TABLE OF CHANGES – INSTRUCTIONS
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
OMB Number: 1615-0023
11/12/2020
Reason for Revision: Revision Project Phase: OMB Review
Legend for Proposed Text:
Expires 10/31/2020 Edition Date 10/15/2019 |
Current Page Number and Section |
Current Text |
Proposed Text |
Page 1, Table of Contents |
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Table of Contents
Form I-485 Main Instructions, Page What Is the Purpose of Form I-485?, 2 Who May File Form I-485?, 2 Who May Not Be Eligible to Adjust Status?, 3 When Should I File Form I-485?, 4 General Instructions, 4 What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485?, 8 What Is the Filing Fee?, 17 Where To File?, 18 Address Change, 19 Processing Information, 19 Individuals With Disabilities and/or Impairments, 20 USCIS Forms and Information, 21 Penalties, 21 USCIS Compliance Review and Monitoring, 21 DHS Privacy Notice, 21 Paperwork Reduction Act, 22 Checklist, 22
Additional Instructions Additional Instructions, 23 Additional Instructions for Family-Based Applicants, 23 Additional Instructions for Employment-Based Applicants, 25 Additional Instructions for Special Immigrants, 26 Additional Instructions for Human Trafficking Victims and Crime Victims, 27 Additional Instructions for Asylees and Refugees, 33 Additional Instructions for Applicants Filing Under Special Adjustment Programs, 34 Additional Categories, 41
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Table of Contents
Form I-485 Main Instructions, Page What Is the Purpose of Form I-485?, 2 Who May File Form I-485?, 2 Who May Not Be Eligible to Adjust Status?, 3 When Should I File Form I-485?, 4 General Instructions, 5 What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485?, 10 What Is the Filing Fee?, 19 Where To File?, 21 Address Change, 21 Processing Information, 21 Individuals With Disabilities and/or Impairments, 22 USCIS Forms and Information, 23 Penalties, 23 USCIS Compliance Review and Monitoring, 23 DHS Privacy Notice, 24 Paperwork Reduction Act, 24 Filing Steps for the Applicant, 24
Additional Instructions Additional Instructions, 25 Additional Instructions for Family-Based Applicants, 25 Additional Instructions for Employment-Based Applicants, 27 Additional Instructions for Special Immigrants, 28 Additional Instructions for Human Trafficking Victims and Crime Victims, 30 Additional Instructions for Asylees and Refugees, 36 Additional Instructions for Applicants Filing Under Special Adjustment Programs, 38 Additional Categories, 45
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Page 2, What Is the Purpose of Form I-485? |
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What Is the Purpose of Form I-485?
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is used by a person in the United States to apply for lawful permanent resident status. Throughout these Instructions, we will sometimes refer to Form I-485 as an application for adjustment of status or as an adjustment application.
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What Is the Purpose of Form I-485?
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is for a person in the United States to apply for lawful permanent resident status. Throughout these instructions, we will sometimes refer to Form I-485 as an application for adjustment of status or as an adjustment application.
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Page 2, Who May File Form I-485? |
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Who May File Form I-485?
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and certain other Federal laws provide many different ways to adjust status to that of a lawful permanent resident. This is often informally referred to as applying for a “green card.”
The eligibility requirements for adjustment of status may vary depending on the immigrant category you are applying under. For more information on adjustment of status eligibility and discretion, go to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website at www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/adjustment-status. Furthermore, you must be physically present in the United States to file this application.
You may apply as the person who directly qualifies for an immigrant category (“principal applicant”) or, in some cases, as a family member of the principal applicant (“derivative applicant”). Whether you are a principal or derivative applicant, you must file your own Form I-485.
1. Principal Applicant
The principal applicant is usually the individual named as the beneficiary of an immigrant petition or who is otherwise qualified to adjust status. A principal applicant must designate which immigrant category he or she is applying under by selecting the appropriate box listed on Form I-485, Part 2. Application Type or Filing Category, Item Numbers 2.a. - 8.e.
Each category has specific requirements for adjustment of status. In addition to these Instructions, read the Additional Instructions (found after the Form I-485 Main Instructions) for your immigrant category to determine if any additional requirements apply to you.
2. Derivative Applicant (files based on a principal applicant)
A principal applicant’s spouse and children, who are not beneficiaries of their own immigrant petition, may be eligible to apply for adjustment under the same immigrant category as the principal applicant. These family members are called “derivative applicants.” A derivative applicant must designate which immigrant category he or she is applying under by selecting the appropriate box listed on Form I-485, Part 2. Application Type or Filing Category, Item Numbers 2.a. - 8.e.
Some immigrant categories do not allow for derivative applicants, while a few categories allow additional family members to apply as derivative applicants. See the Additional Instructions for more details.
Under U.S. immigration law, you are a “child” if you are unmarried, under 21 years of age, and meet the definition of “child” found in the INA and USCIS policy guidance. Visit www.uscis.gov/tools/glossary for more information on the definition of “child.” You may still be considered a child for immigration purposes even after turning 21 years of age if you qualify under the provisions of the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). For more information on CSPA, see www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/child-status-protection-act/child-status-protection-act-cspa.
3. Other Immigrant Categories
If you are filing for adjustment of status based on an immigrant category not listed in Part 2., Item Numbers 2.a. - 8.e., select the “Other Eligibility” box in Item Number 1.g. and type or print the immigrant category you are applying under. These immigrant categories include, but are not limited to:
A. Polish or Hungarian parolee;
B. Amerasian Homecoming Act of 1987 (not to be confused with the Amerasian Act of October 22, 1982); and
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C. Registration of lawful permanent residence status based on a presumption of lawful admission.
If you would like more information on how to file under any of these categories, call the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833 or visit www.uscis.gov/green-card/other-ways-get-green-card.
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Who May File Form I-485?
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and certain other Federal laws provide many different ways to adjust status to that of a lawful permanent resident. This is often informally referred to as applying for a “Green Card.”
The eligibility requirements for adjustment of status may vary depending on the immigrant category you are applying under. For more information on adjustment of status eligibility and discretion, go to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website at www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/adjustment-status. Furthermore, you must be physically present in the United States to file this application.
You may apply as the person who directly qualifies for an immigrant category (“principal applicant”) or, in some cases, as a family member of a principal applicant (“derivative applicant”). Whether you are a principal or derivative applicant, you must file your own Form I-485.
1. Principal Applicant
The principal applicant is usually the individual named as the beneficiary of an immigrant petition or who is otherwise qualified to adjust status. A principal applicant must designate which immigrant category he or she is applying under by selecting the appropriate box listed on Form I-485, Part 2. Application Type or Filing Category, Item Numbers 2.a. - 8.e.
Each category has specific requirements for adjustment of status. In addition to these instructions, read the Additional Instructions (found after the Form I-485 Main Instructions) for your immigrant category to determine if any additional requirements apply to you.
2. Derivative Applicant (files based on a principal applicant)
A principal applicant’s spouse and children, who are not beneficiaries of their own immigrant petition, may be eligible to apply for adjustment under the same immigrant category as the principal applicant. These family members are called “derivative applicants.” A derivative applicant must designate which immigrant category he or she is applying under by selecting the appropriate box listed on Form I-485, Part 2. Application Type or Filing Category, Item Numbers 2.a. - 8.e.
Some immigrant categories do not allow for derivative applicants, while a few categories allow additional family members to apply as derivative applicants. See the Additional Instructions for more details.
Under U.S. immigration law, you are a “child” if you are unmarried, under 21 years of age, and meet the definition of “child” found in the INA and USCIS policy guidance. Visit www.uscis.gov/tools/glossary for more information on the definition of “child.” You may still be considered a child for immigration purposes even after turning 21 years of age if you qualify under the provisions of the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). For more information on CSPA, see www.uscis.gov/greencard/child-status-protection-act.
3. Other Immigrant Categories
If you are filing for adjustment of status based on an immigrant category not listed in Part 2., Item Numbers 2.a. - 8.e., select the “Other Eligibility” box in Item Number 8.e. and type or print the immigrant category you are applying under. These immigrant categories include, but are not limited to:
A. Polish or Hungarian parolee;
B. Amerasian Homecoming Act of 1987 (not to be confused with the Amerasian Act of October 22, 1982); and
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C. Registration of lawful permanent residence status based on a presumption of lawful admission.
If you would like more information on how to file under any of these categories, visit www.uscis.gov/greencard/eligibility-categories. You may also call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. The Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
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Page 3, Who May Not Be Eligible to Adjust Status? |
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Who May Not Be Eligible to Adjust Status?
Bars to Adjustment of Status
You are generally ineligible for adjustment of status if one or more adjustment bars in INA sections 245(a), (c), (d), and/or (e) apply to you. However, adjustment bars do not apply to every type of immigrant category and your category might exempt you from certain adjustment bars. For example, certain adjustment bars do not apply to immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)-based applicants, or certain special immigrants. In addition, some employment-based applicants might be eligible for an exemption to some adjustment bars. For more information, visit www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/adjustment-status.
Exception Under INA section 245(i)
You may be able to adjust status under INA section 245(i) even if you are subject to one or more adjustment bars and are therefore ineligible for adjustment of status under INA section 245(a). See separate instructions for adjusting status under INA section 245(i), titled “Instructions for Supplement A to Form I-485, Adjustment of Status Under Section 245(i).”
INA section 245(i) is not an immigrant category by itself. In order to adjust status using INA section 245(i), you must be eligible for an immigrant visa under a family-based, employment-based, special immigrant, or Diversity Visa category. You must select one of the immigrant categories listed in Part 2., Item Numbers 2.a. - 8.e. as the basis for your application for adjustment of status. See the Additional Instructions for more information on your specific immigrant category.
Grounds of Inadmissibility
Immigration laws specify acts, conditions, and conduct that can make foreign nationals ineligible for lawful permanent resident status. These acts, conditions, and conduct are outlined in INA section 212(a) and are called grounds of inadmissibility. For more information, visit www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/green-card-eligibility.
You are inadmissible to the United States and may not adjust status to a lawful permanent resident if you fall under one or more of the grounds of inadmissibility that apply to your immigrant category. Depending on your immigrant category, some grounds may not apply to you.
If you are inadmissible, you may be eligible for a waiver of the ground of inadmissibility or another form of relief. If your waiver application or other form of relief is granted, your application to adjust status may be approved.
Exchange Visitors
If you are or were a J-1 or J-2 nonimmigrant exchange visitor and are subject to the 2-year foreign residence requirement of INA section 212(e), you may not apply to adjust status unless you have complied with the foreign residence requirement, have been granted a waiver of that requirement, or were issued a favorable waiver recommendation letter from U.S. Department of State (DOS).
Certain A, G, and E Nonimmigrants
If you have A, G, or E nonimmigrant status, or an occupation that would entitle you to such status, and as a result hold certain diplomatic rights, privileges, exemptions, and immunities, you are ineligible for adjustment of status unless you submit a waiver of those rights, privileges, exemptions, and immunities.
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Who May Not Be Eligible to Adjust Status?
Bars to Adjustment of Status
You are generally ineligible for adjustment of status if one or more adjustment bars in the INA apply to you. See INA sections 245(a), (c), (d), and/or (e). However, adjustment bars do not apply to every type of immigrant category, and you may be exempt from certain adjustment bars. For example, certain adjustment bars do not apply to immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)-based applicants, or certain special immigrants. In addition, some employment-based applicants might be eligible for an exemption to some adjustment bars. For more information, visit www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/adjustment-status.
Exception Under INA section 245(i)
You may be able to adjust status under INA section 245(i) even if you are subject to one or more adjustment bars and are therefore ineligible for adjustment of status under INA section 245(a). See separate instructions for adjusting status under INA section 245(i), titled “Instructions for Supplement A to Form I-485, Adjustment of Status Under Section 245(i).”
INA section 245(i) is not an immigrant category by itself. In order to adjust status using INA section 245(i), you must be eligible for an immigrant visa under a family-based, employment-based, special immigrant, or Diversity Visa category. You must select one of the immigrant categories listed in Part 2., Item Numbers 2.a. - 8.e. as the basis for your application for adjustment of status. See the Additional Instructions for more information on your specific immigrant category.
Grounds of Inadmissibility
Immigration laws specify acts, conditions, and conduct that can make aliens ineligible for lawful permanent resident status. These acts, conditions, and conduct are outlined in INA section 212(a) and are called grounds of inadmissibility. For more information on admissibility and specific immigrant categories, visit www.uscis.gov/greencard/eligibility-categories.
You are inadmissible to the United States and may not adjust status to a lawful permanent resident if you fall under one or more of the grounds of inadmissibility that apply to your immigrant category. Depending on your immigrant category, some grounds may not apply to you.
If you are inadmissible, you may be eligible for a waiver of the ground of inadmissibility or another form of relief. If we approve your waiver application or other form of relief is granted, USCIS may approve your application to adjust status, if you are otherwise eligible.
Exchange Visitors
If you are or were a J-1 or J-2 nonimmigrant exchange visitor and are subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement of INA section 212(e), you may not apply to adjust status unless you have complied with the foreign residence requirement, have been granted a waiver of that requirement, or were issued a favorable waiver recommendation letter from U.S. Department of State (DOS).
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Certain A, G, and E Nonimmigrants
If you have A, G, or E nonimmigrant status, or an occupation that would entitle you to such status, and you hold certain diplomatic rights, privileges, exemptions, and immunities, you are ineligible for adjustment of status unless you submit a waiver of those rights, privileges, exemptions, and immunities. See Form I-508, Request for Waiver of Certain Rights, Privileges, Exemptions and Immunities, www.uscis.gov/i-508, for more information.
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Page 4, When Should I File Form I-485? |
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When Should I File Form I-485?
This section provides general information on when you should file Form I-485.
Principal Applicant
In general, if you are filing as a beneficiary of an immigrant visa petition (such as Form I-130, Form I-140, or Form I-360), you may file an adjustment application only after USCIS has approved your petition and an immigrant visa number is immediately available. There are, however, some immigrant categories that allow you to file Form I-485 before USCIS approves your petition (this is known as “concurrent filing”), provided that approval of the petition would make a visa number immediately available and you meet all other filing requirements. See the Additional Instructions for category-specific information on when you may file Form I-485.
Visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/visa-availability-priority-dates for information on visa availability and priority dates, and the DOS website at www.travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/law-and-policy/bulletin.html to view the Visa Bulletin.
More information about concurrent filing is available at www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/concurrent-filing and in the instructions for Forms I-130, I-140, and I-360.
Derivative Adjustment Applicant
With the exception of U nonimmigrants, asylees, and refugees, USCIS cannot approve your Form I-485 as a derivative applicant until the principal applicant has been granted lawful permanent resident status.
If you are currently the spouse or child (unmarried and under 21 years of age) of a principal applicant, you may file Form I-485 if an immigrant visa is immediately available to you and you meet all the filing requirements. You may file at any of the following times:
1. At the same time the principal applicant files Form I-485; 2. After the principal applicant filed a Form I-485 that remains pending a final decision by USCIS;
3. After USCIS approves the principal applicant’s Form I-485, if the principal applicant is still a lawful permanent resident and if, at the time of the principal applicant’s Form I-485 approval, you were the principal applicant’s spouse or child; or
4. After the principal applicant obtained an immigrant visa and entered the United States as a lawful permanent resident if the principal applicant is still a lawful permanent resident and, at the time of the principal applicant’s entry, you were the principal applicant’s spouse or child.
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When Should I File Form I-485?
This section provides general information on when you should file Form I-485.
Principal Applicant
In general, if you are filing as a beneficiary of an immigrant visa petition (such as Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative; Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker; or Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant), you may file an adjustment application only after USCIS has approved your petition and an immigrant visa number is immediately available. There are, however, some immigrant categories that allow you to file Form I-485 before USCIS approves your petition (this is known as “concurrent filing”), provided that approval of the petition would make a visa number immediately available and you meet all other filing and eligibility requirements. See the Additional Instructions for category-specific information on when you may file Form I-485.
Visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/visa-availability-priority-dates for information on visa availability and priority dates, and the DOS website at www.travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/law-and-policy/bulletin.html to view the Visa Bulletin.
More information about concurrent filing is available at www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/concurrent-filing and in the instructions for Forms I-130, I-140, and I-360.
Derivative Adjustment Applicant
With the exception of U nonimmigrants, asylees, and refugees, USCIS cannot approve your Form I-485 as a derivative applicant until the principal applicant obtains lawful permanent resident status.
If you are currently the spouse or child (unmarried and under 21 years of age) of a principal applicant, you may file Form I-485 if an immigrant visa is immediately available to you and you meet all the filing requirements. You may file at any of the following times:
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Pages 4-8, General Instructions |
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General Instructions
USCIS provides forms free of charge through the USCIS website. In order to view, print, or fill out our forms, you should use the latest version of Adobe Reader, which you can download for free at http://get.adobe.com/reader/. If you do not have Internet access, you may call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 and ask that we mail a form to you. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
Form G-325A, Biographic Information. Form G-325A is no longer required. You do not need to submit a separate Form G-325A with this Form I-485. Parts 1. and 3. of this Form I-485 meet the requirements of 8 CFR 245.2(a)(3)(i) by collecting the biographical information formerly required on Form G-325A.
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Signature. Each application must be properly signed and filed. For all signatures on this application, USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature. If you are under 14 years of age, your parent or legal guardian may sign the application on your behalf. (See the Additional Instructions that relates to Individuals Born Under Diplomatic Status in the United States, for one exception.) A legal guardian may also sign for a mentally incompetent person.
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Filing Fee. Each application must be accompanied by the appropriate filing fee and biometric services fee (if applicable). (See the What Is the Filing Fee section of these Instructions.) If you file this application with an agency other than USCIS, check with that agency to determine if and when you must submit biometric services fees.
Evidence. At the time of filing, you must submit all evidence and supporting documentation listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section of these Instructions. Evidence requirements may vary depending on the immigrant category you are applying under. See the Additional Instructions for information on whether any general evidence requirements do not apply to you, or if you have other evidence requirements specific to your immigrant category.
Biometric Services Appointment. USCIS may require that you appear for an interview or provide fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature at any time to verify your identity, obtain additional information, and conduct background and security checks, including a check of criminal history records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), before making a decision on your application, petition, or request. After USCIS receives your application and ensures it is complete, we will inform you in writing if you need to attend a biometric services appointment. If an appointment is necessary, the notice will provide you the location of your local or designated USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) and the date and time of your appointment. If you are an applicant (principal or derivative) filing Form I-485 with an immigration judge, you are required to comply with instructions you will receive during proceedings for submitting Form I-485 to USCIS with all relevant fees and for providing biometric and biographic information to USCIS.
If you are required to provide biometrics, at your appointment you must sign an oath reaffirming that:
1. You provided or authorized all information in the application; 2. You reviewed and understood all of the information contained in, and submitted with, your application; and 3. All of this information was complete, true, and correct at the time of filing.
If you fail to attend your biometric services appointment, USCIS may deny your application. For applicants and derivatives who appear before an immigration judge, failure to attend a biometric services appointment, without good cause, may result in the immigration judge finding that your application was abandoned, and USCIS may also deny any other application, petition, or request you filed with USCIS.
Copies. You should submit legible photocopies of documents requested, unless the Instructions specifically state that you must submit an original document. USCIS may request an original document at the time of filing or at any time during processing of an application, petition, or request. If USCIS requests an original document from you, it will be returned to you after USCIS determines it no longer needs your original.
NOTE: If you submit original documents when not required or requested by USCIS or the Immigration Court, your original documents may remain a part of the record, USCIS or the Immigration Court will not automatically return them to you, and your original documents may be immediately destroyed upon receipt.
Translations. If you submit a document with information in a foreign language, you must also submit a full English translation. The translator must sign a certification that the English language translation is complete and accurate, and that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English. The certification must include the translator’s signature. DHS recommends the certification contain the translator’s printed name and the date and the translator’s contact information.
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Selective Service. Most males between 18 and 26 years of age are required by the Military Selective Service Act to register with the Selective Service System. Nonimmigrants are not required to register. If USCIS approves your application, we will send your name, current address, Social Security number, date of birth, and the date you filed the application to the Selective Service System for registration. Men can register at a local post office or at the website, www.sss.gov.
If USCIS does not approve your application, you are still required to register with the Selective Service System by using another means. If you have already registered, the Selective Service System will check its records to avoid any duplication.
Acknowledgement of Selective Service. Review the Selective Service Acknowledgement in Part 10. The purpose of this acknowledgement is to confirm that you understand USCIS will be sending your information to the Selective Service System for registration.
How To Fill Out Form I-485
1. Type or print legibly in black ink.
2. If you need extra space to complete any item within this application, use the space provided in Part 14. Additional Information or attach a separate sheet of paper; type or print your name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any) at the top of each sheet; indicate the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number to which your answer refers; and sign and date each sheet.
3. Answer all questions fully and accurately. If a question does not apply to you (for example, if you have never been married and the question asks, “Provide the name of your current spouse”), type or print “N/A,” unless otherwise directed. If your answer to a question which requires a numeric response is zero or none (for example, “How many children do you have” or “How many times have you departed the United States”), type or print “None,” unless otherwise directed.
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4. USCIS Online Account Number (if any). If you have previously filed an application, petition, or request using the USCIS online filing system (previously called USCIS Electronic Immigration System (USCIS ELIS)), provide the USCIS Online Account Number you were issued by the system. You can find your USCIS Online Account Number by logging in to your account and going to the profile page. If you previously filed certain applications, petitions, or requests on a paper form via a USCIS Lockbox facility, you may have received a USCIS Online Account Access Notice issuing you a USCIS Online Account Number. If you received such a notice, your USCIS Online Account Number can be found at the top of the notice. If you were issued a USCIS Online Account Number, enter it in the space provided. The USCIS Online Account Number is not the same as an A-Number.
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5. Alternate and/or Safe Address. If you are filing an adjustment of status application based on VAWA or as a special immigrant juvenile, human trafficking victim (T nonimmigrant), or crime victim (U nonimmigrant) and you do not feel safe receiving mail about this application at your home address, provide an alternative, safe mailing address in Part 1., Item Numbers 14.a. - 14.f. This address may be a post office box, the address of a friend, your attorney, a community-based organization that is helping you, or any other address where you can safely and timely receive mail. If you do not provide an alternate, safe address in Part 1., Item Numbers 14.a. - 14.f., USCIS may use the address of the preparer you listed on your Form I-485. If you do not use a preparer and do not provide a safe address, then USCIS will use the U.S. Mailing Address you provide in Part 1., Item Numbers 13.a. - 13.f.
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Passport and Travel Document Numbers. If you used a passport or travel document to travel to the United States, enter either the passport or travel document information in the appropriate space on the application, even if the passport or travel document is currently expired.
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6. Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record. If U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or USCIS issued you a Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, provide your Form I-94 number and date that your authorized period of stay expires or expired (as shown on Form I-94). The Form I-94 number also is known as the Departure Number on some versions of Form I-94.
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NOTE: If you were admitted to the United States by CBP at an airport or seaport after April 30, 2013, you may have been issued an electronic Form I-94 by CBP, instead of a paper Form I-94. You may visit the CBP website at www.cbp.gov/i94 to obtain a paper version of an electronic Form I-94. CBP does not charge a fee for this service. Some travelers admitted to the United States at a land border, airport, or seaport, after April 30, 2013, with a passport or travel document, who were issued a paper Form I-94 by CBP, may also be able to obtain a replacement Form I-94 from the CBP website without charge. If your Form I-94 cannot be obtained from the CBP website, it may be obtained by filing Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Record, with USCIS. USCIS does charge a fee for this service.
Employment History. For Part 3., Item Numbers 11. - 22.b., provide all of your employment history for the last five years, whether inside or outside the United States. Provide information for the complete time period, including part-time employment, self-employment, or unemployment. If you do not know your start or end days (i.e. “dd”), provide your best estimate. Begin by providing information about your current and most recent employment or unemployment. Provide the locations and dates where you worked. If you worked for yourself, type or print “self-employed.” If you were unemployed, type or print “unemployed.” Check the box to indicate if you currently work for the employer.
For applicants subject to the public charge ground of inadmissibility under INA section 212(a)(4) only, provide evidence for the last three years of employment such as federal income tax transcripts from the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of the person’s IRS Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return; or if not required to file federal income taxes the most recent IRS Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement. If you have already included the same tax documentation in relation to Form I-944 or I-864, you do not need to provide duplicate copies.
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7. Biographic Information. Provide the biographic information requested in Part 7., Item Numbers 1. - 6. Providing this information as part of your application may reduce the time you spend at your USCIS ASC appointment as described in the Biometric Services Appointment section of these Instructions.
A. Ethnicity and Race. Select the boxes that best describe your ethnicity and race.
Categories and Definitions for Ethnicity and Race
(1) Hispanic or Latino. A person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race. (NOTE: This category is only included under Ethnicity in Part 7., Item Number 1.)
(2) White. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa.
(3) Asian. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam.
(4) Black or African American. A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa.
