Archive · 22 Aug 2026
USCIS Announces Updated Green Card Form September 18
The United States is changing the form used by some people to apply for a Green Card.
The form is called Form I-485.
USCIS says the updated version will be published on September 18.
People who use an old version after the new rules begin may have their applications turned away.
The form is for eligible people already living in the United States.
It can be used for work-based or family-based permanent residence.
Many Indian applicants are watching the change because some have waited a long time for visa numbers.
Applicants will need to pay attention to which version of the form USCIS accepts.
USCIS will publish an updated Form I-485 on September 18.
Form I-485 is used to apply for lawful permanent residence from within the United States.
Applicants who submit older versions after the implementation date will have them turned away.
The change affects eligible employment- and family-based Green Card applicants.
Indian nationals facing long waits for immigrant visa numbers are expected to closely watch the update.
- Who
- The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), along with eligible permanent-residence applicants.
- What
- USCIS will issue an updated Form I-485 and reject older versions submitted after the implementation date.
- When
- The revised form is scheduled for publication on September 18.
- Where
- The change applies to applications filed in the United States.
- Why
- To update the application used by eligible people seeking lawful permanent resident status, including employment- and family-based applicants.
- Agency
- United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- Form
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- Publication date
- September 18
- Purpose
- Applying for lawful permanent resident status, commonly known as a Green Card
- Old forms
- Previous versions submitted after the implementation date will be turned away
- Affected applicants
- Eligible people in the United States seeking employment- or family-based permanent residence
- Particularly affected group
- Indian nationals who have faced lengthy waits for an immigrant visa number