
The new edition replaces the version dated January 20, 2025, with no grace period.
USCIS will reject the old edition if it is postmarked or submitted electronically on or after September 18.
Applicants filing before September 18 may continue using the January 20, 2025 edition.
The revision incorporates changes connected to public charge assessments affecting certain immigration applications.
- Who
- USCIS and people applying for U.S. permanent residence through eligible routes.
- What
- USCIS is making a revised Form I-485 mandatory and will reject the previous edition after the deadline.
- When
- The new edition is required on or after September 18; the old edition remains acceptable before then.
- Where
- The change applies to Form I-485 applications submitted to U.S. immigration authorities.
- Why
- The form is being updated to reflect revised public charge requirements.
- Form affected
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- New edition deadline
- Applicants must use the revised edition on or after September 18.
- Old edition
- The January 20, 2025 edition is accepted only if postmarked or submitted electronically before September 18.
- Grace period
- There will be no grace period for using the old form.
- Rejection risk
- USCIS will reject the old edition if it is postmarked or submitted electronically on or after September 18.
- Reason for change
- The revision incorporates new public charge requirements.
- Applicant guidance
- Applicants should check the edition date, filing method and instructions before submitting.