(5) American Indian or Alaska Native. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America (including Central America), and who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment.
(6) Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.
B. Height. Select the values that best match your height in feet and inches. For example, if you are five feet and nine inches, select “5” for feet and “09” for inches. Do not enter your height in meters or centimeters.
C. Weight. Enter your weight in pounds. If you do not know your weight, or need to enter a weight under 30 pounds or over 699 pounds, enter “000.” Do not enter your weight in kilograms.
D. Eye Color. Select the box that best describes the color of your eyes.
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E. Hair Color. Select the box that best describes the color of your hair.
8. Part 8. General Eligibility and Inadmissibility Grounds. Select the answer you think is correct. If you answer “Yes” to any questions (or if you answer “No,” but are unsure of your answer), provide an explanation of the events and circumstances in the space provided in Part 14. Additional Information.
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9. Part 10. Applicant’s Statement, Contact Information, Declaration, Certification, and Signature. Select the appropriate box to indicate whether you read this application yourself or whether you had an interpreter assist you. If someone assisted you in completing the application, select the box indicating that you used a preparer. Further, you must sign and date your application and provide your daytime telephone number, mobile telephone number (if any), and email address (if any). Every application MUST contain the signature of the applicant (or parent or legal guardian, if applicable). A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable.
10. Part 11. Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. If you used anyone as an interpreter to read the Instructions and questions on this application to you in a language in which you are fluent, the interpreter must fill out this section, provide his or her name, the name and address of his or her business or organization (if any), his or her daytime telephone number, his or her mobile telephone number (if any), and his or her email address (if any). The interpreter must sign and date the application.
11. Part 12. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Application, if Other Than the Applicant. This section must contain the signature of the person who completed your application, if other than you, the applicant. If the same individual acted as your interpreter and your preparer, that person should complete both Part 11. and Part 12. If the person who completed this application is associated with a business or organization, that person should complete the business or organization name and address information. Anyone who helped you complete this application MUST sign and date the application. A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable. If the person who helped you prepare your application is an attorney or accredited representative, he or she may be obliged to also submit a completed Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, along with your application.
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General Instructions
USCIS provides forms free of charge through the USCIS website. To view, print, or fill out our forms, you should use the latest version of Adobe Reader, which you can download for free at http://get.adobe.com/reader/. If you do not have internet access, you may call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 and ask that we mail a form to you. The USCIS Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
Form G-325A, Biographic Information. Form G-325A is no longer required. You do not need to submit a separate Form G-325A with this Form I-485. Parts 1. and 3. of this Form I-485 meet the requirements of the regulations by collecting the biographical information formerly required on Form G-325A. See 8 CFR 245.2(a)(3)(i).
Signature. Each application must be properly signed and filed. For all signatures on this application, USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature. If you are under 14 years of age, your parent or legal guardian may sign the application on your behalf. (See the Additional Instructions that relates to Individual Born Under Diplomatic Status in the United States, for one exception.) A legal guardian may also sign for a mentally incompetent person. If the request is not signed or if the requisite signature on the request is not valid, USCIS will reject the request. See 8 CFR 103.2(a)(7)(ii)(A).
Validity of Signatures. USCIS will consider a photocopied, faxed, or scanned copy of the original, handwritten signature valid for filing purposes. The photocopy, fax, or scan must be of the original document containing the handwritten, ink signature.
Filing Fee. Each application must be accompanied by the appropriate filing fee and biometric services fee (if applicable). (See the What Is the Filing Fee section of these Instructions.) If you file this application with an agency other than USCIS, check with that agency to determine if and when you must submit biometric services fees.
Evidence. At the time of filing, you must submit all evidence and supporting documentation listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section of these Instructions. Evidence requirements may vary depending on the immigrant category you are applying under. See the Additional Instructions for information on whether any general evidence requirements do not apply to you, or if you have other evidence requirements specific to your immigrant category.
Biometric Services Appointment. USCIS may require that you appear for an interview or provide fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature at any time to verify your identity, obtain additional information, and conduct background and security checks, including a check of criminal history records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), before making a decision on your application. After USCIS receives your application and ensures it is complete, we will inform you if you need to attend a biometric services appointment. If an appointment is necessary, the notice will provide you the location of your local or designated USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) and the date and time of your appointment. If you are an applicant (principal or derivative) filing Form I-485 with an immigration judge, you must comply with instructions you will receive during proceedings for submitting Form I-485 to USCIS with all relevant fees and for providing biometric and biographic information to USCIS.
If you are required to provide biometrics, at your appointment you must sign an oath reaffirming that:
1. You provided or authorized all information in the application; 2. You reviewed and understood all of the information contained in, and submitted with, your application; and 3. All of this information was complete, true, and correct at the time of filing.
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If you fail to attend your biometric services appointment, USCIS may deny your application. For applicants and derivatives who appear before an immigration judge, failure to attend a biometric services appointment, without good cause, may result in the immigration judge finding that your application was abandoned, and USCIS may also deny any other application you filed with USCIS.
For more information about biometric services appointments, please visit https://www.uscis.gov.
Copies. You should submit legible photocopies of documents requested, unless the Instructions specifically state that you must submit an original document. USCIS may request an original document at the time of filing or at any time during processing of an application, petition, or request. If USCIS requests an original document from you, it will be returned to you after USCIS or the Immigration Court determines it no longer needs your original.
If you submit original documents when not required or requested by USCIS or the Immigration Court, your original documents may remain a part of the record, and USCIS or the Immigration Court will not automatically return them to you, and your original documents may be immediately destroyed upon receipt.
Translations. If you submit a document with information in a foreign language, you must also submit a full English translation. The translator must sign a certification that the English language translation is complete and accurate, and that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English. The certification must include the translator’s signature, printed name, the signature date, and the translator’s contact information.
Selective Service. Most males between 18 and 26 years of age are required by the Military Selective Service Act to register with the Selective Service System. Nonimmigrants are not required to register. If USCIS approves your application, we will send your name, current address, Social Security number, date of birth, and the date you filed the application to the Selective Service System for registration. Men can register at a local post office or at the website, www.sss.gov.
If USCIS does not approve your application, you are still required to register with the Selective Service System by using another means if you are not in valid nonimmigrant status. If you have already registered, the Selective Service System will check its records to avoid any duplication.
Acknowledgement of Selective Service. Review the Selective Service Acknowledgement in Part 10. The purpose of this acknowledgement is to confirm that you understand USCIS will be sending your information to the Selective Service System for registration.
How To Fill Out Form I-485
1. Type or print legibly in black ink.
2. If you need extra space to complete any item within this application, use the space provided in Part 14. Additional Information or attach a separate sheet of paper. Type or print your name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any) at the top of each sheet; indicate the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number to which your answer refers; and sign and date each sheet.
3. You must answer all questions fully and accurately. If a question does not apply to you (for example, if you have never been married and the question asks, “Provide the name of your current spouse”), type or print “N/A,” unless otherwise directed. If your answer to a question which requires a numeric response is zero or none (for example, “How many children do you have” or “How many times have you departed the United States”), type or print “None,” unless otherwise directed. If you do not respond to all the questions, we may reject or deny your application.
For all parts of the form, except Part 8. General Eligibility and Inadmissibility Grounds, if you are unsure of an answer, write “unknown” but you must provide an explanation as to why you are unsure of your answer and/or what information you are sure of pertaining to the question in the space provided in Part 14. Additional Information. For Part 8. General Eligibility and Inadmissibility Grounds, answer Item Numbers 19. - 86.b. with the answer that you think is correct. If you answer “Yes” to any questions (or if you answer "No," but are unsure of your answer), provide an explanation of the events and circumstances in the space provided in Part 14. Additional Information.
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4. Country of Citizenship or Nationality. When responding to Part 1., Item Number 9., provide the name of your country of citizenship or nationality. If you have more than one country of citizenship or nationality, provide additional countries in the space provided in Part 14. Additional Information. If you do not have a country of citizenship or nationality, answer “None” and provide an explanation in the space provided in Part 14. Additional Information.
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5. U.S. Mailing Address. You must provide a valid mailing address in the United States in Part 1., Item Numbers 12.a. - 12.f. You may list a valid U.S. residence, APO, or commercial address. You may also list a U.S. Post Office address (PO Box) if that is how you receive your mail. If your mail is sent to someone other than yourself, please include an “In Care of Name” as part of your mailing address. If your U.S. mailing address is in a U.S. territory and it contains an urbanization name, list the urbanization name in the “In Care of Name” space provided. Do not use your attorney’s or other legal representative’s address.
6. Safe or Alternate Mailing Address. If you are filing an adjustment of status application based on VAWA, or as a human trafficking victim (T nonimmigrant), or crime victim (U nonimmigrant) and you do not feel safe receiving mail about this application at your home address, provide a safe mailing address in Part 1., Item Numbers 13.a. - 13.f. If you are filing an adjustment of status application as a special immigrant juvenile, you may use this space to designate an alternate address. The safe or alternate address may be a post office box, the address of a friend, your attorney, a community-based organization that is helping you, or any other address where you can safely and timely receive mail. If you have an attorney or accredited representative, you may also direct USCIS to send your correspondence to his or her business address by selecting the applicable item(s) on Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, Part 4.
If you are filing a VAWA, U, or T based adjustment of status application and you do not provide a safe address in Part 1., Item Numbers 13.a. - 13.f., USCIS may use the U.S. Mailing Address you provided in Part 1., Item Numbers 12.a - 12.f. or the address of the preparer if you listed one on your Form I-485.
7. Physical Address. For Part 1., Item Numbers 14.a. - 19.b., provide physical addresses for everywhere you have lived during the last five years, whether inside or outside of the United States. Provide your current address first. If you need extra space to complete this section, use the space provided in Part 14. Additional Information.
8. Questions regarding Social Security Number (SSN). Part 1., Item Number 20. asks if the Social Security Administration (SSA) has ever officially issued you a Social Security Card. If the SSA ever issued a Social Security card to you in your name or a previously used name such as your maiden name, then you must enter the SSN from your card in Item Number 21.
If your application is approved, the SSA may assign you an SSN and issue you a Social Security card, or issue you a replacement card. If you want the SSA to assign you a Social Security number and issue you a Social Security card, or issue you a new or replacement Social Security card, then answer “Yes” to both Item Number 22. and Item Number 23.
You are not required to request an SSN using this application. However, you must have an SSN properly assigned in your name to work in the United States.
If your employer uses E-Verify to confirm new employees’ eligibility to legally work in the United States, the information you provide on Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, will be compared to data in SSA and DHS databases. Employees must have an SSN in order for E-Verify to confirm their eligibility to legally work in the United States.
NOTE: Based on existing confidentiality provisions (see 8 U.S.C. 1255a(c)(5) and Section (c)(5) of Pub. L. 106-553), USCIS will not share information with SSA if an applicant files Form I-485 based on the LIFE Act (Pub. L. 106-553), as amended by the LIFE Act Amendments (Pub. L. 106-544). Applicants covered by these confidentiality provisions may not waive them and should contact SSA after the approval of their Form I-485.
9. Passport and Travel Document Numbers. When responding to Part 1., Item Numbers 24. - 26., if you used a passport or travel document to travel to the United States, enter either the passport or travel document information in the appropriate space on the application, even if the passport or travel document is currently expired. A travel document may include a transportation letter, a boarding foil, boarding letter, or a Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571). If you traveled to the United States without a passport or travel document, respond “None” or “N/A.”
10. Nonimmigrant Visa Number and Border Crossing Card. When responding to Part 1., Item Number 27., if you used a nonimmigrant visa for your most recent arrival into the United States, enter the visa number (these are usually the numbers in red on the visa). If you used a Border Crossing Card for your most recent arrival into the United States, enter the number. If you traveled to the United States without a nonimmigrant visa or Border Crossing Card, respond “None” or “N/A.”
11. Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record. When responding to Part 1., Item Numbers 32.a. - 32.c., if U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or USCIS issued you a Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, for your last arrival into the United States, provide your Form I-94 number and date that your authorized period of stay expires or expired (as shown on Form I-94). The Form I-94 number also is known as the Departure Number on some versions of Form I-94.
If you were admitted to the United States by CBP at an airport or seaport after April 30, 2013, CBP may have issued you an electronic Form I-94 by CBP, instead of a paper Form I-94. You may visit the CBP website at www.cbp.gov/i94 to obtain a paper version of an electronic Form I-94. CBP does not charge a fee for this service. Some travelers admitted to the United States at a land border, airport, or seaport, after April 30, 2013, with a passport or travel document, who were issued a paper Form I-94 by CBP, may also be able to obtain a replacement Form I-94 from the CBP website without charge. If you cannot obtain your Form I-94 from the CBP website, you may obtain it by filing Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Record, with USCIS. USCIS does charge a fee for this service. See the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/I-102 for more information. If you entered the United States without being issued a Form I-94, respond “None” or “N/A.”
12. Employment History. For Part 3., Item Numbers 7. - 18.c., provide all of your employment history for the last five years, whether inside or outside the United States. Provide information for the complete time period, including part-time employment, self-employment, or unemployment. If you do not know your start or end days (i.e. “dd”), provide your best estimate. Begin by providing information about your current and most recent employment or unemployment. Provide the locations and dates where you worked. If you worked for yourself, type or print “self-employed.” If you were unemployed, type or print “unemployed.” Check the box to indicate if you currently work for the employer.
For applicants subject to the public charge ground of inadmissibility under INA section 212(a)(4) only, provide evidence for the last three years of employment such as federal income tax transcripts from the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of the person’s IRS Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return; or if not required to file federal income taxes the most recent IRS Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement. If you have already included the same tax documentation in relation to Form I-944 or I-864, you do not need to provide duplicate copies.
13. Alien Crewman. For Part 1., Item Number 37. - 38.b., alien crewman means (i) a person serving in good faith as such in a capacity required for normal operation and service (as that term is defined in 8 U.S.C. 1288(a), section 258 of the INA) on board a vessel (other than a fishing vessel having its home port or an operating base in the United States), or aircraft, who intends to land temporarily and solely in pursuit of their calling as a crewman and to depart from the United States with the vessel or aircraft on which they arrived or some other vessel or aircraft; or (ii) a person serving in good faith as such in any capacity required for normal operations and service aboard a fishing vessel having its home port or an operating base in the United States who intends to land temporarily in Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and solely in pursuit of their calling as a crewman and to depart from Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands with the vessel on which they arrived.
14. Biographic Information. Provide the biographic information requested in Part 7., Item Numbers 1. - 6. Providing this information as part of your application may reduce the time you spend at your USCIS ASC appointment as described in the Biometric Services Appointment section of these Instructions.
A. Ethnicity and Race. Select the boxes that best describe your ethnicity and race.
Categories and Definitions for Ethnicity and Race
(1) Hispanic or Latino. A person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race. (This category is only included under Ethnicity in Part 7., Item Number 1.)
(2) White. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa.
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(3) Asian. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam.
(4) Black or African American. A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa.
(5) American Indian or Alaska Native. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America (including Central America) who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment.
(6) Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.
B. Height. Select the values that best match your height in feet and inches. For example, if you are five feet and nine inches, select “5” for feet and “09” for inches. Do not enter your height in meters or centimeters.
C. Weight. Enter your weight in pounds. If you do not know your weight, or need to enter a weight under 30 pounds or over 699 pounds, enter “000.” Do not enter your weight in kilograms.
D. Eye Color. Select the box that best describes the color of your eyes.
E. Hair Color. Select the box that best describes the color of your hair.
15. Part 8. General Eligibility and Inadmissibility Grounds. Select the answer you think is correct. If you answer “Yes” to any questions (or if you answer “No,” but are unsure of your answer), provide an explanation of the events and circumstances in the space provided in Part 14. Additional Information.
For Part 8., Item Numbers 1. - 16.b., you must list every group or organization that you have ever been a member of, involved in, or in any way associated with at any time in your life, anywhere in the world. There is no exception based on your age at the time of your involvement or association. You are required to list all groups, including but not limited to political parties, social clubs, criminal street gangs, other criminal organizations, terrorist organizations, and professional societies.
When responding to Part 8., Item Number 21., remember that certain classes of aliens are authorized to be employed in the United States without receiving an Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.
16. Part 10. Applicant’s Statement, Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. Select the appropriate box to indicate whether you read this application yourself or whether you had an interpreter assist you. Also, if someone assisted you in completing the application, select the box indicating that you used a preparer. Further, you must sign and date your application and provide your daytime telephone number, mobile telephone number, and email address. Every application MUST contain the signature of the applicant (or parent or legal guardian, if applicable). A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable.
17. Part 11. Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. If you used anyone as an interpreter to read the Instructions and questions on this application to you in a language in which you are fluent, the interpreter must fill out this section, provide his or her name, the name and address of his or her business or organization, his or her daytime telephone number, his or her mobile telephone number, and his or her email address. The interpreter must sign and date the application.
18. Part 12. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Application, if Other Than the Applicant. This section must contain the signature of the person who completed your application, if you, the applicant, did not complete it. If the same individual acted as your interpreter and your preparer, that person should complete both Part 11. and Part 12. If the person who completed this application is associated with a business or organization, that person should complete the business or organization name and address information. Anyone who helped you complete this application MUST sign and date the application. A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable. If the person who helped you prepare your application is an attorney or accredited representative, he or she may be obliged to also submit a completed Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, along with your application.
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We recommend that you print or save a copy of your completed application to review in the future and for your records. We recommend that you review your copy of your completed application before you come to your biometric services appointment at a USCIS ASC. At your appointment, USCIS will permit you to complete the application process only if you are able to confirm, under penalty of perjury, that all of the information in your application was complete, true, and correct at the time of filing. If you are not able to make that attestation in good faith at that time, USCIS may deny your application or require you to return for another appointment.
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Pages 8-17, What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485? |
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What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485?
The specific evidence you are required to submit with your application may vary depending on the immigrant category you are filing under. Read about each type of evidence below to see if it applies to you; see also the Additional Instructions for more category-specific information.
You must submit all evidence requested in these Instructions with your application. If you fail to submit required evidence, USCIS may reject or deny your application for failure to submit requested evidence or supporting documents in accordance with 8 CFR 103.2(b)(1) and these Instructions.
Failure to submit all required evidence and documentation when filing Form I-485 may also delay processing of your application and any related applications based on Form I-485, such as Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, or Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.
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If you are unable to submit the required primary evidence (for example, a birth certificate or marriage certificate), you may provide secondary evidence (for example, church or school records) instead if you can explain why the primary evidence is unavailable. If you are unable to submit secondary evidence, you may submit two or more affidavits, sworn to or affirmed by individuals who are not parties to the immigration benefit sought and who have direct personal knowledge of the event and circumstances. You must also explain why primary and secondary evidence are unavailable.
If you will be submitting the same documentation (i.e. tax return transcripts or birth certifications) for the I-485, I-864 or the I-944, you do not need to submit the documentation multiple times.
1. Photographs
You must submit two recent identical color passport-style photographs of yourself. The photos must have a white to off-white background, be printed on thin paper with a glossy finish, and be unmounted and unretouched.
The two recent identical color passport-style photos must be 2 by 2 inches. The photos must be in color with full face, frontal view on a white to off-white background. Head height should measure 1 to 1 3/8 inches from top of hair to bottom of chin, and eye height is between 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 inches from bottom of photo. Your head must be bare unless you are wearing headwear as required by a religious denomination of which you are a member. Using a pencil or felt pen, lightly print your name and A-Number on the back of the photo. Visit the following DOS website at https.//travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/requirements/photos.html for examples.
2. Government-Issued Identity Document with Photograph
All Form I-485 applicants should submit a photocopy of a government-issued identity document that has their photograph. Typically, this will be your passport or similar document, even if the passport is now expired. It can also be any other government-issued identity document such as a driver’s license or military identification document.
3. Birth Certificate
All Form I-485 applicants, except refugees and asylees, must submit a photocopy of their birth certificate issued by the appropriate civil authority from the country of birth. Although refugees and asylees are not required to submit a photocopy of their birth certificate, if the birth certificate is available, refugees and asylees should submit a copy of the birth certificate. USCIS will only accept a long-form birth certificate which lists at least one parent.
If your birth certificate is unavailable or does not exist, you must prove its unavailability or nonexistence and provide acceptable alternative evidence of birth. (Refugees and asylees do not need to prove unavailability or nonexistence of their birth certificate.) You can look up your country of birth on the following website, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country.html, to see if birth certificates are known to be unavailable or nonexistent in that country.
If this resource shows that birth certificates from your country of birth are generally unavailable or nonexistent, you do not need to do anything to prove that your birth certificate is unavailable or nonexistent.
If this resource does not show that birth certificates from your country of birth are generally unavailable or nonexistent, you must submit an original document from the relevant governmental authority explaining why your birth record does not exist and indicate whether similar records for the time and place are available.
When your birth certificate is not available or does not exist, you must submit other acceptable evidence relating to the facts of your birth, such as church or school records, hospital or medical records, personal affidavits, or similar evidence.
4. Inspection and Admission or Inspection and Parole
Unless applying under INA section 245(i), most Form I-485 applicants must submit photocopies of documentation showing they were inspected by an immigration officer and either admitted or paroled into the United States. The following types of applicants do NOT need to submit documentation of inspection and admission or parole: registry applicants, asylees, VAWA self-petitioners, special immigrant juveniles, T nonimmigrants applying under INA section 245(l), U nonimmigrants applying under INA section 245(m), and individuals born under diplomatic status in the United States.
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You must establish any claim that you were admitted or paroled into the United States.
This evidence must relate to your most recent arrival into the United States. Submit copies of the following documents, if available:
A. Passport page with admission or parole stamp (issued by a U.S. immigration officer);
B. Passport page with nonimmigrant visa; and
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C. Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record (See Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record in the General Instructions section of these Instructions).
If you cannot produce this primary evidence, and DHS has no record of the admission or parole, USCIS will presume that you came into the United States without admission or parole.
You may, however, provide secondary evidence (records maintained in the ordinary course of business by any individual or organization other than DHS) to support your claim that you were admitted or paroled.
If no secondary evidence is available, you may submit separate written statements, signed under penalty of perjury under United States law, from yourself and from any other individuals who have personal knowledge of the circumstances of your claimed admission or parole. Any statement should explain in detail when and where you came into the United States; what travel documents you had; whether you showed them to the immigration inspector; any questions the immigration inspector asked; and any other details about your claimed admission or parole.
5. Documentation of Your Immigrant Category (see Part 2., Item Numbers 2.a. - 8.e. of Form I-485)
All Form I-485 applicants must submit evidence showing that they are eligible for adjustment of status in a particular immigrant category.
Filing as a Beneficiary of an Immigrant Petition
If you are filing as a beneficiary of an immigrant petition, you generally must submit a photocopy of Form I-797, Approval Notice, for your petition (or the principal applicant’s petition, if you are a derivative applicant), as appropriate.
If you are filing as a principal applicant and your immigrant category allows you to file Form I-485 before your petition is approved, you may submit your Form I-485 together with:
A. Your immigrant petition; or
B. A photocopy of Form I-797, Receipt Notice, for your immigrant petition.
If you are filing as a derivative applicant based on the principal applicant’s petition, you may submit your Form I-485 together with a photocopy of:
A. Form I-797, Approval or Receipt Notice, for the principal applicant’s immigrant petition (if applicable); and
B. Form I-797, Approval or Receipt Notice, for the principal applicant’s Form I-485 (if applicable) or a copy of the principal applicant’s Form I-551 (Green Card).
Filing Your Form I-485 Based on a Category That Does Not Require an Underlying Petition
If you are filing your Form I-485 based on a category that does not require an underlying immigrant petition, you must submit other documentation. See the Additional Instructions for more category-specific information.
6. Marriage Certificate and Other Proof of Relationship
If you are filing Form I-485 as the derivative applicant spouse of the principal applicant, you generally must submit a photocopy of your marriage certificate issued by the appropriate civil authority where the marriage took place. Refugee derivative applicant spouses do not need to submit a photocopy of the marriage certificate. There are also some immigrant categories that require the principal applicant to submit a marriage certificate (for example, K-1 nonimmigrants (person admitted to the United States as a fiancé(e)), abused spouses and children under the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA), Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (HRIFA) dependents, and abused spouses and children under HRIFA). See the Additional Instructions for more category-specific information.
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If either party to this marriage was previously married, you must also submit evidence to prove the legal termination of any prior marriages, typically a divorce certificate or death certificate. If a required marriage certificate (or divorce certificate or death certificate) is unavailable or does not exist, you must demonstrate its unavailability/nonexistence and provide other acceptable evidence as explained above for birth certificates.
If you are filing as the derivative applicant child of the principal applicant and your birth certificate does not show that the principal applicant is your parent, you must submit a photocopy of your parents’ marriage certificate, your adoption certificate, or other proof of your parent-child relationship with the principal applicant. Refugee derivative applicant children, however, do not need to submit proof of the parent-child relationship with the principal applicant.
7. Evidence of Continuously Maintaining a Lawful Status Since Arrival in the United States
Anyone applying under the following immigrant categories must submit evidence to show they have continuously maintained lawful immigration status while in the United States and are therefore not barred from adjustment by INA section 245(c)(2): applicants applying under a family-based preference category or an employment-based preference category; special immigrant religious workers, Afghan or Iraqi nationals, and international broadcasters; and selectees under the Diversity Visa Lottery program.
Acceptable evidence may include, but is not limited to, copies of the following documents:
A. Form I-797 approval notices for all extensions and changes of nonimmigrant status;
B. Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record, including printouts of paperless I-94 admissions;
C. Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status - For Academic and Language Students, or Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status - For Vocational Students, including all pages containing notations by authorized school officials;
D. Form DS-2019 (formerly IAP 66), Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status, including all pages containing notations by authorized exchange visitor program officials; or
E. Passport page with an admission or parole stamp (issued by a U.S. immigration officer).
Include evidence for every time you entered the United States and for the time periods spent in the United States. See the Additional Instructions for information on whether your specific immigrant category requires this evidence.
If you are applying as an employment-based first preference, second preference, or third preference applicant or as a fourth preference special immigrant religious worker and you believe you are exempted from this bar by INA section 245(k), you should submit evidence to prove you qualify for this exemption. For more information, see www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/adjustment-status.
8. Confirmation of Bona Fide Job Offer or Request for Job Portability Under INA Section 204(j) (Supplement J)
If your Form I-485 is related to an employment based visa petition (Form I-140) filed in an employment-based immigrant visa category that requires a job offer, and you are filing Form I-485 after the employer filed the Form I-140 on your behalf, you must file Form I-485 Supplement J, Confirmation of Bona Fide Job Offer or Request for Job Portability under INA Section 204(j) (Supplement J), together with your Form I-485. For more information about this requirement, please read the instructions to Supplement J. If you are filing Form I-485 together with a Form I-140 filed on your behalf, you do not need to file Supplement J at this time. At any time during the adjudication process, USCIS may request that you file Supplement J.
NOTE: Individuals seeking or granted a National Interest Waiver of the job offer requirement and individuals seeking or granted classification as an alien of extraordinary ability under INA section 203(b)(1)(A) do not need to file Supplement J. Because these employment-based immigrant visa categories are not tied to a specific job offer, individuals seeking or granted classification as an alien of extraordinary ability, or seeking or granted a National Interest Waiver of the job offer requirement, do not have to file Supplement J when filing Form I-485 or to request job portability under INA section 204(j).
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If you filed Form I-140 as a self-petitioner, you must intend to work in the occupational field specified in the Form I-140. You must provide a signed statement confirming this intent, unless you are filing Form I-485 together with your Form I-140.
Job Portability. If you properly filed Form I-485 and it remains pending with USCIS for 180 days or more after filing, you may be eligible to “port” to a job other than the one offered in the Form I-140. The new job offer must be for a permanent, full-time position in the same or similar occupational classification as the job offered in the Form I-140 that is the basis of your Form I-485. You must file Supplement J in order to request such job portability. For more information, please read the instructions to Supplement J. You may also visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov.
9. Public Charge: Declaration of Self-Sufficiency (Form I-944) and Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA (Form I-864)
NOTE: On July 29, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) in State of New York, et al. v. DHS, et al. and Make the Road NY et al. v. Cuccinelli, et al. enjoined the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from enforcing, applying, implementing, or treating as effective the Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds Final Rule (“Public Charge Final Rule”) for any period during which there is a declared national health emergency in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. (84 FR 41292, Aug. 14, 2019, final rule; as amended by 84 FR 52357, Oct. 2, 2019, final rule correction). Subsequently, on August 12, 2020, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, in State of New York, et al. v. DHS, et al. and Make the Road NY et al. v. Cuccinelli, granted an administrative stay of the July 29, 2020 nationwide injunction in all states outside of the Second Circuit, i.e. all states except New York, Connecticut, and Vermont. This stay allows DHS to continue implementing the Public Charge Final Rule everywhere except in New York, Connecticut, and Vermont. During the injunction, applicants who physically reside in New York, Connecticut, or Vermont should not submit Form I-944, Declaration of Self-Sufficiency.
In addition to Form I-485, you must file Form I-944 and Form I-864 to establish that you are not inadmissible based on the public charge ground, if you fall into one of the categories listed below. See Form I-944 Instructions and Form I-864 Instructions for more information. Failure to submit a required I-944 or I-864, will result in a denial of your I-485. Please note that Form I-864W is no longer required, so you do not need to submit a separate Form I-864W with your Form I-485.
If you are applying for an immigration benefit with USCIS, you may need to demonstrate that you are not likely to become a public charge at any time in the future, under INA section 212(a)(4). A public charge is an alien who receives one or more public benefits, as defined in 8 CFR 212.21(b), for more than 12 months in the aggregate within any 36-month period (such that, for instance, receipt of two benefits in one month counts as two months). An alien who is inadmissible based on the public charge ground is an alien who is likely at any time in the future to receive public benefits, for more than 12 months in the aggregate within any 36-month period (such that, for instance, receipt of two benefits in one month counts as two months), as defined in 212.21(b) based on the totality of the alien’s circumstances. Adjustment applicants must submit Form I-944, unless exempt from the public charge inadmissibility ground, to demonstrate that they are not likely at any time in the future to become a public charge.
General Exemption from Filing Form I-864
If you are an applicant listed below in the Who Must Submit Form I-944 and Form I-864 section and would normally be required to file Form I-864, you may be exempt from filing Form I-864 (but not Form I-944) if:
A. You have earned or can receive credit for 40 quarters (credits) of work in the United States (as defined by the Social Security Act (SSA)), regardless of the immigrant category. (Attach your SSA earning statements. Do not count any quarters during which you received a means-tested public benefit.); or
B. You are under 18 years of age, unmarried, immigrating as the child of a U.S. citizen, are not likely to become a public charge, and will automatically become a U.S. citizen pursuant to INA section 320 upon your admission to the United States.
Who Must Submit Form I-944 and Form I-864
If you are a principal or derivative applicant, you must submit Form I-944 and Form I-864 with your Form I-485 if you are applying under one of the following immigrant categories (unless otherwise stated):
A. Immediate relative (spouse of a U.S. citizen, parent of a U.S. citizen if the U.S. citizen is 21 years of age or older, and unmarried child under 21 years of age of a U.S. citizen);
B. Other relative of a U.S. citizen or relative of a lawful permanent resident under the family-based preference categories;
C. Person admitted to the United States as a K-1 nonimmigrant fiancé(e) or K-2 nonimmigrant child of a fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen; or
D. Alien worker under the employment-based preference categories ONLY if a relative filed Form I-140 for you or has a five percent or more ownership interest in the business that filed Form I-140 for you. Note that:
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(1) The relative who is the sponsor for Form I-864 must be your husband, wife, father, mother, child, adult son, adult daughter, brother, or sister; and
(2) The relative who is the sponsor for Form I-864 must also be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident; however, if your relative is your brother or sister, a Form I-864 is only required if he or she is a U.S. citizen (but not if he or she is a lawful permanent resident).
Who Must Submit Form I-944 (and not Form I-864)
If you are a principal or derivative applicant, you must submit Form I-944 with your Form I-485 if you are applying under one of the following immigrant categories:
A. Widow or widower of a U.S. citizen;
B. Alien worker under the employment-based preference categories (Exception: You may also need to file Form I-864 if a relative filed Form I-140 for you or has five percent or more ownership interest in the business that filed Form I-140. See the list above for more details.);
C. Alien entrepreneur;
D. Diplomats or high ranking officials unable to return home (Section 13 of the Act of September 11, 1957);
E. S nonimmigrants and qualifying family members (Form I-485 can only be filed by law enforcement agencies, not by an individual);
F. Diversity Visa program immigrants; or
G. Special Immigrants listed below:
(1) Certain U.S. Armed Forces immigrants (also known as the Six and Six program);
(2) Panama Canal Zone employees;
(3) Certain broadcasters;
(4) G-4 or NATO-6 employees and their family members;
(5) International employees of the U.S. government abroad;
(6) Religious workers;
(7) Certain physicians; or
(8) Certain employees or former employees of the U.S. government abroad.
H. Applicants adjusting under the Amerasian Act (October 22, 1982).
Who Must Submit Form I-864 (and not Form I-944)
If you are a principal or derivative applicant, you must submit Form I-864 with your Form I-485 if:
A. You are a VAWA self-petitioner, Victim of Qualifying Criminal Activity (U nonimmigrant), or a qualified alien as described in 8 U.S.C. 1641(c) (including, but not limited to, Human trafficking victim (T nonimmigrant)); AND
B. You are applying for adjustment as an alien worker under the employment-based preference categories ONLY if a relative filed Form I-140 for you or has a five percent or more ownership interest in the business that filed Form I-140 for you. Note that:
(1) The relative who is the sponsor for Form I-864 must be your husband, wife, father, mother, child, adult son, adult daughter, brother, or sister; and
(2) The relative who is the sponsor for Form I-864 must also be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident; however, if your relative is your brother or sister, Form I-864 is only required if he or she is a U.S. citizen (but not if he or she is a lawful permanent resident).
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If, at time of adjudication of the Form I-485, you no longer are in the category or status described in Item A. above, you may have to file Form I-944 in addition to Form I-864.
Who Does Not Need to Submit Form I-944 or Form I-864
You are
exempt from the public charge ground of inadmissibility and do not
need to file Form I-944 or Form I-864 with your Form I-485 if you
are applying under one of the following categories: A. VAWA self-petitioner. However if you are a VAWA-self-petitioner adjusting as an alien worker under the employment-based preference categories where a relative filed Form I-140 for applicant or has a five percent or more ownership interest in the business that filed Form I-140, you may have to file Form I-864;
B. Special immigrant juvenile;
C. Certain Afghan or Iraqi national employed by or on behalf of the U.S. Government;
D. Asylee;
E. Refugee;
F. Victim of qualifying criminal activity (U nonimmigrant) under INA section 245(m);
G. Adjusting under any category other than the victim of qualifying criminal activity (U nonimmigrant) immigrant category INA section 245(m) or as an alien worker under the employment-based preference categories where a relative filed Form I-140 for applicant or has a five percent or more ownership interest in the business that filed Form I-140, but the applicant, at the time he or she filed the adjustment of status application, is in valid U nonimmigrant status.
NOTE: This exemption only applies if, at the time of the adjudication of the Form I-485, you are in valid U nonimmigrant status. If, at the time of adjudication of the Form I-485, you are no longer in valid U nonimmigrant status, you may be required to submit Form I-944 and Form I-864.
H. Human trafficking victim (T nonimmigrant) under INA section 245(l);
I. Adjusting under any category other than INA section 245(l), or as an alien worker under the employment-based preference categories where a relative filed Form I-140 for applicant or has a five percent or more ownership interest in the business that filed Form I-140, but the applicant either has a pending application for T nonimmigrant status (Form I-914) that sets forth a prima facie case for eligibility, or is in valid T nonimmigrant status at the time the application for adjustment is filed.
NOTE: This exemption only applies if, at the time of the adjudication of the Form I-485, the Form I-914 is still pending and deemed to be prima facie eligible, or you are in valid T nonimmigrant status. If, at the time of the adjudication of the Form I-485, your Form I-914 is no longer pending a decision and deemed prima facie eligible, or you are no longer in valid T nonimmigrant status, you may be required to submit a Form I-944 and Form I-864.
J. Applicant adjusting under the Cuban Adjustment Act;
K. Applicant adjusting under the Cuban Adjustment Act for battered spouses and children;
L. Applicant adjusting based on dependent status under the Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act;
M. Applicant adjusting based on dependent status under the Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act for battered spouses and children;
N. Lautenberg parolee;
O. Applicant adjusting under the Indochinese Parole Adjustment Act of 2000;
P. Applicant adjusting based on continuous residence in the United States since before January 1, 1972 ("Registry");
Q. Individual born in the U.S. under diplomatic status; or
R. Spouse, child or parent of a deceased U.S. active duty service military member in the armed forces under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA);
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S. Other
groups listed below: (1) Applicant adjusting under the Amerasian Homecoming Act (December 22, 1987);
(2) Polish or Hungarian parolee; or
(3) American Indian born in Canada (INA section 289).
Aliens Who Accompany-to-Join a Principal Intending Immigrant
If you are an alien who is accompanying-to-join a principal intending immigrant, you must submit clear and true photocopies of any relevant Form I-864(s) and attachments filed on behalf of the principal intending immigrant.
Aliens Who Follow-to-Join a Principal Intending Immigrant
If you are following-to-join a principal intending immigrant you must submit a new Form I-864(s), together with all documents or other evidence necessary as provided in Form I-864 and Instructions.
10. Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (Form I-693)
Form I-485 applicants for adjustment of status are required to have a medical examination to show that they are free from health conditions that would make them inadmissible. This does not apply to registry applicants and individuals born under diplomatic immunity in the United States. If you are filing Form I-485 under the nonimmigrant fiancé(e), asylee, or refugee category, see the Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, Instructions for more information on whether you need to submit the full Form I-693 or only certain parts because you already had a medical examination overseas.
Only a USCIS designated civil surgeon can perform this medical examination in the United States. The civil surgeon must document the results of your medical examination on Form I-693. For more information on the medical examination, see the Form I-693 Instructions.
You are NOT required to submit Form I-693 at the time you file your adjustment application, but may do so if you wish. Because of the time-limited validity of Form I-693, you may choose to submit your Form I-693 after you file your Form I-485. You may also submit Form I-693 in person at an interview in a USCIS field office, if an interview is required. By waiting to submit Form I-693, you may avoid having to repeat the immigration medical examination.
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For more information about Form I-693 requirements, visit www.uscis.gov/i-693.
11. Certified Police and Court Records of Criminal Charges, Arrests, or Convictions
You must submit certified police and court records for any criminal charges, arrests, or convictions you may have.
A. If you were EVER arrested or detained by a law enforcement officer for any reason anywhere in the world, including the United States, and no criminal charges were filed, you must submit:
(1) An original or certified copy of the complete arrest report; and
(2) Either an official statement by the arresting or detaining agency or prosecutor’s office OR an applicable court order that indicates the final disposition of your arrest or detention;
B. If you were EVER charged for any reason (even if you were not arrested) anywhere in the world, including the United States, you must submit:
(1) An original or certified copy of the complete arrest report; and
(2) Certified copies of BOTH the indictment, information, or other formal charging document AND the final disposition of each charge (for example, a dismissal order or acquittal order);
C. If you were EVER convicted or placed in an alternative sentencing or rehabilitative program (such as probation, drug treatment, deferred adjudication, or community service program) anywhere in the world, including the United States, you must submit:
(1) An original or certified copy of the complete arrest report;
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(2) Certified copies of the following: the indictment, information, or other formal charging document; any plea agreement, whether in the form of a court filing or recording in a hearing transcript; and the final disposition for each incident (for example, conviction record, deferred adjudication order, probation order); and
(3) Either an original or certified copy of your probation or parole record showing that you completed the mandated sentence, conditions set for the deferred adjudication, or rehabilitative program OR documentation showing that you completed the alternative sentencing or rehabilitative program; or
D. If you EVER had any arrest or conviction vacated, set aside, sealed, expunged, or otherwise removed from your record anywhere in the world, you must submit:
(1) An original or certified copy of the complete arrest report; the indictment, information, or other formal charging document; any plea agreement, whether in the form of a court filing or recording in a hearing transcript; and the final disposition for each incident (for example, conviction record, deferred adjudication order, probation order); and
(2) A certified copy of the court order vacating, setting aside, sealing, expunging, or otherwise removing the arrest or conviction.
You must disclose all arrests and charges, even if the arrest occurred when you were a minor. An adjudication of juvenile delinquency is not a “conviction” under U.S. immigration law, but a juvenile can be charged as an adult for an offense committed while a juvenile. If you were convicted as an adult, there is a conviction, regardless of whether you were tried before a criminal court or a juvenile court. An adjudication of juvenile delinquency could also be relevant to the exercise of discretion. If you claim that an arrest resulted in adjudication of delinquency, and not in a conviction, you must submit a copy of the court document that establishes this fact.
In general, you do not need to submit documentation relating to traffic fines and incidents that did not involve an actual physical arrest if the penalty was only a fine of less than $500 or points on your driver’s license. However, you must submit such documentation if the traffic incident resulted in criminal charges or involved alcohol, drugs, or injury to a person or property.
If you are not able to obtain certified copies of any court disposition relating to Items 11.A. - 11.D., please submit:
A. An explanation of why the documents are not available, including (if possible) a certificate from the custodian of the documents explaining why the documents are not available;
B. Any secondary evidence that shows the disposition of the case; or
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12. Waiver of Inadmissibility
If you are inadmissible to the United States based on one or more grounds of inadmissibility outlined in INA section 212(a), you cannot adjust status unless you qualify for a waiver of inadmissibility or other form of relief. Whether or not you qualify for a waiver or other form of relief depends on the grounds of inadmissibility that apply to you and the specific immigrant category you are applying under.
If USCIS (or the Immigration Court, if you are in deportation, exclusion, or removal proceedings) determines that none of the grounds of inadmissibility apply to you, then you are admissible to the United States and there is no need for you to file a waiver of inadmissibility or other form of relief.
If USCIS (or the Immigration Court, if you are in deportation, exclusion, or removal proceedings) determines that a ground of inadmissibility does apply to you, you may need to seek a waiver or other form of relief that would eliminate the inadmissibility.
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You can learn more about waivers and other forms of relief by reading the Instructions for Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, at www.uscis.gov/I-601, and Form I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal, at www.uscis.gov/I-212. Refugee and asylee applicants for adjustment of status should also see Form I-602, Application by Refugee for Waiver of Grounds of Excludability, at www.uscis.gov/I-602.
13. Documentation Regarding J-1 or J-2 Exchange Visitor Status
If you previously held or currently hold J-1 (principal) or J-2 (dependent) nonimmigrant exchange visitor status, you must submit copies of all relevant Forms IAP-66 and/or Forms DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status, ever issued to you (if available). You must also submit copies of all available J-1 or J-2 nonimmigrant visas issued to you, and copies of all available Form I-94 and passport pages with entry stamps showing your admission to the United States in J-1 or J-2 status.
In addition, if your J status made you subject to the 2-year foreign residence requirement of INA section 212(e), you must submit documentation to show that you complied with the foreign residence requirement, have been granted a waiver of the requirement before filing Form I-485, or were issued a favorable waiver recommendation letter from DOS before filing Form I-485. You can show you complied with the requirement by submitting evidence to prove you resided in the appropriate home country for at least two years since your exchange visitor program ended. For information about waiver of the requirement, see the Instructions for Form I-612, Application for Waiver of the Foreign Residence Requirement.
14. Waiver of Diplomatic Rights, Privileges, Exemptions, and Immunities
If you currently hold A, G, or E nonimmigrant status and you enjoy certain diplomatic privileges and immunities as a result of that status, you must submit Form I-508, Application for Waiver of Rights, Privileges, Exemptions and Immunities (and Form I-508F for French nationals) with your Form I-485. In addition, if you have A, G, or NATO nonimmigrant status, you must file Form I-566, Interagency Record of Request - A, G or NATO Dependent Employment Authorization or Change/Adjustment to/from A, G or NATO Status, with your Form I-485.
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What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485?
The specific evidence you are required to submit with your application may vary depending on the immigrant category you are filing under. Read about each type of evidence below to see if it applies to you; see also the Additional Instructions for more category-specific information.
You must submit all evidence requested in these Instructions with your application. If you fail to submit required evidence, USCIS may reject or deny your application for failure to submit requested evidence or supporting documents in accordance with 8 CFR 103.2(b)(1) and these Instructions.
Failure to submit all required evidence and documentation when filing Form I-485 may also delay processing of your application and any related applications based on Form I-485, such as Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, or Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.
If you are unable to submit the required primary evidence (for example, a birth certificate or marriage certificate), you may provide secondary evidence (for example, church or school records) instead if you can explain why the primary evidence is unavailable. If you are unable to submit secondary evidence, you may submit two or more affidavits, sworn to or affirmed by individuals who are not parties to the immigration benefit sought and who have direct personal knowledge of the event and circumstances. You must also explain why primary and secondary evidence are unavailable in accordance with 8 CFR 103.2(b).
If you will be submitting the same documentation (i.e. tax return transcripts or birth certifications) for the I-485, I-864 or the I-944, you do not need to submit the documentation multiple times.
1. Photographs
You must submit two identical color passport-style photographs of yourself taken recently. The photos must have a white to off-white background, be printed on thin paper with a glossy finish, and be unmounted and unretouched.
The two recent identical color passport-style photos must be 2 by 2 inches. The photos must be in color with a full face, frontal view, on a white to off-white background. Head height should measure 1 to 1 3/8 inches from top of hair to bottom of chin, and eye height should measure between 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 inches from the top of your eyes to the bottom of photo. Your head must be bare unless you are wearing headwear as required by a religious denomination of which you are a member. Using a pencil or felt pen, lightly print your name and A-Number on the back of the photo. Visit the following DOS website at https.//travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/requirements/photos.html for examples.
2. Government-Issued Identity Document with Photograph
All Form I-485 applicants should submit a photocopy of a government-issued identity document that has their photograph. Typically, this will be your passport or similar document, even if the passport is now expired. It can also be any other government-issued identity document such as a driver’s license, military identification document, or an employment authorization document.
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3. Birth Certificate
All Form I-485 applicants, except refugees and asylees, must submit a photocopy of their birth certificate issued by the appropriate civil authority from the country of birth. Although refugees and asylees are not required to submit a photocopy of their birth certificate, if the birth certificate is available, refugees and asylees should submit a copy of the birth certificate. USCIS will only accept a long-form birth certificate which lists at least one parent.
If your birth certificate is unavailable or does not exist, you must prove its unavailability or nonexistence and provide acceptable alternative evidence of birth. (Refugees and asylees do not need to prove unavailability or nonexistence of their birth certificate.) You can look up your country of birth on the following website, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country.html, to see if birth certificates are known to be unavailable or nonexistent in that country.
If this resource shows that birth certificates from your country of birth are generally unavailable or nonexistent, you do not need to do anything to prove that your birth certificate is unavailable or nonexistent.
If this resource does not show that birth certificates from your country of birth are generally unavailable or nonexistent, you must submit an original document from the relevant governmental authority explaining why your birth record does not exist and indicate whether similar records for the time and place are available.
When your birth certificate is not available or does not exist, you must submit other acceptable evidence relating to the facts of your birth, such as church or school records, hospital or medical records, personal affidavits, or similar evidence.
4. Inspection and Admission or Inspection and Parole
Unless applying under INA section 245(i), most Form I-485 applicants must submit photocopies of documentation showing they were inspected by an immigration officer and either admitted or paroled into the United States. The following types of applicants do NOT need to submit documentation of inspection and admission or parole: registry applicants, asylees, VAWA self-petitioners, special immigrant juveniles, T nonimmigrants applying under INA section 245(l), U nonimmigrants applying under INA section 245(m), and individuals born under diplomatic status in the United States.
You must establish any claim that you were admitted or paroled into the United States.
This evidence must relate to your most recent arrival into the United States. Submit copies of the following documents, if available:
If you cannot produce this primary evidence, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has no record of the admission or parole, USCIS will presume that you came into the United States without admission or parole.
You may, however, provide secondary evidence (records maintained in the ordinary course of business by any individual or organization other than DHS) to support your claim that you were admitted or paroled.
If no secondary evidence is available, you may submit separate written statements, signed under penalty of perjury under United States law, from yourself and from any other individuals who have personal knowledge of the circumstances of your claimed admission or parole. Any statement should explain in detail when and where you came into the United States; what travel documents you had; whether you showed them to the immigration inspector; any questions the immigration inspector asked; and any other details about your claimed admission or parole.
5. Documentation of Your Immigrant Category (see Part 2., Item Numbers 2.a. - 8.e. of Form I-485)
All Form I-485 applicants must submit evidence showing that they are eligible for adjustment of status in a particular immigrant category.
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Filing as a Beneficiary of an Immigrant Petition
If you are filing as a beneficiary of an immigrant petition, you generally must submit a photocopy of Form I-797, Notice of Action, for your petition (or the principal applicant’s petition, if you are a derivative applicant), as appropriate.
If you are filing as a principal applicant and your immigrant category allows you to file Form I-485 before your petition is approved, you may submit your Form I-485 together with:
If you are filing as a derivative applicant based on the principal applicant’s petition, you may submit your Form I-485 together with the principal applicant’s Form I-485 or provide a photocopy of:
Filing Your Form I-485 Based on a Category That Does Not Require an Underlying Petition
If you are filing your Form I-485 based on a category that does not require an underlying immigrant petition, you must submit other documentation. See the Additional Instructions for more category-specific information.
6. Marriage Certificate and Other Proof of Relationship
If you are filing Form I-485 as the derivative applicant spouse of the principal applicant, you generally must submit a photocopy of your marriage certificate issued by the appropriate civil authority where the marriage took place. Refugee derivative applicant spouses do not need to submit a photocopy of the marriage certificate if the document is unavailable. There are also some immigrant categories that require the principal applicant to submit a marriage certificate (for example, K-1 nonimmigrants (person admitted to the United States as a fiancé(e)), abused spouses and children under the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA), Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (HRIFA) dependents, and abused spouses and children under HRIFA). See the Additional Instructions for more category-specific information.
If either party to this marriage was previously married, you must also submit evidence to prove the legal termination of any prior marriages, typically a divorce certificate or death certificate. If a required marriage certificate (or divorce or death certificate) is unavailable or does not exist, you must demonstrate its unavailability/nonexistence and provide other acceptable evidence as explained above for birth certificates.
If you are filing as the derivative applicant child of the principal applicant and your birth certificate does not show that the principal applicant is your parent, you must submit a photocopy of your parents’ marriage certificate, your adoption certificate, or other proof of your parent-child relationship with the principal applicant. Refugee derivative applicant children, however, do not need to submit proof of the parent-child relationship with the principal applicant if it is not available.
7. Evidence of Continuously Maintaining a Lawful Status Since Arrival in the United States
Anyone applying under the following immigrant categories must submit evidence to show they have continuously maintained lawful immigration status while in the United States and are therefore not barred from adjustment by INA section 245(c)(2): applicants applying under a family-based preference category or an employment-based preference category; special immigrant religious workers, Afghan or Iraqi nationals, and international broadcasters; and selectees under the Diversity Visa program.
Acceptable evidence may include, but is not limited to, copies of the following documents:
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Include evidence for every time you entered the United States and for the time periods spent in the United States. See the Additional Instructions for information on whether your specific immigrant category requires this evidence.
If you are applying as an employment-based first preference, second preference, or third preference applicant or as a fourth preference special immigrant religious worker or as a derivative family member and you believe you are exempt from the INA section 245(c)(2), (7), or (8) bars under INA section 245(k), you should submit evidence to prove you qualify for this exemption. For more information, see https://www.uscis.gov/greencard/adjustment-of-status.
8. Confirmation of Bona Fide Job Offer or Request for Job Portability Under INA Section 204(j) (Supplement J)
Bona Fide Job Offer. If your Form I-485 is related to an immigrant petition for alien worker (Form I-140) filed in an employment-based immigrant visa category that requires a job offer, and you are filing Form I-485 as a principal applicant after approval of the Form I-140 filed on your behalf by the petitioner, you must file Form I-485 Supplement J, Confirmation of Bona Fide Job Offer or Request for Job Portability under INA Section 204(j), together with your Form I-485. For more information about this requirement, please read the instructions to Supplement J. If you are filing Form I-485 together with a Form I-140 filed on your behalf, or while the Form I-140 is still pending, you do not need to file Supplement J at this time. At any time during the adjudication process, USCIS may request that you file Supplement J.
Individuals seeking or granted a National Interest Waiver of the job offer requirement and individuals seeking or granted classification as an alien of extraordinary ability under INA section 203(b)(1)(A) do not need to file Supplement J. Because these employment-based immigrant visa categories are not tied to a specific job offer, individuals seeking or granted classification as an alien of extraordinary ability, or seeking or granted a National Interest Waiver of the job offer requirement, do not have to file Supplement J when filing Form I-485 or to request job portability under INA section 204(j).
If you filed or are concurrently filing Form I-140 as a self-petitioner, you must intend to work in the occupational field specified in the Form I-140. You must provide a signed statement confirming this intent, unless you are filing Form I-485 at the same time as your Form I-140, or while your Form I-140 is still pending.
Job Portability. If you are the principal applicant and properly file a Form I-485 that remains pending with USCIS for 180 days or more after filing, you may become eligible to “port” to a job other than the one offered in the Form I-140. Portability means to change the offer of employment from one job or employer to another job or employer. The new job offer must be for a permanent, full-time position in the same or similar occupational classification as the job offered in the Form I-140 that is the basis of your Form I-485. For more information about requesting job portability, please read the instructions to Supplement J.
9. Public Charge: Declaration of Self-Sufficiency (Form I-944) and Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA (Form I-864)
NOTE: On July 29, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) in State of New York, et al. v. DHS, et al. and Make the Road NY et al. v. Cuccinelli, et al. enjoined the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from enforcing, applying, implementing, or treating as effective the Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds Final Rule (“Public Charge Final Rule”) for any period during which there is a declared national health emergency in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. (84 FR 41292, Aug. 14, 2019, final rule; as amended by 84 FR 52357, Oct. 2, 2019, final rule correction). Subsequently, on August 12, 2020, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, in State of New York, et al. v. DHS, et al. and Make the Road NY et al. v. Cuccinelli, granted an administrative stay of the July 29, 2020 nationwide injunction in all states outside of the Second Circuit, i.e. all states except New York, Connecticut, and Vermont. This stay allows DHS to continue implementing the Public Charge Final Rule everywhere except in New York, Connecticut, and Vermont. During the injunction, applicants who physically reside in New York, Connecticut, or Vermont should not submit Form I-944, Declaration of Self-Sufficiency.
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In addition to Form I-485, you must file Form I-944 and Form I-864 to establish that you are not inadmissible based on the public charge ground, if you fall into one of the categories listed below. See Form I-944 Instructions and Form I-864 Instructions for more information. Failure to submit a required I-944 or I-864, will result in a denial of your I-485. Please note that Form I-864W is no longer required, so you do not need to submit a separate Form I-864W with your Form I-485.
If you are applying for an immigration benefit with USCIS, you may need to demonstrate that you are not likely to become a public charge at any time in the future, under INA section 212(a)(4). A public charge is an alien who receives one or more public benefits, as defined in 8 CFR 212.21(b), for more than 12 months in the aggregate within any 36-month period (such that, for instance, receipt of two benefits in one month counts as two months). An alien who is inadmissible based on the public charge ground is an alien who is likely at any time in the future to receive public benefits, for more than 12 months in the aggregate within any 36-month period (such that, for instance, receipt of two benefits in one month counts as two months), as defined in 212.21(b) based on the totality of the alien’s circumstances. Adjustment applicants must submit Form I-944, unless exempt from the public charge inadmissibility ground, to demonstrate that they are not likely at any time in the future to become a public charge.
General Exemption from Filing Form I-864
If you are an applicant listed below in the Who Must Submit Form I-944 and Form I-864 section and would normally be required to file Form I-864, you may be exempt from filing Form I-864 (but not Form I-944) if:
A. You have earned or can receive credit for 40 quarters (credits) of work in the United States (as defined by the Social Security Act (SSA)), regardless of the immigrant category. (Attach your SSA earning statements. Do not count any quarters during which you received a means-tested public benefit.); or
B. You are under 18 years of age, unmarried, immigrating as the child of a U.S. citizen, are not likely to become a public charge, and will automatically become a U.S. citizen pursuant to INA section 320, as amended by the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, upon your admission to the United States.
Who Must Submit Form I-944 and Form I-864
If you are a principal or derivative applicant, you must submit Form I-944 and Form I-864 with your Form I-485 if you are applying under one of the following immigrant categories (unless otherwise stated):
A. Immediate relative (spouse of a U.S. citizen, parent of a U.S. citizen if the U.S. citizen is 21 years of age or older, and unmarried child under 21 years of age of a U.S. citizen);
B. Other relative of a U.S. citizen or relative of a lawful permanent resident under the family-based preference categories;
C. Person admitted to the United States as a K-1 nonimmigrant fiancé(e) or K-2 nonimmigrant child of a fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen; or
D. Alien worker under the employment-based preference categories ONLY if a relative filed Form I-140 for you or has a five percent or more ownership interest in the business that filed Form I-140 for you. Note that:
(1) The relative who is the sponsor for Form I-864 must be your husband, wife, father, mother, child, adult son, adult daughter, brother, or sister; and
(2) The relative who is the sponsor for Form I-864 must also be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident; however, if your relative is your brother or sister, a Form I-864 is only required if he or she is a U.S. citizen (but not if he or she is a lawful permanent resident).
Who Must Submit Form I-944 (and not Form I-864)
If you are a principal or derivative applicant, you must submit Form I-944 with your Form I-485 if you are applying under one of the following immigrant categories:
A. Widow or widower of a U.S. citizen;
B. Alien worker under the employment-based preference categories (Exception: You may also need to file Form I-864 if a relative filed Form I-140 for you or has five percent or more ownership interest in the business that filed Form I-140. See the list above for more details.);
C. Alien investor;
D. Diplomats or high ranking officials unable to return home (Section 13 of the Act of September 11, 1957);
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E. S nonimmigrants and qualifying family members (Form I-485 can only be filed by law enforcement agencies, not by an individual);
F. Diversity Visa program immigrants; or
G. Special Immigrants listed below:
(1) Certain U.S. Armed Forces immigrants (also known as the Six and Six program);
(2) Panama Canal Zone employees;
(3) Certain broadcasters;
(4) G-4 or NATO-6 employees and their family members;
(5) International employees of the U.S. government abroad;
(6) Religious workers;
(7) Certain physicians; or
(8) Certain employees or former employees of the U.S. government abroad.
H. Applicants adjusting under the Amerasian Act (October 22, 1982).
Who Must Submit Form I-864 (and not Form I-944)
If you are a principal or derivative applicant, you must submit Form I-864 with your Form I-485 if:
A. You are a Victim of Qualifying Criminal Activity (U nonimmigrant) or a qualified alien as described in 8 U.S.C. 1641(c) (including, but not limited to, Human trafficking victim (T nonimmigrant)); AND
B. You are applying for adjustment as an alien worker under the employment-based preference categories ONLY if a relative filed Form I-140 for you or has a five percent or more ownership interest in the business that filed Form I-140 for you. Note that:
(1) The relative who is the sponsor for Form I-864 must be your husband, wife, father, mother, child, adult son, adult daughter, brother, or sister; and
(2) The relative who is the sponsor for Form I-864 must also be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident; however, if your relative is your brother or sister, Form I-864 is only required if he or she is a U.S. citizen (but not if he or she is a lawful permanent resident).
If, at time of adjudication of the Form I-485, you no longer are in the category or status described in Item A. above, you may have to file Form I-944 in addition to Form I-864.
Who Does Not Need to Submit Form I-944 or Form I-864
You are
exempt from the public charge ground of inadmissibility and do not
need to file Form I-944 or Form I-864 with your Form I-485 if you
are applying under one of the following categories: A. VAWA self-petitioner. However if you have a previously-approved VAWA-self-petition and you are not seeking adjustment based on your VAWA self-petition but on another basis, you may have to file Form I-864. Whether you have to file Form I-864 and/or Form I-944 will depend on the basis for which you seek adjustment.
B. Special immigrant juvenile;
C. Certain Afghan or Iraqi national employed by or on behalf of the U.S. Government;
D. Asylee;
E. Refugee;
F. Human trafficking victim (T nonimmigrant) under INA section 245(l);
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G. At the time of filing your Form I-485, you have a pending application for T nonimmigrant status (Form I-914) that sets forth a prima facie case for eligibility or you are in valid T nonimmigrant status, and are applying to adjust under a category other than the human trafficking victim (T nonimmigrant) category (INA section 245(l)), but not as an alien worker under the employment-based preference categories where a relative filed Form I-140 for the applicant or has a five percent or more ownership interest in the business that filed Form I-140.
NOTE: This exemption only applies if, at the time USCIS adjudicates your Form I-485, your Form I-914 is still pending and deemed to be prima facie eligible, or you are in valid T nonimmigrant status. If, at the time of the adjudication of your Form I-485, your Form I-914 is no longer pending, or you are no longer in valid T nonimmigrant status, you may have to file a Form I-944 and Form I-864.
H. Victim of qualifying criminal activity (U nonimmigrant) under INA section 245(m);
I. At the time of filing your Form I-485, you are in valid U nonimmigrant status, and are applying to adjust under any category other than the victim of qualifying criminal activity (U nonimmigrant) category (INA section 245(m)), but not as an alien worker under the employment-based preference categories where a relative filed Form I-140 for applicant or has a five percent or more ownership interest in the business that filed Form I-140.
NOTE: This exemption only applies if, at the time of the adjudication of your Form I-485, you are in valid U nonimmigrant status. If, at the time of adjudication of your Form I-485, you are no longer in valid U nonimmigrant status, you may have to file Form I-944 and Form I-864.
J. Applicant adjusting under the Cuban Adjustment Act;
K. Applicant adjusting under the Cuban Adjustment Act for battered spouses and children;
L. Applicant adjusting based on dependent status under the Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act;
M. Applicant adjusting based on dependent status under the Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act for battered spouses and children;
N. Lautenberg parolee;
O. Applicant adjusting under the Indochinese Parole Adjustment Act of 2000;
P. Applicant adjusting based on continuous residence in the United States since before January 1, 1972 ("Registry");
Q. Individual born in the U.S. under diplomatic status; or
R. Spouse, child or parent of a deceased U.S. active duty service military member in the armed forces under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA);
S. Other
groups listed below: (1) Applicant adjusting under the Amerasian Homecoming Act (December 22, 1987);
(2) Polish or Hungarian parolee; or
(3) American Indian born in Canada (INA section 289).
Aliens Who Accompany-to-Join a Principal Intending Immigrant
If you are an alien who is accompanying-to-join a principal intending immigrant, you must submit clear and true photocopies of any relevant Form I-864(s) and attachments filed on behalf of the principal intending immigrant.
Aliens Who Follow-to-Join a Principal Intending Immigrant
If you are following-to-join a principal intending immigrant you must submit a new Form I-864(s), together with all documents or other evidence necessary as provided in Form I-864 and Instructions.
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10. Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (Form I-693)
Form I-485 applicants for adjustment of status are required to have an immigration medical examination to show that they are free from health conditions that would make them inadmissible. This does not apply to registry applicants and individuals born under diplomatic immunity in the United States. If you are filing Form I-485 under the nonimmigrant fiancé(e), asylee, or refugee category, see the Form I-693 Instructions for more information on whether you need to submit the full Form I-693 or only certain parts because you already had an immigration medical examination overseas.
Only a USCIS-designated civil surgeon can perform an immigration medical examination in the United States. The civil surgeon must document the results of your immigration medical examination on Form I-693. For more information on the immigration medical examination, see the Form I-693 Instructions.
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You must submit Form I-693, in a sealed envelope, at the same time you file your Form I-485. The civil surgeon must have completed, signed, and dated the Form I-693 no earlier than 60 days before the date you file your Form I-485. A properly submitted Form I-693 remains valid for two years after the date the civil surgeon signed Form I-693.
For more information about Form I-693 requirements, visit www.uscis.gov/i-693.
11. Certified Police and Court Records of Criminal Charges, Arrests, or Convictions
You must submit certified police and court records for any criminal charges, arrests, or convictions you may have. In addition, USCIS may ask certain applicants to provide foreign police certificates (see below, Item 12. Foreign Police Clearances).
A. If you were EVER arrested or detained by a law enforcement officer for any reason anywhere in the world, including the United States, and no criminal charges were filed, you must submit:
B. If you were EVER charged for any reason (even if you were not arrested) anywhere in the world, including the United States, you must submit:
C. If you were EVER convicted or placed in an alternative sentencing or rehabilitative program (such as probation, drug treatment, deferred adjudication, or community service program) anywhere in the world, including the United States, you must submit:
D. If you EVER had any arrest or conviction vacated, set aside, sealed, expunged, or otherwise removed from your record anywhere in the world, you must submit:
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You must disclose all arrests and charges, even if the arrest occurred when you were a minor. An adjudication of juvenile delinquency is not a “conviction” under U.S. immigration law, but a juvenile can be charged as an adult for an offense committed while a juvenile. If you were convicted as an adult, there is a conviction, regardless of whether you were tried before a criminal court or a juvenile court. An adjudication of juvenile delinquency could also be relevant to the exercise of discretion. If you claim that an arrest resulted in adjudication of delinquency, and not in a conviction, you must submit a copy of the court document that establishes this fact.
In general, you do not need to submit documentation relating to traffic fines and incidents that did not involve an actual physical arrest if the penalty was only a fine of less than $500 or points on your driver’s license. However, you must submit such documentation if the traffic incident resulted in criminal charges or involved alcohol, drugs, or injury to a person or property.
If you are not able to obtain certified copies of any court disposition relating to Items 11.A. - 11.D., please submit all three items below:
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12. Foreign Police Certificates
Although not required as initial evidence, USCIS may issue a request for foreign police certificates from certain applicants (age 16 years and over), including, but not limited to, applicants with an arrest history in the United States or anywhere in the world. A foreign police certificate is an official letter from a foreign law enforcement agency stating the alien has no criminal history in that country or, alternatively, if the alien does have a criminal history, providing detailed information about their criminal history. For more information on foreign police certificates, visit www.uscis.gov.
13. Waiver of Inadmissibility
If you are inadmissible to the United States based on one or more grounds of inadmissibility outlined in INA section 212(a), you cannot adjust status unless you apply for and are granted a waiver of inadmissibility or other form of relief. Whether or not you qualify for a waiver or other form of relief depends on the grounds of inadmissibility that apply to you and the specific immigrant category you are applying under.
If USCIS (or the Immigration Judge, if you are in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings) determines that none of the grounds of inadmissibility apply to you, then you are admissible to the United States and there is no need for you to file a waiver of inadmissibility or other form of relief.
If USCIS (or the Immigration Judge, if you are in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings) determines that a ground of inadmissibility does apply to you, you may need to apply for a waiver or other form of relief that would eliminate the inadmissibility.
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You can learn more about waivers and other forms of relief by reading the Instructions for Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, at www.uscis.gov/I-601, and Form I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal, at www.uscis.gov/I-212. Refugee and asylee applicants for adjustment of status should also see Form I-602, Application by Refugee for Waiver of Grounds of Excludability, at www.uscis.gov/I-602.
14. Documentation Regarding J-1 or J-2 Nonimmigrant Exchange Visitor Status
If you previously held or currently hold J-1 (principal) or J-2 (dependent) nonimmigrant exchange visitor status, you must submit copies of all relevant Forms IAP-66 and/or Forms DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status, ever issued to you (if available). You must also submit copies of all available J-1 or J-2 nonimmigrant visas issued to you, and copies of all available Form I-94 and passport pages with entry stamps showing your admission to the United States in J-1 or J-2 status.
In addition, if your J status made you subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement of INA section 212(e), you must submit documentation to show that you complied with the foreign residence requirement, have been granted a waiver of the requirement before filing Form I-485, or were issued a favorable waiver recommendation letter from DOS before filing Form I-485. You can show you complied with the requirement by submitting evidence to prove you resided in the appropriate home country for at least two years since your exchange visitor program ended. For information about waiver of the requirement, see the Instructions for Form I-612, Application for Waiver of the Foreign Residence Requirement, at www.uscis.gov/I-612.
15. Waiver of Diplomatic Rights, Privileges, Exemptions, and Immunities
If you currently hold A, G, or E nonimmigrant status and you enjoy certain diplomatic privileges and immunities as a result of that status, you must submit Form I-508, Application for Waiver of Rights, Privileges, Exemptions and Immunities with your Form I-485 (see www.uscis.gov/I-508). In addition, if you have A, G, or NATO nonimmigrant status, you must file Form I-566, Interagency Record of Request - A, G or NATO Dependent Employment Authorization or Change/Adjustment to/from A, G or NATO Status, with your Form I-485 (see www.uscis.gov/I-566).
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Pages 17-18, What Is the Filing Fee? |
[Page 17]
What Is the Filing Fee?
The filing fee for Form I-485 is $1,130.
If you are 13 years of age or younger and:
1. Are filing with a parent’s Form I-485, the filing fee for Form I-485 is $750; or
2. Are filing without a parent’s Form I-485, the filing fee for Form I-485 is $1,140.
A biometric services fee of $85 is also required for applicants between 14 and 79 years of age.
If you are 79 years of age or older, you do not need to pay a biometric services fee. However, you still must appear for your scheduled biometrics collection appointment.
If you are 13 years of age or younger, you do not need to pay a biometric services fee. However, you still must appear for your scheduled biometrics collection appointment. If you turn 14 years of age while your application is pending, you will then have to pay an $85 biometric services fee before USCIS will adjudicate your application.
You do not need to pay the Form I-485 filing fee if:
1. You are a refugee adjusting status under INA section 209(a). Refugees are automatically exempt from paying the Form I-485 filing fee and biometric services fee and are not required to demonstrate an inability to pay;
2. You qualify for and receive a fee waiver based on your inability to pay. If you believe you are eligible for a fee waiver under 8 CFR 103.7(c), complete Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver (or a written request), and submit it and any required evidence of your inability to pay the filing fee with this application. You can review the fee waiver guidance at www.uscis.gov/feewaiver; or
3. You are in deportation, exclusion, or removal proceedings before an Immigration Judge, and the Immigration Judge waives your application fee. See 8 CFR 1003.24. If you believe you are eligible for a fee waiver, file a written request with the Immigration Judge, along with any required evidence of your inability to pay the filing fee. For additional information on filing a request for a fee waiver, see the Immigration Court Practice Manual at www.justice.gov/eoir/office-chief-immigration-judge-0.
NOTE: The filing fee is not refundable, regardless of any action USCIS (or an Immigration Judge if you are in deportation, exclusion, or removal proceedings) takes on this application. DO NOT MAIL CASH. You must submit all fees in the exact amounts.
Use the following guidelines when you prepare your checks or money orders for the Form I-485 filing fee and biometric services fee:
1. The check or money order must be drawn on a bank or other financial institution located in the United States and must be payable in U.S. currency; and
2. Make the checks or money orders payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
NOTE: Spell out U.S. Department of Homeland Security; do not use the initials “USDHS” or “DHS.”
Notice to Those Making Payment by Check. If you send us a check, USCIS will convert it into an electronic funds transfer (EFT). This means we will copy your check and use the account information on it to electronically debit your account for the amount of the check. The debit from your account will usually take 24 hours and your bank will show it on your regular account statement.
You will not receive your original check back. We will destroy your original check, but will keep a copy of it. If USCIS cannot process the EFT for technical reasons, you authorize us to process the copy in place of your original check. If your check is returned as unpayable, USCIS will re-submit the payment to the financial institution one time. If the check is returned as unpayable a second time, we will reject your application and charge you a returned check fee.
How To Check If the Fees Are Correct
Form I-485’s filing fee is current as of the edition date in the lower left corner of this page. However, because USCIS fees change periodically, you can verify that the fees are correct by following one of the steps below.
1. Visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov, select “FORMS,” and check the appropriate fee; or
2. Call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 and ask for fee information. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
Filing Form I-485 with Forms I-765 and I-131
If you properly file Form I-485 and pay the required fees, you may file Form I-765 and Form I-131 without paying additional fees. You may file these forms together, or if you choose to file Form I-765 or Form I-131 separately, you must also submit a copy of your I-797C, Notice of Action, receipt as evidence that you filed and paid for Form I-485.
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[Page 19]
What Is the Filing Fee?
The filing fee for Form I-485 is $1,140.
If you are 13 years of age or younger and:
1. Are filing with a parent’s Form I-485, the filing fee for Form I-485 is $750; or
2. Are filing without a parent’s Form I-485, the filing fee for Form I-485 is $1,140.
A biometric services fee of $85 is also required for applicants between 14 and 79 years of age.
If you are 79 years of age or older, you do not need to pay a biometric services fee. However, you still must appear for your scheduled biometrics collection appointment.
If you are 13 years of age or younger, you do not need to pay a biometric services fee. However, you still must appear for your scheduled biometrics collection appointment. If you turn 14 years of age while your application is pending, you will then have to pay an $85 biometric services fee before USCIS will adjudicate your application.
You do not need to pay either the Form I-485 filing fee or biometric services fee if:
1. You are a refugee adjusting status under INA section 209(a). Refugees are automatically exempt from paying the Form I-485 filing fee and biometric services fee and are not required to demonstrate an inability to pay;
2. You qualify for and receive a fee waiver based on your inability to pay. If you believe you are eligible for a fee waiver under 8 CFR 103.7(c), complete Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver (or a written request), and submit it and any required evidence of your inability to pay the filing fee with this application. You can review the fee waiver guidance at www.uscis.gov/feewaiver; or
3. You are in deportation, exclusion, or removal proceedings before an Immigration Judge, and the Immigration Judge waives your application fee. See 8 CFR 1003.24. If you believe you are eligible for a fee waiver, file a written request with the Immigration Judge, along with any required evidence of your inability to pay the filing fee. For additional information on filing a request for a fee waiver, see the Immigration Court Practice Manual at www.justice.gov/eoir/office-chief-immigration-judge-0.
NOTE: The filing fee is not refundable, regardless of any action USCIS (or an Immigration Judge if you are in deportation, exclusion, or removal proceedings) takes on this application. DO NOT MAIL CASH. You must submit all fees in the exact amounts.
Payments by Checks or Money Orders
Use the following guidelines when you prepare your checks or money orders for the Form I-485 filing fee and biometric services fee:
Spell out U.S. Department of Homeland Security; do not use the initials “USDHS” or “DHS.”
Notice to Those Making Payment by Check. If you send USCIS a check, we will convert it into an electronic funds transfer (EFT). This means we will copy your check and use the account information on it to electronically debit your account for the amount of the check. The debit from your account will usually take 24 hours and your bank will show it on your regular account statement.
You will not receive your original check back. We will destroy your original check, but will keep a copy of it. If USCIS cannot process the EFT for technical reasons, you authorize us to process the copy in place of your original check. If your check is returned as unpayable, USCIS will re-submit the payment to the financial institution one time. If the check is returned as unpayable a second time, we will reject your application and charge you a returned check fee.
How To Check If the Fees Are Correct
Form I-485’s filing fee is current as of the edition date in the lower left corner of this page. However, because USCIS fees change periodically, you can verify that the fees are correct by following one of the steps below.
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Pages 18-19, Where To File? |
[Page 18]
Where To File?
Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/i-485 or call our National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 for the most current information about where to file this application. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
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If you are in proceedings in Immigration Court (that is, if you have been served with Form I-221, Order to Show Cause and Notice of Hearing; Form I-122, Notice to Applicant for Admission Detained for Hearing Before an Immigration Judge; Form I-862, Notice to Appear; or Form I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge, that U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) filed with the Immigration Court), you should file this application with the appropriate Immigration Court. The DHS attorney will provide you with Pre-Order Filing Instructions regarding background and security investigations. You must also submit a copy to USCIS. Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/laws/immigration-benefits-eoir-removal-proceedings or call our National Customer Service Center for the most current information about where to file the copy of the application that you file with the Immigration Court.
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[Page 21]
Where To File?
Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/i-485, or visit the USCIS Contact Center at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter to connect with a USCIS representative for the most current information about where to file this application. The USCIS Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
If you are in proceedings in Immigration Court (that is, if you have been served with Form I-221, Order to Show Cause and Notice of Hearing; Form I-122, Notice to Applicant for Admission Detained for Hearing Before an Immigration Judge; Form I-862, Notice to Appear; or Form I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge, that U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) filed with the Immigration Court), you should file this application with the appropriate Immigration Court. The DHS attorney will provide you with Pre-Order Filing Instructions regarding background and security investigations. You must also submit a copy to USCIS. Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/laws/immigration-benefits-eoir-removal-proceedings or visit the USCIS Contact Center’s website for the most current information about where to file the copy of the application that you file with the Immigration Court. |
Page 19, Address Change |
[Page 19]
Address Change
An applicant who is not a U.S. citizen must notify USCIS of his or her new address within 10 days of moving from his or her previous residence. For information on filing a change of address, go to the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/addresschange or contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
If you are already in proceedings in Immigration Court, you must also notify the Immigration Court on EOIR Form 33/IC, Alien’s Change of Address Form/Immigration Court, of any changes of address within five days of the change in address. The EOIR Form 33/IC is available on the EOIR website at www.justice.gov/eoir/formslist.htm.
NOTE: Do not submit a change of address request to the USCIS Lockbox facilities because the Lockbox does not process change of address requests.
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[Page 21]
Address Change
You must notify USCIS anytime you change your mailing address or your physical address. You must notify us no later than 10 days after making such change. For information on filing a change of address, go to the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/addresschange or the USCIS Contact Center at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter for help. The USCIS Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
If you are already in proceedings in Immigration Court, you must also notify the Immigration Court on EOIR Form 33/IC, Alien’s Change of Address Form/Immigration Court, of any changes of address within five days of the change in address. The EOIR Form 33/IC is available on the EOIR website at www.justice.gov/eoir/formslist.htm.
Do not submit a change of address request to the USCIS Lockbox facilities because the Lockbox does not process change of address requests.
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Pages 19-20, Processing Information |
[Page 19]
Processing Information
You must be physically present in the United States and provide a United States address to file this application.
USCIS will reject any application that is not signed or accompanied by the correct filing fee and will send you a notice that your Form I-485 is incomplete. You may fix the problem and resubmit Form I-485. Form I-485 is not considered properly filed until USCIS accepts it.
Initial Processing. Once USCIS accepts your application we will check it for completeness. If you do not completely fill out this application, you will not establish a basis for your eligibility and USCIS may reject or deny your application.
Requests for More Information. We may request that you provide more information or evidence to support your application. We may also request that you provide the originals of any copies you submit. If USCIS or the Immigration Court requests an original document from you, it will be returned to you after USCIS or the Immigration Court determines it no longer needs your original.
Requests for Interview. We may request that you appear at a USCIS office for an interview based on your application. At the time of any interview or other appearance at a USCIS office, we may require that you provide your fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature to verify your identity and/or update background and security checks.
Decision. The decision on Form I-485 involves a determination of whether you have established eligibility for the immigration benefit you are seeking. USCIS will notify you of the decision in writing.
If You Leave the United States While Your Application Is Pending
If you are applying for adjustment of status under INA section 245, and you travel anywhere outside the United States (including brief visits to Canada or Mexico) while your application is pending, USCIS will deny your Form I-485 unless:
[Page 20]
1. Before you leave the United States, you obtain a grant of advance parole by filing Form I-131, you depart and return to a U.S. port of entry while the Advance Parole Document is valid, and you are paroled into the United States upon your return; or
2. You are an H, L, V, or K3/K4 nonimmigrant who is maintaining lawful nonimmigrant status and you return with a valid H, L, V, or K3/K4 nonimmigrant visa.
If you are applying for adjustment of status under INA section 209 because you were admitted as a refugee or granted asylum, you may travel abroad and return to the United States with a refugee travel document. You may obtain a refugee travel document by filing Form I-131 as specified in the Form I-131 Instructions. However, see Form I-131 Instructions for a travel warning regarding voluntary re-availment.
If you are applying for registry under INA section 249 and 8 CFR 249, you do not abandon your registry application by traveling abroad while it is pending. However, if you do not obtain an Advance Parole Document, you may not be able to return lawfully to the United States. You may obtain an Advance Parole Document by filing Form I-131 as specified in the Form I-131 Instructions.
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[Page 21]
Processing Information
You must be physically present in the United States and provide a United States address to file this application.
USCIS will reject any application that is not signed or accompanied by the correct filing fee and will send you a notice that your Form I-485 is incomplete. You may fix the problem and resubmit Form I-485. Form I-485 is not considered properly filed until USCIS accepts it.
Initial Processing. Once USCIS accepts your application we will check it for completeness. If you do not completely fill out this application, you will not establish a basis for your eligibility and USCIS may reject or deny your application.
Requests for More Information. USCIS may request that you provide more information or evidence to support your application. We may also request that you provide the originals of any copies you submit. If USCIS or the Immigration Court requests an original document from you, it will be returned to you after USCIS or the Immigration Court determines it no longer needs your original.
Requests for Interview. We may request that you appear at a USCIS office for an interview based on your application. At the time of any interview or other appearance at a USCIS office, we may require that you provide your biometrics to verify your identity and/or update background and security checks.
Decision. The decision on Form I-485 involves a determination of whether you have established eligibility for the immigration benefit you are seeking. USCIS or the Immigration Court will notify you of the decision in writing.
[Page 22]
If You Leave the United States While Your Application Is Pending
If you are applying for adjustment of status under INA section 245, and you travel anywhere outside the United States (including brief visits to Canada or Mexico) while your application is pending, USCIS will deny your Form I-485 unless:
If you are applying for adjustment of status under INA section 209 because you were admitted as a refugee or granted asylum, you may travel abroad and return to the United States with a refugee travel document. You may obtain a refugee travel document by filing Form I-131 as specified in the Form I-131 Instructions. However, see Form I-131 Instructions for a travel warning regarding voluntary re-availment.
If you are applying for registry under INA section 249 and 8 CFR 249, you do not abandon your registry application by traveling abroad while it is pending. However, if you do not obtain an Advance Parole Document, you may not be able to return lawfully to the United States. You may obtain an Advance Parole Document by filing Form I-131 as specified in the Form I-131 Instructions.
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Pages 20-21, Individuals With Disabilities and/or Impairments |
[Page 20]
Individuals With Disabilities and/or Impairments
USCIS is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and/or impairments that will help them fully participate in USCIS programs and benefits. Reasonable accommodations vary with each disability and/or impairment. They may involve modifications to practices or procedures. There are various types of reasonable accommodations that USCIS may offer. Examples include but are not limited to:
1. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, USCIS may provide you with a sign-language interpreter at an interview or other immigration benefit-related appointment;
2. If you are blind or have low vision, USCIS may permit you to take a test orally rather than in writing; or
3. If you are unable to travel to a designated USCIS location for an interview, USCIS may visit you at your home or a hospital.
If you believe that you need USCIS to accommodate your disability and/or impairment, select “Yes” and then any applicable box in Part 9., Item Numbers 2.a. - 2.c. that describes the nature of your disabilities and/or impairments. Also, describe the types of accommodations you are requesting on the lines provided. If you are requesting a sign-language interpreter, indicate for which language. If you need extra space to complete this section, use the space provided in Part 14. Additional Information.
NOTE: All domestic USCIS facilities meet the Accessibility Guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act, so you do not need to contact USCIS to request an accommodation for physical access to a domestic USCIS office. However, in Part 9. of this application, you can indicate whether you use a wheelchair. This will allow USCIS to better prepare for your visit.
NOTE: USCIS also ensures that limited English proficient (LEP) individuals are provided meaningful access at an interview or other immigration benefit-related appointment, unless otherwise prohibited by law. LEP individuals may bring a qualified interpreter to the interview.
USCIS considers requests for reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis, and we will make our best efforts to reasonably accommodate your disabilities and/or impairments. USCIS will not exclude you from participating in USCIS programs or deny your application because of your disabilities and/or impairments. Requesting and/or receiving an accommodation will not affect your eligibility for an immigration benefit.
For hearings before the Immigration Court: The Immigration Court is committed to addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities and/or impairments. If your case is pending before the Immigration Court, you should notify the court of any such need before your first hearing with an immigration judge. The Immigration Court considers all requests to address such needs on a case-by-case basis.
[Page 21]
Interpreters are provided at government expense to individuals whose command of the English language is inadequate to fully understand and participate in removal proceedings. In general, the Immigration Court endeavors to accommodate the language needs of all respondents and witnesses. The Immigration Court will arrange for an interpreter both during the individual calendar hearing and, if necessary, the master calendar hearing.
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[Page 22]
Individuals With Disabilities and/or Impairments
USCIS is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and/or impairments that will help them fully participate in USCIS programs and benefits. Reasonable accommodations vary with each disability and/or impairment. They may involve modifications to practices or procedures. There are various types of reasonable accommodations that USCIS may offer. Examples include but are not limited to:
1. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, USCIS may provide you with a sign-language interpreter at an interview or other immigration benefit-related appointment;
2. If you are blind or have low vision, USCIS may permit you to take a test orally rather than in writing; or
3. If you are unable to travel to a designated USCIS location for an interview, USCIS may visit you at your home or a hospital.
If you believe that you need USCIS to accommodate your disability and/or impairment, select “Yes” and then any applicable box in Part 9., Item Numbers 2.a. - 2.c. that describes the nature of your disabilities and/or impairments. Also, describe the types of accommodations you are requesting on the lines provided. If you are requesting a sign-language interpreter, indicate for which language. If you need extra space to complete this section, use the space provided in Part 14. Additional Information.
NOTE: All domestic USCIS facilities meet the Accessibility Guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act, so you do not need to contact USCIS to request an accommodation for physical access to a domestic USCIS office. However, in Part 9. of this application, you can indicate whether you use a wheelchair. This will allow USCIS to better prepare for your visit.
NOTE: USCIS also ensures that limited English proficient (LEP) individuals are provided meaningful access at an interview or other immigration benefit-related appointment, unless otherwise prohibited by law. LEP individuals may bring a qualified interpreter to the interview.
USCIS considers requests for reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis, and we will make our best efforts to reasonably accommodate your disabilities and/or impairments. USCIS will not exclude you from participating in USCIS programs or deny your application because of your disabilities and/or impairments. Requesting and/or receiving an accommodation will not affect your eligibility for an immigration benefit.
[Page 23]
For hearings before the Immigration Court: The Immigration Court is committed to addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities and/or impairments. If your case is pending before the Immigration Court, you should notify the court of any such need before your first hearing with an immigration judge. The Immigration Court considers all requests to address such needs on a case-by-case basis.
Interpreters are provided at government expense to individuals whose command of the English language is inadequate to fully understand and participate in removal proceedings. In general, the Immigration Court endeavors to accommodate the language needs of all respondents and witnesses. The Immigration Court will arrange for an interpreter both during the individual calendar hearing and, if necessary, the master calendar hearing.
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Page 21, USCIS Forms and Information |
[Page 21]
USCIS Forms and Information
To ensure you are using the latest version of this application, visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov where you can obtain the latest USCIS forms and immigration-related information. If you do not have Internet access, you may order USCIS forms by calling the Forms Request Line at 1-800-870-3676. You may also obtain forms and information by calling the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
Instead of waiting in line for assistance at your local USCIS office, you can schedule an appointment online at www.uscis.gov. Select “Schedule an Appointment” and follow the screen prompts to set up your appointment. Once you finish scheduling an appointment, the system will generate an appointment notice for you.
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[Page 23]
USCIS Forms and Information
To ensure you are using the latest version of this application, visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov where you can obtain the latest USCIS forms and immigration-related information. If you do not have internet access, you may order USCIS forms by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
For questions about filing your application, you can use our many online tools (uscis.gov/tools), including our virtual assistant, Emma. If you are not able to find the information you need online, you can reach out to the USCIS Contact Center by visiting uscis.gov/contactcenter.
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Page 21, Penalties |
[Page 21]
Penalties
If you knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material fact or submit a false document with your Form I-485, we will deny your Form I-485 and may deny any other immigration benefit. In addition, you will face severe penalties provided by law and may be subject to criminal prosecution.
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[Page 23]
Penalties
If you knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material fact or submit a false document with your Form I-485, we will deny your Form I-485 and may deny any other immigration benefit. In addition, you will face severe penalties provided by law and may be subject to criminal prosecution.
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Page 21, USCIS Compliance Review and Monitoring |
[Page 21]
USCIS Compliance Review and Monitoring
By signing this application, you have stated under penalty of perjury (28 U.S.C. section 1746) that all information and documentation submitted with this application are complete, true, and correct. You also authorize the release of any information from your records that USCIS may need to determine your eligibility for the immigration benefit you are seeking and consent to USCIS verifying such information.
DHS has the authority to verify any information you submit to establish eligibility for the immigration benefit you are seeking at any time. USCIS’ legal authority to verify this information includes, but is not limited to, 8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq, 8 CFR parts 1.1 et seq, as amended, and the related public laws and regulations. To ensure compliance with applicable laws and authorities, USCIS may verify information before or after your case is decided.
Agency verification methods may include, but are not limited to: review of public records and information; contact via written correspondence, the Internet, facsimile, other electronic transmission, or telephone; unannounced physical site inspections of residences and locations of employment; and interviews. USCIS will use information obtained through verification to assess your compliance with the laws and to determine your eligibility for an immigration benefit.
Subject to the restrictions under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(16), USCIS will provide you with an opportunity to address any adverse or derogatory information that may result from a USCIS compliance review, verification, or site visit after a formal decision is made on your case or after the agency has initiated an adverse action which may result in rescission or termination of lawful permanent resident status.
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[Page 23]
USCIS Compliance Review and Monitoring
By signing this application, you have stated under penalty of perjury (28 U.S.C. section 1746) that all information and documentation submitted with this application are complete, true, and correct. You also authorize the release of any information from your records that USCIS may need to determine your eligibility for the immigration benefit you are seeking and consent to USCIS verifying such information.
DHS has the authority to verify any information you submit to establish eligibility for the immigration benefit you are seeking at any time. USCIS’ legal authority to verify this information includes, but is not limited to, 8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq, 8 CFR parts 1.1 et seq, as amended, and the related public laws and regulations. To ensure compliance with applicable laws and authorities, USCIS may verify information before or after your case is decided.
Agency verification methods may include, but are not limited to: review of public records and information; contact via written correspondence, the Internet, facsimile, other electronic transmission, or telephone; unannounced physical site inspections of residences and locations of employment; and interviews. USCIS will use information obtained through verification to assess your compliance with the laws and to determine your eligibility for an immigration benefit.
Subject to the restrictions under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(16), USCIS will provide you with an opportunity to address any adverse or derogatory information that may result from a USCIS compliance review, verification, or site visit after a formal decision is made on your case or after the agency has initiated an adverse action which may result in rescission or termination of lawful permanent resident status.
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Pages 21-22, USCIS Privacy Act Statement |
[Page 21]
DHS Privacy Notice
AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this application, and the associated evidence, is collected under INA sections 101 et seq., as amended, and related public laws and regulations.
[Page 22]
PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information on this application is to apply to adjust your status to that of a permanent resident of the United States or register permanent residence. DHS uses the information you provide to grant or deny the benefit you are seeking.
DISCLOSURE: The information you provide is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information, including your Social Security Number (if applicable), and any requested evidence, may delay a final decision or result in a rejection or denial of your application.
ROUTINE USES: DHS may share the information you provide on this application, and any additional requested evidence, with other Federal, state, local, and foreign government agencies and authorized organizations. DHS follows approved routine uses, as described in the associated published system of records notices [DHS/USCIS-001- Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System and DHS/USCIS-007 - Benefits Information System] and the published privacy impact assessments [DHS/USCIS/PIA-016a Computer Linked Application Information Management System and Associated Systems and DHS/USCIS/PIA-056 USCIS Electronic Immigration System] which can be found at www.dhs.gov/privacy. DHS may also share this information, as appropriate, for law enforcement purposes or in the interest of national security.
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[Page 24]
DHS Privacy Notice
AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this application, and the associated evidence, is collected under INA section 245.
PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information on this application is to apply to adjust your status to that of a permanent resident of the United States or register permanent residence. DHS will use the information you provide to grant or deny the benefit you are seeking.
DISCLOSURE: The information you provide is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information, including your Social Security Number (if applicable), and any requested evidence, may delay a final decision or result in denial of your application.
ROUTINE USES: DHS may share the information you provide on this application, and any additional requested evidence, with other Federal, state, local, and foreign government agencies and authorized organizations. DHS follows approved routine uses, as described in the associated published system of records notices [DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP-001 Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System, DHS/USCIS-007 Benefit Information System, and DHS/USCIS-018 Immigration Biometric and Background Check] and the published privacy impact assessments [DHS/USCIS/PIA-016(a) Computer Linked Application Information Management System and DHS/USCIS/PIA-056 USCIS Electronic Immigration System], which you can find at www.dhs.gov/privacy. DHS may also share this information, as appropriate, for law enforcement purposes or in the interest of national security.
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Page 22, Paperwork Reduction Act |
[Page 22]
Paperwork Reduction Act
An agency may not conduct or sponsor an information collection, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information, unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated at 6.424 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering the required documentation and information, completing the application, preparing statements, attaching necessary documentation, and submitting the application. The collection of biometrics is estimated to require 1 hour and 10 minutes. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Regulatory Coordination Division, Office of Policy and Strategy, 20 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20529-2140; OMB No. 1615-0023. Do not mail your completed Form I-485 to this address.
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[Page 25]
Paperwork Reduction Act
An agency may not conduct or sponsor an information collection, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information, unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated at 8.28 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering the required documentation and information, completing the application, preparing statements, attaching necessary documentation, and submitting the application. The collection of biometrics is estimated to require 1 hour and 10 minutes. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Regulatory Coordination Division, Office of Policy and Strategy, 20 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20529-2140; OMB No. 1615-0023. Do not mail your completed Form I-485 to this address.
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Page 22, Checklist |
[Page 22]
Checklist
I have signed Form I-485 in Part 10., Item Number 6.a.
I have included the appropriate filing fee.
I have read these Instructions and the following Additional Instructions relating to my specific immigrant category.
I have included all of the required documentation listed in these Instructions and in the following Additional Instructions relating to my specific immigrant category.
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[Page 24]
Filing Steps for the Applicant
Before sending us your Form I-485, make sure you have:
Signed the Form I-485 in Part 10., Item Number 6.a.;
Included the appropriate filing fee and biometric services fee (if applicable), if not exempted or waived;
Read these Instructions and the following Additional Instructions relating to your specific immigrant category; and
Included all of the required documentation listed in these Instructions and in the following Additional Instructions relating to your specific immigrant category.
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Page 23, Additional Instructions |
[Page 23]
Additional Instructions
The purpose of these additional instructions is to provide more specific information on each immigrant category. You must read the additional instructions that apply to your specific immigrant category as well as the previous main instructions for Form I-485. If your immigrant category is not discussed here, it is because there are no additional instructions for that category.
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[Page 25]
Additional Instructions
The purpose of these additional instructions is to provide more specific information on each immigrant category. You must read the additional instructions that apply to your specific immigrant category as well as the previous main instructions for Form I-485. If your immigrant category is not discussed here, it is because there are no additional instructions for that category.
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Pages 23-24, Additional Instructions for Family-Based Applicants |
[Page 23]
Additional Instructions for Family-Based Applicants
Immediate relative of a U.S. citizen (Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative)
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens include the following relatives of U.S. citizens: spouses, unmarried children under 21 years of age, and parents (if the U.S. citizen is 21 years of age or older).
Immediate relatives do not have to wait until Form I-130 is approved to file Form I-485. You may file your Form I-485 together with your Form I-130, while Form I-130 is pending, or after your Form I-130 is approved. Immediate relatives always have a visa available once Form I-130 is approved.
[New]
Derivative applicants are not allowed in this category.
[New]
Other relative of a U.S. citizen or relative of a lawful permanent resident under the family-based preference categories (Form I-130)
Family-based preference categories include: unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age and older) of U.S. citizens; spouses, unmarried children (under 21 years of age) and unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age and older) of lawful permanent residents; married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens; and brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (if the U.S. citizen is 21 years of age or older).
If a visa is immediately available, applicants filing under a family-based preference immigrant category do not have to wait until Form I-130 is approved to file Form I-485. If a visa is immediately available, you may file your Form I-485 together with your Form I-130, while Form I-130 is pending, or after your Form I-130 is approved. Otherwise, you may file your Form I-485 only after your Form I-130 is approved and a visa is immediately available. See the When Should I File Form I-485 section for more information.
[New]
Person admitted to the United States as a fiancé(e) or child of a fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen (Form I-129F) (K-1/K-2 nonimmigrant)
Nonimmigrant fiancé(e) beneficiaries of Form I-129F always have a visa available, but may file Form I-485 only after marrying the U.S. citizen (Form I-129F petitioner) within the requisite 90-day period after admission to the United States on a K-1 visa.
In addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, you must submit a copy of the marriage certificate to show that the K-1 nonimmigrant fiancé(e) married the U.S. citizen (Form I-129F petitioner) in the 90-day period. This additional requirement applies to both K-1 principal and K-2 derivative applicants.
[Page 241]
Widow or widower of a U.S. citizen
If you are the widow(er) of a deceased individual who was a U.S. citizen at the time of death, you may be eligible to file Form I-485.
If your deceased citizen spouse did not file Form I-130 for you before dying, you may file Form I-360 as long as you file Form I-360 no more than two years after the date your spouse died. You do not have to wait until Form I-360 is approved to file Form I-485. You may file your Form I-485 together with your Form I-360, while your Form I-360 is pending, or after your Form I-360 is approved. Widow(er)s always have a visa available once Form I-360 is approved.
Your deceased citizen spouse may have filed Form I-130 for you before dying. In this case, you may file Form I-485 while Form I-130 is pending or after it is approved. If Form I-130 is approved, it will be considered an approved Form I-360.
When filing your Form I-485, you should provide a copy of the Form I-797 Approval Notice or Receipt for the Form I-130 filed on your behalf or the Form I-360 you filed (unless you are filing Form I-360 together with your Form I-485). See the When Should I File Form I-485 section above for more information.
VAWA self-petitioner (Form I-360)
You may file under this category if you are the victim of battery or extreme cruelty by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who is your spouse (or former spouse) or parent, OR if you are the victim of battery or extreme cruelty by a U.S. citizen who is your son or daughter and is at least 21 years of age. Special confidentiality protections (described at 8 U.S.C. section 1367) apply to you as the VAWA self-petitioner. 8 U.S.C. section 1367 provides two forms of critical protection for VAWA self-petitioners. The first form of protection is a prohibition on adverse determinations against the victim based on information provided solely by their abuser and other prohibited sources. The second form of protection is a prohibition on disclosure of any information about the victim to third parties, except in certain very limited circumstances.
If a visa is immediately available, applicants filing as VAWA self-petitioners do not have to wait until Form I-360 is approved to file Form I-485. If a visa is immediately available, you may file your Form I-485 together with your Form I-360, while your Form I-360 is pending, or after your Form I-360 is approved. Otherwise, you may file your Form I-485 only after your Form I-360 is approved and a visa is immediately available. See the When Should I File Form I-485 section above for more information.
NOTE: USCIS will not accept requests for Change of Address submitted online, mailed to USCIS Lockbox facilities, or by telephonic requests at the National Customer Service Center for adjustment of status applications filed by VAWA self- petitioners. For information on filing a change of address go to the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/addresschange or contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
Derivative Applicants
Children of principal applicants may file as derivative applicants. However, you may not file as a derivative if the principal applicant is a self-petitioning parent of an abusive U.S. citizen son or daughter.
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[Page 25]
Additional Instructions for Family-Based Applicants
Immediate Relative of a U.S. Citizen (Form I-130)
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens include the following relatives of U.S. citizens: spouses, unmarried children under 21 years of age, and parents (if the U.S. citizen is 21 years of age or older).
If you are an immediate relative, you do not have to wait until Form I-130 is approved to file Form I-485. You may file your Form I-485 together with your Form I-130, while Form I-130 is pending, or after your Form I-130 is approved. Immediate relatives always have a visa available once Form I-130 is approved.
If the petitioning relative became a U.S. citizen after filing the Form I-130 on your behalf, submit evidence of the petitioning relative’s U.S. citizenship with your Form I-485.
Derivative applicants are not allowed in this category.
For information on required initial evidence for Form I-485 for immediate relatives, go to www.uscis.gov/i-485Checklist.
Other Relative of a U.S. Citizen or Relative of a Lawful Permanent Resident Under the Family-Based Preference Categories (Form I-130)
Family-based preference categories include: unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age and older) of U.S. citizens; spouses, unmarried children (under 21 years of age) and unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age and older) of lawful permanent residents; married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens; and brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (if the U.S. citizen is 21 years of age or older).
If a visa is immediately available, applicants filing under a family-based preference immigrant category do not have to wait until Form I-130 is approved to file Form I-485. If a visa is immediately available, you may file your Form I-485 together with your Form I-130, while Form I-130 is pending, or after your Form I-130 is approved. Otherwise, you may file your Form I-485 only after your Form I-130 is approved and a visa is immediately available. See the When Should I File Form I-485 section for more information.
If the spouse or parent who filed the Form I-130 on your behalf becomes a U.S. citizen while your Form I-485 is pending, submit evidence of the spouse or parent’s U.S. citizenship to the USCIS office with jurisdiction over your application.
For information on required initial evidence for Form I-485 for family-based preference category applicants, go to www.uscis.gov/i-485Checklist.
[Page 26]
Person Admitted to the United States As a Fiancé(e) or Child of a Fiancé(e) of a U.S. Citizen (Form I-129F) (K-1/K-2 Nonimmigrant)
Nonimmigrant fiancé(e) beneficiaries of Form I-129F always have a visa available, but may file Form I-485 only after marrying the U.S. citizen (Form I-129F petitioner) within the requisite 90-day period after admission to the United States on a K-1 visa.
In addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, you must submit a copy of the marriage certificate to show that the K-1 nonimmigrant fiancé(e) married the U.S. citizen (Form I-129F petitioner) in the 90-day period. This additional requirement applies to both K-1 principal and K-2 derivative applicants.
Widow or Widower of a U.S. Citizen
If you are the widow(er) of a deceased individual who was a U.S. citizen at the time of death, you may be eligible to file Form I-485.
If your deceased citizen spouse did not file Form I-130 for you before dying, you may file Form I-360 as long as you file Form I-360 no more than two years after the date your spouse died. You do not have to wait until Form I-360 is approved to file Form I-485. You may file your Form I-485 together with your Form I-360, while your Form I-360 is pending, or after your Form I-360 is approved. Widow(er)s always have a visa available once Form I-360 is approved.
Your deceased citizen spouse may have filed Form I-130 for you before dying. In this case, you may file Form I-485 while Form I-130 is pending or after it is approved. If Form I-130 is approved, it will be considered an approved Form I-360.
When filing your Form I-485, you should provide a copy of the Form I-797 Approval Notice or Receipt for the Form I-130 filed on your behalf or the Form I-360 you filed (unless you are filing Form I-360 together with your Form I-485). See the When Should I File Form I-485 section above for more information.
VAWA Self-Petitioner (Form I-360)
You may file under this category if you are the victim of battery or extreme cruelty by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who is your spouse (or former spouse) or parent, OR if you are the victim of battery or extreme cruelty by a U.S. citizen who is your son or daughter and is at least 21 years of age. Special confidentiality protections (described at 8 U.S.C. section 1367) apply to you as the VAWA self-petitioner. 8 U.S.C. section 1367 provides two forms of critical protection for VAWA self-petitioners. The first form of protection is a prohibition on adverse determinations against the victim based on information provided solely by their abuser and other prohibited sources. The second form of protection is a prohibition on disclosure of any information about the victim to third parties, except in certain very limited circumstances.
If a visa is immediately available, applicants filing as VAWA self-petitioners do not have to wait until Form I-360 is approved to file Form I-485. If a visa is immediately available, you may file your Form I-485 together with your Form I-360, while your Form I-360 is pending, or after your Form I-360 is approved. Otherwise, you may file your Form I-485 only after your Form I-360 is approved and a visa is immediately available. See the When Should I File Form I-485 section above for more information.
USCIS will not accept requests for Change of Address submitted online, mailed to USCIS Lockbox facilities, or by telephone at the USCIS Contact Center for adjustment of status applications filed by VAWA self- petitioners. For information on filing a change of address go to the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/addresschange or contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
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Derivative Applicants
Children of principal applicants may file as derivative applicants. However, you may not file as a derivative if the principal applicant is a self-petitioning parent of an abusive U.S. citizen son or daughter.
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Page 25, Additional Instructions for Employment-Based Applicants |
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Additional Instructions for Employment-Based Applicants
Alien worker (Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)
This category applies to the following employment-based immigrant preference classifications: first preference -- including foreign nationals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, or certain multinational executives and managers; second preference -- members of the professions holding advanced degrees or foreign nationals of exceptional ability; and third preference -- skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.
If a visa is immediately available, an applicant in the employment-based preference immigrant category does not have to wait until Form I-140 is approved to file Form I-485. If a visa is immediately available, you may file your Form I-485 together with your Form I-140, while your Form I-140 is pending, or after your Form I-140 is approved. Otherwise, you may file your Form I-485 only after your Form I-140 is approved and a visa is immediately available. See the When Should I File Form I-485 section above for more information.
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Request for Job Portability
If you properly filed Form I-485 and it remains pending with USCIS for 180 days or more after filing, you may be eligible to “port” to a job other than the one offered in Form I-140, under the authority of INA section 204(j). The new job offer must be for a permanent, full-time position in the same or similar occupational classification as the job offered in the Form I-140 that is the basis of your Form I-485. You may request such job portability by sending a typed or printed request to USCIS which includes a letter from the new employer providing details about the new job and any other documentation needed to establish eligibility for portability. For more information, visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov.
National Interest Waiver (NIW) Physicians
You may qualify for a National Interest Waiver if you worked full time as a physician for a total of five years (not including work while in J-1 status) in a designated medical shortage area or at a Veterans Administration healthcare facility, and a Federal agency or state department of public health has determined such work is in the public interest.
USCIS will not approve your Form I-485 as an NIW physician until you submit evidence showing you have completed the full five years of required employment. You must submit evidence within 120 days of completing the five years of required employment. USCIS will consider your Form I-485 ready for final processing and adjudication once you submit this evidence.
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Alien entrepreneur (Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur)
Alien entrepreneurs are foreign nationals who have invested, or are actively in the process of investing, $1 million (or $500,000 in a rural or high unemployment area) in a new commercial enterprise which will benefit the U.S. economy and create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain other authorized workers.
If you are filing your Form I-485 under the alien entrepreneur (immigrant investor) category, you may not file your Form I-485 until USCIS first approves your Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur, and a visa is immediately available.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 as an immigrant investor, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
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[Page 27]
Additional Instructions for Employment-Based Applicants
Alien Worker (Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)
This category applies to the following employment-based immigrant preference classifications: first preference, including aliens with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, or certain multinational executives and managers; second preference, members of the professions holding advanced degrees or aliens of exceptional ability; and third preference, skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.
If a visa is immediately available, an applicant in the employment-based preference immigrant category does not have to wait until Form I-140 is approved to file Form I-485. If a visa is immediately available, you may file your Form I-485 together with your Form I-140, while your Form I-140 is pending, or after your Form I-140 is approved. Otherwise, you may file your Form I-485 only after your Form I-140 is approved and a visa is immediately available. See the When Should I File Form I-485 section above for more information.
For information on required initial evidence for Form I-485 for employment-based applicants, go to www.uscis.gov/i-485Checklist.
Request for Job Portability
If you are the beneficiary of an I-140 petition who properly files a Form I-485 that remains pending with USCIS for 180 days or more after filing, you may become eligible to “port” to a job other than the one offered in Form I-140, under the authority of INA section 204(j). Portability means to change the offer of employment from one job or employer to another job or employer. The new job offer must be for a permanent, full-time position in the same or similar occupational classification as the job offered in the Form I-140 that is the basis of your Form I-485. You may request such job portability by submitting Supplement J. For more information, please read the instructions to Supplement J.
National Interest Waiver (NIW) Physicians
You may qualify for a National Interest Waiver if you worked full time as a physician for a total of five years (not including work while in J-1 status) in a designated medical shortage area or at a Veterans Administration healthcare facility, and a Federal agency or state department of public health has determined such work is in the public interest.
USCIS will not approve your Form I-485 as an NIW physician until you submit evidence showing you have completed the full five years of required employment. You must submit evidence within 120 days of completing the five years of required employment.
If you are in the process of completing the service requirement, USCIS will direct you to submit evidence of your continued compliance with the service requirement to USCIS no later than 120 days after both the second and sixth anniversaries of the approval date of your underlying immigrant visa petition, Form I-140. Acceptable evidence that you have completed or are in the process of completing your medical service requirement may include:
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Alien Investor (Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor)
Alien investors are aliens who have invested, or are actively in the process of investing, $1 million (or $500,000 in a rural or high unemployment area) in a new commercial enterprise which will benefit the U.S. economy and create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain other authorized workers.
If you are filing your Form I-485 under the alien investor (immigrant investor) category, you may not file your Form I-485 until USCIS first approves your Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor, and a visa is immediately available.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 as an immigrant investor, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
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Pages 26-27, Additional Instructions for Special Immigrants |
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Additional Instructions for Special Immigrants
Religious worker (Form I-360)
Special immigrant religious workers are members of a religious denomination who will be working as a minister or in another professional capacity in a religious vocation or occupation for the denomination’s bona fide nonprofit religious organization in the United States.
If you are filing your Form I-485 under the special immigrant religious worker category, you may not file your Form I-485 until USCIS first approves your Form I-360, and a visa is immediately available.
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Except for ministers, all other religious workers and their derivatives must have their Form I-485 approved on or before the end date of this program (sunset date). Statutory amendments may extend this date. For information on the sunset date, please visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based- immigration-fourth-preference-eb-4/special-immigrant-religious-workers.
Special immigrant juvenile (Form I-360)
Special immigrant juveniles are unmarried, under 21 years of age at the time of filing Form I-360, and have a qualifying order from a state juvenile court (see 8 CFR 204.11(a) for the definition of a juvenile court) that makes the findings required under INA section 101(a)(27)(J).
If an employment-based fourth preference (EB-4) immigrant visa is immediately available, applicants filing as special immigrant juveniles do not have to wait until Form I-360 is approved to file Form I-485. If a visa is immediately available, you may file your Form I-485 together with your Form I-360, while your Form I-360 is pending, or after your Form I-360 is approved. Otherwise, you may file your Form I-485 only after your Form I-360 is approved and a visa is immediately available. See the When Should I File Form I-485 section above for more information.
NOTE: USCIS considers anyone granted special immigrant juvenile classification to have been paroled into the United States for the purpose of special immigrant juvenile based adjustment, regardless of how you actually arrived in the United States. When filling out Part 1., Item Numbers 22.a. - 25.c. of the Form I-485, please list how you actually arrived in the United States.
Derivative applicants are not allowed in this category.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 as a special immigrant juvenile, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
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Certain Afghan or Iraqi national (Form I-360)
Special immigrant Afghan or Iraqi nationals are: nationals of Afghanistan or Iraq who worked with the U.S. armed forces or U.S. Coast Guard as translators; Iraqi nationals who were employed by or on behalf of the U.S. Government; or Afghan nationals who were employed by or on behalf of the U.S. Government in Afghanistan, in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), or in a successor mission to ISAF.
If you are filing your Form I-485 under the special immigrant Afghan or Iraqi national category, you may not file your Form I-485 until USCIS first approves your Form I-360 and a visa is available immediately.
Certain international broadcaster (Form I-360)
Special immigrant international broadcasters generally work for the International Broadcasting Bureau of the U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors (or its grantee) as reporters, writers, translators, editors, producers, analysts, hosts, or announcers for news broadcasts.
If you are filing your Form I-485 under the special immigrant international broadcaster category, you may not file your Form I-485 until USCIS first approves your Form I-360 and a visa is available immediately.
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Certain G-4 international organization or NATO-6 employee or family member (Form I-360)
Special immigrant G-4 or NATO-6 employees or family members include: retired officers or employees of an international organization or NATO (and spouses), surviving spouses of deceased officers or employees of an international organization or NATO, and unmarried sons or daughters of current or retired officers or employees of an international organization or NATO.
If a visa is immediately available, a special immigrant G-4 international organization or NATO-6 employee or family member does not have to wait until Form I-360 is approved to file Form I-485. If a visa is immediately available, you may file your Form I-485 together with your Form I-360, while your Form I-360 is pending, or after your Form I-360 is approved. Otherwise, you may file your Form I-485 only after your Form I-130 is approved and a visa is immediately available. See the When Should I File Form I-485 section above for more information.
Additional Evidence Requirements
As a special immigrant G-4 international organization or NATO-6 employee or family member, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this immigrant category. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, the principal applicant must also submit:
1. A copy of every page of your passport and any other document showing residence and physical presence in the U.S. for the required time period (see www.uscis.gov/greencard for more information); and
2. Evidence that you maintained your G-4, N, or NATO-6 nonimmigrant status since your last entry into the United States.
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[Page 28]
Additional Instructions for Special Immigrants
Religious Worker (Form I-360)
Special immigrant religious workers are certain members of a religious denomination who will be working as a minister or in a professional or nonprofessional capacity in a religious vocation or occupation for the denomination’s bona fide nonprofit religious organization in the United States.
If you are filing your Form I-485 under the special immigrant religious worker category, you may not file your Form I-485 until USCIS first approves your Form I-360, and a visa is immediately available.
A religious worker must submit an employment letter from his or her employer-petitioner. The letter should verify the job offer, the job title or position, summary of duties, and salaried or non-salaried compensation. If you filed the Form I-360 as a self-petitioner, you should include a signed statement confirming that you intend to work in the occupation specified in the Form I-360.
Except for ministers, all other religious workers and their derivatives must have their Form I-485 approved on or before the end date of this program (sunset date). Statutory amendments may extend this date. For information on the sunset date, please visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-fourth-preference-eb-4/special-immigrant-religious-workers.
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Special Immigrant Juvenile (Form I-360)
Special immigrant juveniles are unmarried, under 21 years of age at the time of filing Form I-360, and have a qualifying order from a state juvenile court (see 8 CFR 204.11(a) for the definition of a juvenile court) that makes the findings required under INA section 101(a)(27)(J).
If an employment-based fourth preference (EB-4) immigrant visa is immediately available, applicants filing as special immigrant juveniles do not have to wait until Form I-360 is approved to file Form I-485. If a visa is immediately available, you may file your Form I-485 together with your Form I-360, while your Form I-360 is pending, or after your Form I-360 is approved. Otherwise, you may file your Form I-485 only after your Form I-360 is approved and a visa is immediately available. See the When Should I File Form I-485 section above for more information.
USCIS considers anyone granted special immigrant juvenile classification to have been paroled into the United States for the purpose of special immigrant juvenile based adjustment, regardless of how you actually arrived in the United States. When filling out Part 1., Item Numbers 31.a. - 33.c. of the Form I-485, please list how you actually arrived in the United States.
Derivative applicants are not allowed in this category.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 as a special immigrant juvenile, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
For information on required initial evidence for Form I-485 for special immigrant juvenile applicants, go to www.uscis.gov/i-485Checklist.
Certain Afghan or Iraqi National (Form I-360)
Special immigrant Afghan or Iraqi nationals are: nationals of Afghanistan or Iraq who worked with the U.S. armed forces or U.S. Coast Guard as translators; Iraqi nationals who were employed by or on behalf of the U.S. Government; or Afghan nationals who were employed by or on behalf of the U.S. Government in Afghanistan, in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), or in a successor mission to ISAF.
If you are filing your Form I-485 under the special immigrant Afghan or Iraqi national category, you may not file your Form I-485 until USCIS first approves your Form I-360 and a visa is available immediately.
Certain International Broadcaster (Form I-360)
Special immigrant international broadcasters generally work for the International Broadcasting Bureau of the U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors (or its grantee) as reporters, writers, translators, editors, producers, analysts, hosts, or announcers for news broadcasts.
If you are filing your Form I-485 under the special immigrant international broadcaster category, you may not file your Form I-485 until USCIS first approves your Form I-360 and a visa is available immediately.
Certain G-4 International Organization or NATO-6 Employee or Family Member (Form I-360)
Special immigrant G-4 or NATO-6 employees or family members include: retired officers or employees of an international organization or NATO (and spouses), surviving spouses of deceased officers or employees of an international organization or NATO, and unmarried sons or daughters of current or retired officers or employees of an international organization or NATO.
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If a visa is immediately available, a special immigrant G-4 international organization or NATO-6 employee or family member does not have to wait until Form I-360 is approved to file Form I-485. If a visa is immediately available, you may file your Form I-485 together with your Form I-360, while your Form I-360 is pending, or after your Form I-360 is approved. Otherwise, you may file your Form I-485 only after your Form I-360 is approved and a visa is immediately available. See the When Should I File Form I-485 section above for more information.
Additional Evidence Requirements
As a special immigrant G-4 international organization or NATO-6 employee or family member, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this immigrant category. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, the principal applicant must also submit:
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Pages 27-33, Additional Instructions for Human Trafficking Victims and Crime Victims |
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Additional Instructions for Human Trafficking Victims and Crime Victims
Human trafficking victim (T Nonimmigrant, Form I-914) or derivative family member (Form I-914A)
You may apply to adjust status under INA section 245(l) if you are a victim of human trafficking who was admitted to the United States in T nonimmigrant status, maintained continuous physical presence for the required period of time, are a person of good moral character, and have complied with reasonable requests to assist law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of acts of trafficking, would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm upon removal from the United States or were under 18 years of age at the time of the victimization that qualified you for T nonimmigrant status. Special confidentiality protections (described at 8 U.S.C. section 1367) apply to you as a human trafficking victim. 8 U.S.C. section 1367 provides two forms of critical protection for human trafficking victims. The first form of protection is a prohibition on adverse determinations against the victim based on information provided solely by their abuser and other prohibited sources. The second form of protection is a prohibition on disclosure of any information about the victim to third parties, except in certain very limited circumstances.
If you are a principal applicant (T-1 nonimmigrant), you may file Form I-485 only after you have been in the United States for the following time period, whichever is less:
1. A continuous period of at least three years since you were first admitted as a T-1 nonimmigrant; or
2. A continuous period during the investigation or prosecution of acts of trafficking, and the Attorney General has determined the investigation or prosecution is complete.
If you are a derivative applicant (T-2 through T-6 nonimmigrant), you may file Form I-485 only once the principal applicant has met the above physical presence requirement.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 as a T nonimmigrant, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
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Additional Evidence Requirements
As a human trafficking victim, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this immigrant category. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the main instructions, principal and derivative applicants must also submit:
1. Evidence you were lawfully admitted in T nonimmigrant status and continue to hold such status at the time you file Form I-485; and
2. Evidence that adjustment of status is warranted as a matter of discretion.
In addition, principal applicants must also submit:
1. Evidence of continuous physical presence;
2. Evidence of good moral character; and
3. Evidence you complied with reasonable requests for assistance in the investigation or prosecution of the acts of trafficking or evidence that you would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm upon removal from the United States or evidence that you were under 18 years of age at the time of the victimization that qualified you for T nonimmigrant status.
Evidence of Continuous Physical Presence
You do not need to submit documentation showing that you were present in the United States on every single day during the requisite period of physical presence, but you should not have significant chronological gaps in your documentation.
To show continuous physical presence, you must submit Item Numbers 1. - 3. below.
1. Copies of every page of your passport or equivalent travel document (or valid explanation of why you do not have such a document).
2. Documentation of any departure from, and return to, the United States while in T-1 nonimmigrant status, including:
A. Date of departure;
B. Place of departure;
C. Length of departure;
D. Manner of departure (plane, boat, etc.);
E. Date of return;
F. Place of return; and
G. Affidavit
3. Evidence establishing continuous physical presence, which may include, but is not limited to:
A. Documentation issued by any governmental or nongovernmental authority, provided the documentation contains your name, was dated at the time it was issued, and contains the normal signature, seal, or other authenticating instrument of the authorized representative of the issuing authority;
B. Educational documents;
C. Employment records;
D. Certification that you filed Federal or state income tax returns showing that you attended school or worked in the United States throughout the entire continuous physical presence period;
E. Documents showing installment payments, such as a series of monthly rent receipts or utility bills;
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F. A list of the type and date of documents already contained in your DHS file that establishes physical presence, such as, but not limited to, a written copy of a sworn statement given to a DHS officer, a document from the law enforcement agency attesting to the fact that you have continued to comply with requests for assistance, the transcript of a formal hearing, and Form I-213, Record of Deportable-Inadmissible Alien; or
G. Your own affidavit attesting to your continuous physical presence.
NOTE: If you do not have documentation to establish continuous physical presence, you must explain why in an affidavit and provide additional affidavits from others with first-hand knowledge who can attest to your continuous physical presence with specific facts. Your affidavit alone is not sufficient to show continuous physical presence.
NOTE: Generally, if you departed from the United States for any trip that lasted longer than 90 days or for multiple trips that together exceeded 180 days, you failed to maintain continuous physical presence unless you can establish that:
1. Your absence was necessary to assist in the investigation or prosecution of acts of trafficking; or
2. An official involved in the investigation or prosecution of acts of trafficking certifies that the absence was otherwise justified.
Evidence of Good Moral Character
Before USCIS can approve your application, USCIS must find that you are a person of good moral character according to INA section 101(f).
In order to demonstrate good moral character, you must submit:
1. Your own affidavit attesting to your good moral character; and
2. A local police clearance or a state-issued criminal background check from each locality or state in the United States that you have resided in for six or more months while you were in T-1 nonimmigrant status. If local police clearances, criminal background checks, or similar reports are not available for any location where you resided, you may include an explanation and submit other evidence about your good moral character while you resided at that location.
You may also submit other credible evidence of good moral character, such as affidavits from responsible persons who can knowledgeably attest to your good moral character.
If you are under 14 years of age, you do not need to submit evidence of good moral character. However, if there is reason to believe that you may lack good moral character, USCIS may require evidence of good moral character.
Evidence of Compliance with Reasonable Requests for Assistance in the Investigation or Prosecution OR Evidence That You Were Under 18 Years of Age at the Time of the Victimization OR Evidence of Extreme Hardship Involving Unusual and Severe Harm
You must submit evidence that shows you:
1. Complied with any reasonable request for assistance in the investigation or prosecution of acts of trafficking;
2. Were under 18 years of age at the time of the victimization that qualified you for T nonimmigrant status; or
3. Would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if removed from the United States.
Evidence of Compliance with Reasonable Requests for Assistance
Evidence that you continue to comply with any reasonable request for assistance in the investigation or prosecution of trafficking in persons includes, but is not limited to:
1. Your own affidavit describing how you continue to comply with any reasonable requests;
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2. A statement from a Federal, state, or local law enforcement official describing how you complied with any reasonable requests;
3. A re-signed and dated Form I-914, Supplement B;
4. Trial transcripts;
5. Court documents;
6. Police reports; and
7. News articles.
1. The investigation or prosecution is complete;
2. Your T-1 nonimmigrant status is based on your willingness to assist but you were not needed, and you continue to be willing to assist but your assistance is still not needed;
3. You were not asked to assist after being granted T-1 nonimmigrant status; or
4. A request for assistance was not reasonable (See 8 CFR Section 214.11(a) for more information).
USCIS may consult the Attorney General of the United States if appropriate.
NOTE: If you were not required to comply with any reasonable requests for assistance in the investigation or prosecution when you received your T-1 nonimmigrant status (because you were under 18 years of age or suffered trauma at the time of victimization that excepted you from the compliance requirement), you should include an affidavit stating that you were not subject to the compliance requirement.
Evidence of Extreme Hardship Involving Unusual and Severe Harm
Alternatively, you may also submit evidence that you will suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if you are removed from the United States. Proving extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm requires you to meet a higher standard of proof than other extreme hardship standards in immigration law. The extreme hardship cannot be based on current or future economic harm, or the lack of or disruption to social or economic opportunities. USCIS may consider both traditional extreme hardship factors and the factors associated with having been a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons, as well as relevant country condition reports or any other public or private sources of information. However, USCIS will only consider factors that show hardship to you, not to other people or your family members. See 8 CFR 214.11(i) for a list of factors.
You should include evidence to document all factors that are relevant to you. However, if the basis of your current extreme hardship claim is a continuation of the extreme hardship claimed in your application for T-1 nonimmigrant status, you do not need to re-document the entire claim. Instead, submit evidence to establish that your previously established extreme hardship is ongoing.
NOTE: USCIS is not bound by its previous extreme hardship determination.
Discretion
Adjustment of status based on T nonimmigrant status is not an automatic benefit, so you bear the burden of showing that USCIS should use its discretion to approve your adjustment of status application. When making a discretionary decision on your application, USCIS may take into account all factors, including those acts that would otherwise make you inadmissible.
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Generally, favorable factors such as family ties, hardship, and length of residence in the United States, may be sufficient for USCIS to use its discretion to approve your application. However, when adverse factors are present in your case, you may offset these by submitting supporting documentation of favorable factors you wish USCIS to consider. See 8 CFR 245.23(e)(3).
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Crime victim (U Nonimmigrant, Form I-918), derivative family member (Form I-918A), or qualifying family member (Form I-929)
You may apply to adjust status under INA section 245(m) if you are a victim of certain specified crimes who was admitted to the United States in U nonimmigrant status, maintained continuous physical presence for the required period of time, and have complied with reasonable requests to assist law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity. Special confidentiality protections (described at 8 U.S.C. section 1367) apply to you as a crime victim. 8 U.S.C. section 1367 provides two forms of critical protection for crime victims. The first form of protection is a prohibition on adverse determinations against the victim based on information provided solely by their abuser and other prohibited sources. The second form of protection is a prohibition on disclosure of any information about the victim to third parties, except in certain very limited circumstances.
Both principal and derivative applicants may file Form I-485 only after they have been physically present in the United States for a continuous period of at least three years since being admitted as a U nonimmigrant. Applicants must continue to be physically present through the date that USCIS makes a decision on this application.
Additionally, certain qualifying family members may also apply for adjustment of status. Your approved Form I-929, Petition for Qualifying Family Member of a U-1 Nonimmigrant, confirms that you are a qualifying family member who may file Form I-485. You must also show that the qualifying family relationship that formed the basis of your Form I-929 approval exists at the time the principal applicant (U-1 nonimmigrant) becomes a lawful permanent resident and continues to exist until USCIS makes a decision on your Form I-485.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 as a U nonimmigrant, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
Additional Evidence Requirements
As a U nonimmigrant, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this immigrant visa category. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the main instructions, principal and derivative applicants must also submit:
1. Evidence of continuous physical presence; and
2. Evidence that adjustment of status is warranted as a matter of discretion.
In addition, principal applicants must also submit evidence that they complied with reasonable requests for assistance in the investigation or prosecution of the qualifying criminal activity.
Evidence of Continuous Physical Presence
You do not need to submit documentation showing that you were present in the United States on every single day of the three-year U nonimmigrant status period, but you should not have significant chronological gaps in your documentation.
To show continuous physical presence, you must submit Item Numbers 1. - 4. below:
1. Copies of every page of your passports or equivalent travel documents (or valid explanation of why the applicant does not have such a document);
A. Date of departure;
B. Place of departure;
C. Length of departure;
D. Manner of departure (plane, boat, etc.);
E. Date of return; and
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F. Place of return;
3. Evidence establishing continuous physical presence, including but not limited to:
A. Documentation issued by any governmental or nongovernmental authority as long as the documentation contains your name, was dated at the time it was issued, and contains the normal signature, seal, or other authenticating instrument of the authorized representative of the issuing authority;
B. Educational documents;
C. Employment records;
D. Certification that you filed Federal or state income tax returns showing that you attended school or worked in the United States throughout the entire continuous physical presence period;
E. Documents showing installment payments, such as a series of monthly rent receipts or utility bills; or
F. A list of the type and date of documents already contained in your DHS file that establishes physical presence, such as, but not limited to, a written copy of a sworn statement given to a DHS officer, a document from the law enforcement agency attesting to the fact that you have continued to comply with requests for assistance, the transcript of a formal hearing; and Form I-213, Record of Deportable-Inadmissible Alien; and
4. Your own affidavit attesting to your continuous physical presence.
If you do not have documentation to establish continuous physical presence, you must explain why in an affidavit and provide additional affidavits from others with first-hand knowledge who can attest to your continuous physical presence with specific facts. Your affidavit alone is not sufficient to show continuous physical presence.
Generally, you have failed to maintain continuous physical presence if you departed from the United States for any trip that lasted longer than 90 days or for multiple trips that together exceeded 180 days. To show that you maintained continuous physical presence despite taking these trips, you must submit a certification from the agency that signed Form I-918, Supplement B, in support of your U nonimmigrant status stating that:
1. Your absence was necessary in order to assist in the investigation or prosecution of the qualifying criminal activity; or
2. Your absence was otherwise justified.
Evidence of Compliance with Reasonable Requests for Assistance in the Investigation or Prosecution of the Qualifying Criminal Activity
You are required to provide ongoing assistance, as needed, to law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation or prosecution of the qualifying criminal activity. 8 CFR 245.24(a)(5) defines “refusal to provide assistance in a criminal investigation or prosecution” as a refusal by the U nonimmigrant to provide assistance to law enforcement authorities after being granted U nonimmigrant status.
To show you have met this requirement, you must submit evidence that, from the time you filed for U nonimmigrant status until you file Form I-485, you have complied with (or did not unreasonably refuse to comply with) reasonable requests for assistance in the investigation or prosecution of the qualifying criminal activity. You are required to provide ongoing assistance until USCIS adjudicates your Form I-485.
The evidence may include:
1. A newly executed Form I-918, Supplement B, U Nonimmigrant Status Certification;
2. A photocopy of the original Form I-918, Supplement B, with a new date and signature from the certifying agency;
3. Documentation on official letterhead from the certifying agency stating that you have not unreasonably refused to cooperate in the investigation or prosecution of the qualifying criminal activity;
4. An affidavit describing any efforts you made to obtain a newly executed Form I-918, Supplement B, or other evidence describing whether you received any requests to provide assistance in the criminal investigation or prosecution of the qualifying criminal activity, and your response to these requests; or
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5. Court documents, police reports, news articles, copies of reimbursement forms for travel to and from court, and affidavits of other witnesses or officials.
If you submit an affidavit, it must include:
1. A description of all instances when you were requested to provide assistance in the criminal investigation or prosecution of persons in connection with the qualifying criminal activity after you were granted U nonimmigrant status and how you responded to such requests;
2. Any identifying information you have about the law enforcement personnel involved in the case;
3. Any information you have about the status of the criminal investigation or prosecution, including any charges filed and the outcome of any criminal proceedings, or whether the investigation or prosecution was dropped and the reasons why; and
4. If you have refused a request for assistance in the investigation or prosecution, you must provide a detailed explanation of why you refused to comply with requests for assistance and why you believed that the requests for assistance were unreasonable.
NOTE: In certain cases, this requirement of ongoing assistance may require someone other than the principal applicant to provide evidence to USCIS. For example, in some U nonimmigrant cases, the U-1 petitioner was a child (or incompetent or incapacitated) and was not directly required to provide the assistance in an investigation or prosecution of the qualifying criminal activity. In these cases, someone other than the child, such as a parent, guardian, or next friend provided the assistance. This person may need to provide evidence of continued assistance (or that there was no unreasonable refusal to comply) with an investigation or prosecution of the qualifying criminal activity.
Discretion
Adjustment of status based on U nonimmigrant status is not an automatic benefit, so you bear the burden of showing that USCIS should use its discretion to approve your adjustment of status application. When making a discretionary decision on your application, USCIS may take into account all factors, including those acts that would otherwise make you inadmissible.
Generally, favorable factors such as family ties, hardship, and length of residence in the United States, may be sufficient for USCIS to use its discretion to approve your application. However, when adverse factors are present in your case, you may offset these by submitting supporting documentation of favorable factors you wish USCIS to consider. See 8 CFR 245.24(d)(11).
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[Page 30]
Additional Instructions for Human Trafficking Victims and Crime Victims
Human Trafficking Victim (T Nonimmigrant, Form I-914) or Derivative Family Member (Form I-914A)
You may apply to adjust status under INA section 245(l) if you are a victim of human trafficking who was admitted to the United States in T nonimmigrant status, maintained continuous physical presence for the required period of time, are a person of good moral character, and have complied with reasonable requests to assist law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of acts of trafficking, would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm upon removal from the United States or were under 18 years of age at the time of the victimization that qualified you for T nonimmigrant status. Special confidentiality protections (described at 8 U.S.C. section 1367) apply to you as a human trafficking victim. 8 U.S.C. section 1367 provides two forms of critical protection for human trafficking victims. The first form of protection is a prohibition on adverse determinations against the victim based on information provided solely by their abuser and other prohibited sources. The second form of protection is a prohibition on disclosure of any information about the victim to third parties, except in certain very limited circumstances.
If you are a principal applicant (T-1 nonimmigrant), you may file Form I-485 only after you have been in the United States for the following time period, whichever is less:
If you are a derivative applicant (T-2 through T-6 nonimmigrant), you may file Form I-485 only once the principal applicant has met the above physical presence requirement.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 as a T nonimmigrant, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
Additional Evidence Requirements
As a human trafficking victim, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this immigrant category. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the main instructions, principal and derivative applicants must also submit:
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In addition, principal applicants must also submit:
Evidence of Continuous Physical Presence
You do not need to submit documentation showing that you were present in the United States on every single day during the requisite period of physical presence, but you should not have significant chronological gaps in your documentation.
To show continuous physical presence, you must submit Item Numbers 1. - 3. below.
1. Copies of every page of your passport (including front and back covers) or equivalent travel document (or valid explanation of why you do not have such a document).
2. Documentation of any departure from, and return to, the United States while in T-1 nonimmigrant status, including:
3. Evidence establishing continuous physical presence, which may include, but is not limited to:
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If you do not have documentation to establish continuous physical presence, you must explain why in an affidavit and provide additional affidavits from others with first-hand knowledge who can attest to your continuous physical presence with specific facts. Your affidavit alone is not sufficient to show continuous physical presence.
Generally, if you departed from the United States for any trip that lasted longer than 90 days or for multiple trips that together exceeded 180 days, you failed to maintain continuous physical presence unless you can establish that:
If you have less than three years of continuous physical presence since you were first admitted as a T-1 nonimmigrant, you must submit a document signed by the Attorney General of the United States (or designee) stating that the investigation or prosecution is complete.
Evidence of Good Moral Character
Before USCIS can approve your application, USCIS must find that you are a person of good moral character according to INA section 101(f).
In order to demonstrate good moral character, you must submit:
You may also submit other credible evidence of good moral character, such as affidavits from responsible persons who can knowledgeably attest to your good moral character.
If you are under 14 years of age, you do not need to submit evidence of good moral character. However, if there is reason to believe that you may lack good moral character, USCIS may require evidence of good moral character.
Evidence of Compliance with Reasonable Requests for Assistance in the Investigation or Prosecution OR Evidence That You Were Under 18 Years of Age at the Time of the Victimization OR Evidence of Extreme Hardship Involving Unusual and Severe Harm
You must submit evidence that shows you:
Evidence of Compliance with Reasonable Requests for Assistance
Evidence that you continue to comply with any reasonable request for assistance in the investigation or prosecution of trafficking in persons includes, but is not limited to:
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USCIS may consult the Attorney General of the United States if appropriate.
If you were not required to comply with any reasonable requests for assistance in the investigation or prosecution when you received your T-1 nonimmigrant status (because you were under 18 years of age or suffered trauma at the time of victimization that excepted you from the compliance requirement), you should include an affidavit stating that you were not subject to the compliance requirement.
Evidence of Extreme Hardship Involving Unusual and Severe Harm
Alternatively, you may also submit evidence that you will suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if you are removed from the United States. Proving extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm requires you to meet a higher standard of proof than other extreme hardship standards in immigration law. The extreme hardship cannot be based on current or future economic harm, or the lack of or disruption to social or economic opportunities. USCIS may consider both traditional extreme hardship factors and the factors associated with having been a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons, as well as relevant country condition reports or any other public or private sources of information. However, USCIS will only consider factors that show hardship to you, not to other people or your family members. See 8 CFR 214.11(i) for a list of factors.
You should include evidence to document all factors that are relevant to you. However, if the basis of your current extreme hardship claim is a continuation of the extreme hardship claimed in your application for T-1 nonimmigrant status, you do not need to re-document the entire claim. Instead, submit evidence to establish that your previously established extreme hardship is ongoing.
USCIS is not bound by any previous extreme hardship determination.
Discretion
Adjustment of status based on T nonimmigrant status is not an automatic benefit, so you bear the burden of showing that USCIS should use its discretion to approve your adjustment of status application. When making a discretionary decision on your application, USCIS may take into account all factors.
If you answered “Yes” to any question in Part 8. General Eligibility and Inadmissibility Grounds, and any of the acts or circumstances relate to you having been a victim of a severe form of trafficking, include a detailed description of how the trafficking relates to the acts or circumstances.
Generally, favorable factors such as family ties, hardship, and length of residence in the United States, may be sufficient for USCIS to use its discretion to approve your application. However, when adverse factors are present in your case, you may offset these by submitting supporting documentation of favorable factors you wish USCIS to consider. See 8 CFR 245.23(e)(3).
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Crime Victim (U Nonimmigrant, Form I-918), Derivative Family Member (Form I-918A), or Qualifying Family Member (Form I-929)
You may apply to adjust status under INA section 245(m) if you are a victim of certain specified crimes who was admitted to the United States in U nonimmigrant status, maintained continuous physical presence for the required period of time, and have complied with reasonable requests to assist law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity. Special confidentiality protections (described at 8 U.S.C. section 1367) apply to you as a crime victim. 8 U.S.C. section 1367 provides two forms of critical protection for crime victims. The first form of protection is a prohibition on adverse determinations against the victim based on information provided solely by their abuser and other prohibited sources. The second form of protection is a prohibition on disclosure of any information about the victim to third parties, except in certain very limited circumstances.
Both principal and derivative applicants may file Form I-485 only after they have been physically present in the United States for a continuous period of at least three years since being admitted as a U nonimmigrant. Applicants must continue to be physically present through the date that USCIS makes a decision on this application.
Additionally, certain qualifying family members may also apply for adjustment of status. Your approved Form I-929, Petition for Qualifying Family Member of a U-1 Nonimmigrant, confirms that you are a qualifying family member who may file Form I-485. You must also show that the qualifying family relationship that formed the basis of your Form I-929 approval exists at the time the principal applicant (U-1 nonimmigrant) becomes a lawful permanent resident and continues to exist until USCIS makes a decision on your Form I-485.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 as a U nonimmigrant, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
Additional Evidence Requirements
As a U nonimmigrant, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this immigrant visa category. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the main instructions, principal and derivative applicants must also submit:
In addition, principal applicants must also submit evidence that they complied with reasonable requests for assistance in the investigation or prosecution of the qualifying criminal activity.
Evidence of Continuous Physical Presence
You do not need to submit documentation showing that you were present in the United States on every single day of the three-year U nonimmigrant status period, but you should not have significant chronological gaps in your documentation.
To show continuous physical presence, you must submit Item Numbers 1. - 4. below:
1. Copies of every page of your passports (including front and back covers) or equivalent travel documents (or valid explanation of why the applicant does not have such a document);
2. Documentation of any departure from, and return to, the United States while in U nonimmigrant status, including:
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3. Evidence establishing continuous physical presence, including but not limited to:
4. Your own affidavit attesting to your continuous physical presence.
If you do not have documentation to establish continuous physical presence, you must explain why in an affidavit and provide additional affidavits from others with first-hand knowledge who can attest to your continuous physical presence with specific facts. Your affidavit alone is not sufficient to show continuous physical presence.
Generally, you have failed to maintain continuous physical presence if you departed from the United States for any trip that lasted longer than 90 days or for multiple trips that together exceeded 180 days. To show that you maintained continuous physical presence despite taking these trips, you must submit a certification from the agency that signed Form I-918, Supplement B, in support of your U nonimmigrant status stating that:
Evidence of Compliance with Reasonable Requests for Assistance in the Investigation or Prosecution of the Qualifying Criminal Activity
You are required to provide ongoing assistance, as needed, to law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation or prosecution of the qualifying criminal activity. 8 CFR 245.24(a)(5) defines “refusal to provide assistance in a criminal investigation or prosecution” as a refusal by the U nonimmigrant to provide assistance to law enforcement authorities after being granted U nonimmigrant status.
To show you have met this requirement, you must submit evidence that, from the time you filed for U nonimmigrant status until you file Form I-485, you have complied with (or did not unreasonably refuse to comply with) reasonable requests for assistance in the investigation or prosecution of the qualifying criminal activity. You are required to provide ongoing assistance until USCIS adjudicates your Form I-485.
The evidence may include:
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If you submit an affidavit, it must include:
In certain cases, this requirement of ongoing assistance may require someone other than the principal applicant to provide evidence to USCIS. For example, in some U nonimmigrant cases, the U-1 petitioner was a child (or incompetent or incapacitated) and was not directly required to provide the assistance in an investigation or prosecution of the qualifying criminal activity. In these cases, someone other than the child, such as a parent, guardian, or next friend provided the assistance. This person may need to provide evidence of continued assistance (or that there was no unreasonable refusal to comply) with an investigation or prosecution of the qualifying criminal activity.
Discretion
Adjustment of status based on U nonimmigrant status is not an automatic benefit, so you bear the burden of showing that USCIS should use its discretion to approve your adjustment of status application. When making a discretionary decision on your application, USCIS may take into account all factors, including those acts that would otherwise make you inadmissible.
Generally, favorable factors such as family ties, hardship, and length of residence in the United States, may be sufficient for USCIS to use its discretion to approve your application. However, when adverse factors are present in your case, you may offset these by submitting supporting documentation of favorable factors you wish USCIS to consider. See 8 CFR 245.24(d)(11).
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Pages 33-34, Additional Instructions for Asylees and Refugees |
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Additional Instructions for Asylees and Refugees
Asylum Status
If you are an asylee, you may be eligible to adjust status under INA section 209(b) if you have been physically present in the United States for one year after your grant of asylum, your status has not been terminated, and you still qualify as an asylee or the spouse or child of an asylee.
Derivative Applicants
Asylee derivative applicants may file Form I-485 with the principal applicant or independently from the principal applicant. However, asylee derivative applicants should submit proof of relationship to the principal applicant. See the Marriage Certificate and Other Proof of Relationship section in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 as an asylee, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
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Additional Evidence Requirements
As an asylee, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this immigrant category. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, principal and derivative applicants must also submit evidence of asylum status (such as a copy of the asylum approval notice from USCIS or the immigration court order granting you asylum).
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Refugee Status
If you were admitted as a refugee, you may be eligible to adjust status under INA section 209(a) once you have been physically present in the United States for one year after being admitted to the United States in refugee status and if your status has not been terminated.
Derivative Applicants
Refugee derivative applicants may file Form I-485 with the principal applicant or independently from the principal applicant.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 as a refugee, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
Additional Evidence Requirements
As a refugee, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this immigrant category. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, principal and derivative applicants must also submit evidence of refugee status, such as a Form I-94 or a Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571).
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Additional Instructions for Asylees and Refugees
Asylum Status
If you are an asylee, you may be eligible to adjust status under INA section 209(b) if you have been physically present in the United States for one year after your grant of asylum, your status has not been terminated, and you still qualify as an asylee or the spouse or child of an asylee. You must meet the one year physical presence requirement when you file your adjustment application. Only time spent in the United States will count toward the one year physical presence requirement. If you travel outside the United States after being granted asylum, you will not meet the one year physical presence requirement until the total amount of time spent in the United States is one year.
Derivative Applicants
Asylee derivative applicants may file Form I-485 with the principal applicant or independently from the principal applicant. However, asylee derivative applicants should submit proof of relationship to the principal applicant. See the Marriage Certificate and Other Proof of Relationship section in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section.
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Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 as an asylee, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
Additional Evidence Requirements
As an asylee, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this immigrant category. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, principal and derivative applicants must also submit:
Refugee Status
If you were admitted as a refugee, you may be eligible to adjust status under INA section 209(a) once you have been physically present in the United States for one year after being admitted to the United States in refugee status and if your status has not been terminated. You must meet the one year physical presence requirement when you file your adjustment application. Only time spent in the United States will count toward the one year physical presence requirement. If you travel outside the United States during your first year of residence as a refugee, you will not meet the one year physical presence requirement until the total amount of time spent in the United States is one year.
Derivative Applicants
Refugee derivative applicants may file Form I-485 with the principal applicant or independently from the principal applicant. Each applicant must file a separate Form I-485 regardless of whether he or she is a principal or a derivative refugee.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 as a refugee, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
Additional Evidence Requirements
As a refugee, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this immigrant category. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, principal and derivative applicants must also submit:
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Pages 34-41, Additional Instructions for Applicants Filing Under Special Adjustment Programs |
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Additional Instructions for Applicants Filing Under Special Adjustment Programs
Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA)
You may apply for adjustment of status if you are a native or citizen of Cuba who was inspected and admitted or paroled into the United States after January 1, 1959, and you have been physically present in the United States for at least one year or if you are a spouse or unmarried child of a Cuban described above (regardless of your nationality or place of birth) who was inspected and admitted or paroled after January 1, 1959, and you have been physically present in the United States for at least one year.
Derivative Applicants
As a spouse or child of a qualifying CAA applicant, you may file to adjust status as a derivative applicant under the CAA regardless of your nationality or place of birth. Furthermore, you may apply under the CAA regardless of how long your relationship with the qualifying CAA applicant has existed. Whether your relationship began before or after your Cuban spouse or parent became a lawful permanent resident does not matter.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 based on the CAA, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
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Additional Evidence Requirements
As a CAA applicant, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this immigrant category. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, principal applicants must also submit:
1. Evidence of being a native or citizen of Cuba; and
2. Evidence that you have been physically present in the United States for at least one year.
Evidence of Being a Cuban Native (If You Were Born in Cuba)
Examples of evidence submitted by principal applicants that demonstrates being a Cuban native can include but are not limited to:
1. An expired or unexpired Cuban passport (Pasaporte de la Republica de Cuba) that lists the holder’s place of birth as being Cuba; and
2. A Cuban birth certificate issued by the appropriate civil registry in Cuba. (Note: A Cuban birth certificate acknowledging a birth outside of Cuba or Cuban consular birth record issued for a principal applicant who was not born in Cuba is not sufficient to prove Cuban citizenship.)
Evidence of Cuban Citizenship (If You Were Born Outside of Cuba)
Examples of evidence submitted by principal applicants that demonstrates Cuban citizenship can include but are not limited to:
1. An unexpired Cuban passport (Pasaporte de la Republica de Cuba);
2. Nationality Certificate (Certificado de Nacionalidad); and
3. Citizenship Letter (Carta de Ciudadania).
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In addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, derivative applicants must submit:
1. Evidence you have been physically present in the United States for at least one year; and
2. Evidence that you reside with the principal applicant.
If you are a derivative applicant, you do not need to submit evidence of Cuban birth or citizenship. As mentioned above, you may file to adjust status as a derivative applicant under the CAA regardless of your nationality or place of birth.
Evidence of Physical Presence and Inspection and Admission or Inspection and Parole
CAA adjustment is available only to applicants who have been inspected and admitted or inspected and paroled into the United States. If you are present in the United States without inspection, you are not eligible for CAA adjustment unless you first present yourself to USCIS and USCIS paroles you under INA section 212(d)(5)(A), pending a final determination of your admissibility.
If you are a Cuban native or citizen who has already been physically present in the United States for at least one year at the time DHS paroles you, then you may apply for adjustment of status immediately after being paroled. The law does not require the one-year period of physical presence to occur after your parole.
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CAA for Abused Spouses and Children
You may apply for adjustment of status if you are an abused spouse or child of a CAA-eligible spouse or parent. Special confidentiality protections (described at 8 U.S.C. section 1367) apply to you as the abused spouse or child of a principal CAA-eligible spouse or parent. 8 U.S.C. section 1367 provides two forms of critical protection. The first form of protection is a prohibition on adverse determinations against the victim based on information provided solely by their abuser and other prohibited sources. The second form of protection is a prohibition on disclosure of any information about the victim to third parties, except in certain very limited circumstances.
You may apply under the CAA for abused spouses and children regardless of how long your relationship existed. It also does not matter whether your relationship began before or after your Cuban spouse or parent became a lawful permanent resident.
Derivative applicants are not allowed in this category.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 as an abused spouse or child under the CAA, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
Additional Evidence Requirements
As a CAA abused spouse or child, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this adjustment program. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, you must also submit:
1. Evidence that you resided with your abusive Cuban spouse or parent at some point during the qualifying relationship as a spouse or child;
2. Evidence that you have been physically present in the United States for at least one year;
3. Evidence of battery or extreme cruelty;
4. Evidence that the termination of your marriage was connected to the abuse; and
5. Evidence that the abusive Cuban spouse died within two years of when you filed an application for adjustment of status.
Evidence of Physical Presence and Inspection and Admission or Inspection and Parole
The law does not require the one-year period of physical presence to occur after your parole.
Abused spouses and children of CAA-eligible applicants must have been inspected and admitted or inspected and paroled into the United States. If you are present in the United States without inspection, you are not eligible for CAA adjustment unless you first present yourself to DHS and DHS paroles you under INA section 212(d)(5)(A), pending a final determination of your admissibility.
Evidence of Battery or Extreme Cruelty
Evidence of battery should show that your spouse or parent committed an intentional, non-consensual, harmful, or offensive physical act of violence towards you or your child. Some examples include, but are not limited to, rape, molestation, forced prostitution, punching, biting, kidnapping, kicking, choking, and sexual abuse.
Evidence of extreme cruelty should show that your spouse or parent committed non-physical acts of violence or threats of violence demonstrating a pattern or intent to control you or gain your compliance. Some examples include, but are not limited to, controlling what you do and who you see and talk to; denying access to food, family, or medical treatment; threats of physical harm to you or your family; threats to commit suicide; or threats of deportation.
You must submit documentation demonstrating your CAA-eligible spouse or parent subjected you to battery or extreme cruelty during the qualifying relationship. Evidence may include:
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1. Reports and affidavits from police, judges, or other court officials;
2. Copies of legal documents related to orders of protection or other legal processes that address the abuse;
3. Affidavits from persons who witnessed or have knowledge of the abusive acts;
4. Reports or affidavits from medical personnel, school officials, and clergy;
5. Reports or affidavits from social workers or other social service agency personnel;
6. Documentation to show you sought safe haven in a family violence shelter or similar place; or
7. Photographs of injuries.
USCIS will consider any credible evidence, as defined in INA 204(a)(1)(J), that is relevant to the application. USCIS has the sole discretion to determine what evidence is credible and what weight to give that evidence.
Evidence of Death of the Cuban Spouse
If your abusive Cuban spouse has died, you may file Form I-485 within two years of your abusive Cuban spouse’s death, as long as you lived with your abusive Cuban spouse at some point during the qualifying relationship. You must submit evidence of the death (such as a death certificate).
Evidence of Termination of the Marriage
If the marriage ended in divorce or was annulled, you may file Form I-485 within two years of the termination of the marriage as long as you demonstrate that:
1. You lived with your abusive Cuban spouse; and
2. The battery or extreme cruelty by your Cuban spouse and the termination of your marriage are connected.
Dependent Status under Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA)
Although the qualifying period has closed for principal HRIFA applicants, dependents of those principal applicants may still file for adjustment of status if they meet certain requirements. You may apply if you are a Haitian national residing in the United States who is a dependent spouse, child, or unmarried son or daughter of a HRIFA applicant. In addition, your relationship to the principal must have existed at the time the principal applicant was granted adjustment of status and must continue to exist at the time you are granted adjustment of status. You may not file under this category if you are eligible for adjustment of status under any other provision of law.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 as a dependent under the HRIFA, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
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Additional Evidence Requirements
As a HRIFA dependent, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this immigrant category.
In addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, unmarried sons or daughters (21 years of age or older) applying as HRIFA dependents must also submit:
1. Evidence of Haitian nationality;
2. Evidence that the qualifying relationship to the principal existed at the time the principal was granted adjustment of status and that the relationship still exists;
3. Evidence you have been physically present in the United States for a continuous period starting no later than December 31, 1995, and continuing until you are granted adjustment of status; and
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4. A statement that lists, and evidence of, all departures from and arrivals in the United States since December 31, 1995.
Evidence of Nationality
If you acquired Haitian nationality other than through birth in Haiti, provide a copy of the certificate of naturalization or certificate of citizenship issued by the Haitian government.
Evidence of Continuous Physical Presence
If you are an unmarried son or daughter (21 years of age or older), you must submit evidence that you were physically present in the United States for a continuous period since December 31, 1995. USCIS considers your physical presence to be “continuous” despite: any absences from the United States that totaled 180 days or less in the aggregate; any absences for which you received advance parole before departing the United States and you returned to the United States according to the conditions listed on the advance parole document; or any absences from the United States occurring after October 21, 1988, and before July 12, 1999, provided you departed the United States before December 31, 1988.
HRIFA Eligibility for Abused Spouses and Children
You may apply to adjust status if you are an abused spouse or child of a HRIFA-eligible spouse or parent. Furthermore, you may apply for adjustment of status as an abused spouse or child even if your principal HRIFA-eligible spouse or parent has not filed for adjustment of status. Special confidentiality protections (described at 8 U.S.C. section 1367) apply to you as the abused spouse or child of a qualifying HRIFA principal. 8 U.S.C. section 1367 provides two forms of critical protection. The first form of protection is a prohibition on adverse determinations against the victim based on information provided solely by their abuser and other prohibited sources. The second form of protection is a prohibition on disclosure of any information about the victim to third parties, except in certain very limited circumstances.
Derivative applicants are not allowed in this category.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 as an abused spouse or child under the HRIFA, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
Additional Evidence Requirements
As an abused spouse or child under the HRIFA, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this immigrant category. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, you must also submit evidence of:
1. Haitian nationality; and
2. Evidence of battery or extreme cruelty.
Evidence of Nationality
You must submit evidence of your Haitian nationality. If you acquired Haitian nationality other than through birth in Haiti, provide a copy of the certificate of naturalization or certificate of citizenship issued by the Haitian government.
Evidence of Battery or Extreme Cruelty
Evidence of battery should show that your spouse or parent committed an intentional, non-consensual, harmful, or offensive physical act of violence towards you or your child. Some examples include, but are not limited to, rape, molestation, forced prostitution, punching, biting, kidnapping, kicking, choking, and sexual abuse.
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Evidence of extreme cruelty should show that your spouse or parent committed non-physical acts of violence or threats of violence demonstrating a pattern or intent to control you or gain your compliance. Some examples include, but are not limited to, controlling what you do and who you see and talk to; denying access to food, family, or medical treatment; threats of physical harm to you or your family; threats to commit suicide; or threats of deportation.
You must submit documentation demonstrating your HRIFA-eligible spouse or parent subjected you to battery or extreme cruelty during the qualifying relationship. Evidence may include:
1. Reports and affidavits from police, judges, or other court officials;
2. Copies of legal documents relating to orders of protection or other legal processes addressing the abuse;
3. Affidavits from persons who witnessed or have knowledge of the abusive acts;
4. Reports or affidavits from medical personnel, school officials, and clergy;
5. Reports or affidavits from social workers or other social service agency personnel;
6. Documentation to show you sought safe-haven in a family violence shelter or similar place; or
7. Photographs of injuries.
Former Soviet Union and Indochinese Parolee (Lautenberg Parolees)
If you are or were a national of the former Soviet Union, Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos who was previously denied refugee status but then was inspected and paroled into the United States for humanitarian reasons before September 30, 2012, you may apply for adjustment of status if you have been physically present in the United States for one year after being paroled.
Derivative applicants are not allowed in this category.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 as a Lautenberg parolee, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (Form I-693)
You only need to submit the full Form I-693 if your medical examination was not completed overseas or you had a Class A condition at the time of the overseas exam. If your medical examination was completed overseas, you did not have a Class A condition at the time of the exam, and you are applying for adjustment within two years of parole into the United States, then you only need to submit the vaccination portion of Form I-693. (You may submit Form I-693 with your Form I-485 or at a later time. See the Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (Form I-693) section in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 for more information.)
Additional Evidence Requirements
As a Lautenberg parolee, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this immigrant category. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, you must also submit evidence that:
1. You are or were a national of the former Soviet Union (including nationals of any of the currently independent countries that formerly were members of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, as well as Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia, if not contained in your birth certificate; and
2. You were denied refugee status.
Denied Refugee Status
Under the Lautenberg program, applicants must first have been denied refugee status before their parole into the United States. Provide evidence of denied refugee status, if available.
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Diplomats or High Ranking Officials Unable to Return Home (Section 13 of the Act of September 11, 1957)
You may apply for adjustment of status if you are a foreign national who entered the United States under diplomatic or semi-diplomatic status and then failed to maintain lawful status, and you can demonstrate compelling reasons why you cannot return to the country represented by the government which accredited you. Such persons are sometimes referred to as Section 13 applicants.
Derivative Applicants
You may apply as a derivative if you are the immediate family member of a Section 13 applicant. The DOS definition of immediate family member is broader for A and G nonimmigrants than other nonimmigrant classifications. Immediate family members are described in 22 CFR 41.21(a)(3) as the spouse and unmarried sons and daughters (whether by blood or adoption) who are not members of some other household, and who will reside regularly in the household of the principal. Furthermore, immediate family members also include individuals who:
1. Are not members of some other household;
2. Will reside regularly in the principal applicant’s household;
3. Are recognized by the sending government as immediate family members of the principal applicant as demonstrated by eligibility for rights and benefits, such as the issuance of a diplomatic or official passport, travel or other allowances; and
4. Are individually authorized by DOS.
Additional Evidence Requirements
As a Section 13 applicant, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this immigrant category. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, principal applicants must also submit:
1. Evidence that you were admitted into the United States in A-1, A-2, G-1, or G-2 nonimmigrant status;
2. Evidence that you performed diplomatic or semi-diplomatic duties (custodial, clerical, or menial duties are not sufficient);
3. Evidence of compelling reasons why you or a member of your family is unable to return to the country represented by the government which accredited you;
4. Evidence establishing that granting your adjustment of status would be in the national interest of the United States;
5. Form I-508, Waiver of Rights, Privileges, Exemptions and Immunities under INA section 247(b) (and Form I-508F, if you are a French national); and
6. Form I-566, Interagency Record of Request.
In addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, derivative applicants must also submit:
1. Evidence that you were admitted into the United States in A-1, A-2, G-1, or G-2 nonimmigrant status;
2. Evidence establishing that granting your adjustment of status would be in the national interest of the United States;
3. Form I-508, Waiver of Rights, Privileges, Exemptions and Immunities under INA section 247(b) (and Form I-508F, if you are a French national); and
4. Form I-566, Interagency Record of Request.
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Failing to Maintain Status
If you were admitted to the United States as an A or G nonimmigrant, you will maintain an A or G nonimmigrant status as long as the U.S. Secretary of State recognizes you as being entitled to such status. Therefore, you maintain your status until DOS terminates your diplomatic status.
DOS is responsible for terminating an individual’s diplomatic status and for determining the date of an individual’s termination of status. DOS requires foreign missions to submit Form DS-2008 (Notice of Termination of Diplomatic, Consular, or Foreign Government Employment) to DOS, without delay, when employees of foreign missions terminate their employment status. For further information regarding termination of diplomatic status, please contact DOS.
DOS Consultation
After your adjustment of status interview with USCIS, USCIS will consult with DOS. DOS will make a recommendation on the merits of your application. Once USCIS receives the recommendation, we will make a decision on your application.
Visa Availability
Only 50 adjustments under this category are allowed per year. You may wish to consider applying under another immigrant category, if possible, due to this category’s numerical limitation.
Indochinese Parole Adjustment Act of 2000
You may apply to adjust status if you are a national of Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos who was inspected and paroled into the United States before October 1, 1997 from Vietnam under the Orderly Departure Program (ODP), a refugee camp in East Asia, or a displaced person camp administered by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Thailand.
Derivative applicants are not allowed in this category.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 under the Indochinese Parole Adjustment Act, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
Additional Evidence Requirements
You must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this immigrant category. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, you must also submit:
1. Evidence of Vietnamese, Cambodian, or Laotian citizenship or nationality; and
2. Evidence of physical presence in the United States before and on October 1, 1997.
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Additional Instructions for Applicants Filing Under Special Adjustment Programs
Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA)
You may apply for adjustment of status if you are a native or citizen of Cuba who was inspected and admitted or paroled into the United States after January 1, 1959, and you have been physically present in the United States for at least one year or if you are a spouse or unmarried child of a Cuban described above (regardless of your nationality or place of birth) who was inspected and admitted or paroled after January 1, 1959, and you have been physically present in the United States for at least one year.
Derivative Applicants
As a spouse or child of a qualifying CAA applicant, you may file to adjust status as a derivative applicant under the CAA regardless of your nationality or place of birth. Furthermore, you may apply under the CAA regardless of how long your relationship with the qualifying CAA applicant has existed. It does not matter whether your relationship began before or after your Cuban spouse or parent became a lawful permanent resident.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 based on the CAA, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
Additional Evidence Requirements
As a CAA applicant, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this immigrant category. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, principal applicants must also submit:
Evidence of Being a Cuban Native (If You Were Born in Cuba)
Examples of evidence submitted by principal applicants that demonstrates being a Cuban native can include but are not limited to:
Evidence of Cuban Citizenship (If You Were Born Outside of Cuba)
Examples of evidence submitted by principal applicants that demonstrate Cuban citizenship can include but are not limited to:
A Cuban birth certificate acknowledging a birth outside of Cuba or a Cuban consular birth record issued for a principal applicant who was not born in Cuba is not sufficient to prove Cuban citizenship.
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In addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, derivative applicants must submit:
If you are a derivative applicant, you do not need to submit evidence of being a Cuban native or Cuban citizen. As mentioned above, you may file to adjust status as a derivative applicant under the CAA regardless of your nationality or place of birth.
Evidence of Physical Presence and Inspection and Admission or Inspection and Parole
CAA adjustment is available only to applicants who have been inspected and admitted or inspected and paroled into the United States. If you are present in the United States without inspection, you are not eligible for CAA adjustment unless DHS has paroled you under INA section 212(d)(5)(A).
If you are a Cuban native or citizen who has already been physically present in the United States for at least one year at the time DHS paroles you, then you may apply for adjustment of status immediately after being paroled. The law does not require the one-year period of physical presence to occur after your parole.
The requirements of 8 CFR 245.2(a)(3)(iv) to submit (1) Form I-485A, (2) Form I-643 and (3) clearances from local police jurisdictions are satisfied by completing Form I-485 and the background checks conducted by USCIS. Applicants applying based on the CAA do not need to submit Form I-485A, Form I-643, or clearances form local police jurisdictions.
CAA for Abused Spouses and Children
You may apply for adjustment of status if you are an abused spouse or child of a CAA-eligible spouse or parent. Special confidentiality protections (described at 8 U.S.C. section 1367) apply to you as the abused spouse or child of a principal CAA-eligible spouse or parent. 8 U.S.C. section 1367 provides two forms of critical protection. The first form of protection is a prohibition on adverse determinations against the victim based on information provided solely by their abuser and other prohibited sources. The second form of protection is a prohibition on disclosure of any information about the victim to third parties, except in certain very limited circumstances.
You may apply under the CAA for abused spouses and children regardless of how long your relationship existed. It also does not matter whether your relationship began before or after your Cuban spouse or parent became a lawful permanent resident.
Derivative applicants are not allowed in this category.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 as an abused spouse or child under the CAA, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
Additional Evidence Requirements
As a CAA abused spouse or child, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this adjustment program. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, you must also submit:
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Evidence of Physical Presence and Inspection and Admission or Inspection and Parole
The law does not require the one-year period of physical presence to occur after your parole.
Abused spouses and children of CAA-eligible applicants must have been inspected and admitted or inspected and paroled into the United States. If you are present in the United States without inspection, you are not eligible for CAA adjustment unless you first present yourself to DHS and DHS paroles you under INA section 212(d)(5)(A), pending a final determination of your admissibility.
Evidence of Battery or Extreme Cruelty
Evidence of battery should show that your spouse or parent committed an intentional, non-consensual, harmful, or offensive physical act of violence towards you or your child. Some examples include, but are not limited to, rape, molestation, forced prostitution, punching, biting, kidnapping, kicking, choking, and sexual abuse.
Evidence of extreme cruelty should show that your spouse or parent committed non-physical acts of violence or threats of violence demonstrating a pattern or intent to control you or gain your compliance. Some examples include, but are not limited to, controlling what you do and who you see and talk to; denying access to food, family, or medical treatment; threats of physical harm to you or your family; threats to commit suicide; or threats of deportation.
You must submit documentation demonstrating your CAA-eligible spouse or parent subjected you to battery or extreme cruelty during the qualifying relationship. Evidence may include:
USCIS will consider any credible evidence, as defined in INA 204(a)(1)(J), that is relevant to the application. USCIS has the sole discretion to determine what evidence is credible and what weight to give that evidence.
Evidence of Death of the Cuban Spouse
If your abusive Cuban spouse has died, you may file Form I-485 within two years of your abusive Cuban spouse’s death, as long as you lived with your abusive Cuban spouse at some point during the qualifying relationship. You must submit evidence of the death (such as a death certificate).
Evidence of Termination of the Marriage
If the marriage ended in divorce or was annulled, you may file Form I-485 within two years of the termination of the marriage as long as you demonstrate that:
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Dependent Status under Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA)
Although the qualifying period has closed for principal HRIFA applicants, dependents of those principal applicants may still file for adjustment of status if they meet certain requirements. You may apply if you are a Haitian national residing in the United States who is a dependent spouse, child, or unmarried son or daughter of a HRIFA applicant. In addition, your relationship to the principal must have existed at the time the principal applicant was granted adjustment of status and must continue to exist at the time you are granted adjustment of status. You may not file under this category if you are eligible for adjustment of status under any other provision of law.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 as a dependent under the HRIFA, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
NOTE: If you are a family sponsored applicant who came to the United States under the Haitian Family Reunification Parole (HFRP) Program and are filing a Form I-485, you MUST submit evidence of financial support by filing a I-864, Affidavit of Support, at the same time as you file your Form I-485, along with any other required evidence.
Additional Evidence Requirements
As a HRIFA dependent, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this immigrant category.
In addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, unmarried sons or daughters (21 years of age or older) applying as HRIFA dependents must also submit:
Evidence of Nationality
If you acquired Haitian nationality other than through birth in Haiti, provide a copy of the certificate of naturalization or certificate of citizenship issued by the Haitian government.
Evidence of Continuous Physical Presence
If you are an unmarried son or daughter (21 years of age or older), you must submit evidence that you were physically present in the United States for a continuous period since December 31, 1995. USCIS considers your physical presence to be “continuous” despite: any absences from the United States that totaled 180 days or less in the aggregate; any absences for which you received advance parole before departing the United States and you returned to the United States according to the conditions listed on the advance parole document; or any absences from the United States occurring after October 21, 1988, and before July 12, 1999, provided you departed the United States before December 31, 1988.
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HRIFA Eligibility for Abused Spouses and Children
You may apply to adjust status if you are an abused spouse or child of a HRIFA-eligible spouse or parent. Furthermore, you may apply for adjustment of status as an abused spouse or child even if your principal HRIFA-eligible spouse or parent has not filed for adjustment of status. Special confidentiality protections (described at 8 U.S.C. section 1367) apply to you as the abused spouse or child of a qualifying HRIFA principal. 8 U.S.C. section 1367 provides two forms of critical protection. The first form of protection is a prohibition on adverse determinations against the victim based on information provided solely by their abuser and other prohibited sources. The second form of protection is a prohibition on disclosure of any information about the victim to third parties, except in certain very limited circumstances.
Derivative applicants are not allowed in this category.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 as an abused spouse or child under the HRIFA, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
Additional Evidence Requirements
As an abused spouse or child under the HRIFA, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this immigrant category. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, you must also submit evidence of:
Evidence of Nationality
You must submit evidence of your Haitian nationality. If you acquired Haitian nationality other than through birth in Haiti, provide a copy of the certificate of naturalization or certificate of citizenship issued by the Haitian government.
Evidence of Battery or Extreme Cruelty
Evidence of battery should show that your spouse or parent committed an intentional, non-consensual, harmful, or offensive physical act of violence towards you or your child. Some examples include, but are not limited to, rape, molestation, forced prostitution, punching, biting, kidnapping, kicking, choking, and sexual abuse.
Evidence of extreme cruelty should show that your spouse or parent committed non-physical acts of violence or threats of violence demonstrating a pattern or intent to control you or gain your compliance. Some examples include, but are not limited to, controlling what you do and who you see and talk to; denying access to food, family, or medical treatment; threats of physical harm to you or your family; threats to commit suicide; or threats of deportation.
You must submit documentation demonstrating your HRIFA-eligible spouse or parent subjected you to battery or extreme cruelty during the qualifying relationship. Evidence may include:
[Page 43] Former Soviet Union and Indochinese Parolee (Lautenberg Parolees)
If you are or were a national of the former Soviet Union, Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos who was previously denied refugee status but then was inspected and paroled into the United States for humanitarian reasons before September 30, 2012, you may apply for adjustment of status if you have been physically present in the United States for one year after being paroled.
Derivative applicants are not allowed in this category.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 as a Lautenberg parolee, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (Form I-693)
You only need to submit the full Form I-693 if your immigration medical examination was not completed overseas or you had a Class A condition at the time of the overseas exam. If your immigration medical examination was completed overseas, you did not have a Class A condition at the time of the exam, and you are applying for adjustment within two years of parole into the United States, then you only need to submit the vaccination portion of Form I-693. (You must submit Form I-693 with your Form I-485. See the Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (Form I-693) section in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 for more information.)
Additional Evidence Requirements
As a Lautenberg parolee, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this immigrant category. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, you must also submit evidence that:
Denied Refugee Status
Under the Lautenberg program, applicants must first have been denied refugee status before their parole into the United States. Provide evidence of denied refugee status, if available.
Diplomats or High Ranking Officials Unable to Return Home (Section 13 of the Act of September 11, 1957)
You may apply for adjustment of status if you are an alien who entered the United States under diplomatic or semi-diplomatic status and then failed to maintain lawful status, and you can demonstrate compelling reasons why you cannot return to the country represented by the government which accredited you. Such persons are sometimes referred to as Section 13 applicants.
Derivative Applicants
You may apply as a derivative if you are the immediate family member of a Section 13 applicant. The DOS definition of immediate family member is broader for A and G nonimmigrants than other nonimmigrant classifications. Immediate family members are described in 22 CFR 41.21(a)(3) as the spouse and unmarried sons and daughters (whether by blood or adoption) who are not members of some other household, and who will reside regularly in the household of the principal. Furthermore, immediate family members also include individuals who:
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Additional Evidence Requirements
As a Section 13 applicant, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this immigrant category. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, principal applicants must also submit:
In addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, derivative applicants must also submit:
Failing to Maintain Status
If you were admitted to the United States as an A or G nonimmigrant, you will maintain an A or G nonimmigrant status as long as the U.S. Secretary of State recognizes you as being entitled to such status. Therefore, you maintain your status until DOS terminates your diplomatic status.
DOS is responsible for terminating an individual’s diplomatic status and for determining the date of an individual’s termination of status. DOS requires foreign missions to submit Form DS-2008 (Notice of Termination of Diplomatic, Consular, or Foreign Government Employment) to DOS, without delay, when employees of foreign missions terminate their employment status. For further information regarding termination of diplomatic status, please contact DOS.
DOS Consultation
After your adjustment of status interview with USCIS, USCIS will consult with DOS. DOS will make a recommendation on the merits of your application. Once USCIS receives the recommendation, we will make a decision on your application.
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Visa Availability
Only 50 adjustments under this category are allowed per year. You may wish to consider applying under another immigrant category, if possible, due to this category’s numerical limitation.
Indochinese Parole Adjustment Act of 2000
You may apply to adjust status if you are a national of Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos who was inspected and paroled into the United States before October 1, 1997 from Vietnam under the Orderly Departure Program (ODP), a refugee camp in East Asia, or a displaced person camp administered by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Thailand.
Derivative applicants are not allowed in this category.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 under the Indochinese Parole Adjustment Act, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
Additional Evidence Requirements
You must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this immigrant category. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, you must also submit:
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Pages 41-45, Additional Categories |
[Page 41]
Additional Categories
Diversity Visa Program
Certain foreign nationals who were selected in the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery (“selectee”) for the current fiscal year may apply for adjustment of status. Your selection letter, provided by DOS, confirms that you may qualify to apply for adjustment under this category.
Derivative applicants may file in this category only if they were listed as derivative family members in the principal’s DV lottery application.
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You may file Form I-485 only when a visa is immediately available. For information on visa availability for DV applicants, visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/greencard.
You and your derivatives may only receive a DV through the end of the specific fiscal year for which you were selected. USCIS cannot approve any DV adjustment application after September 30 of the relevant fiscal year. Beginning October 1, USCIS must deny any DV adjustment application that remains pending from the prior fiscal year.
USCIS cannot guarantee that it will be able to adjudicate your application before the end of a fiscal year. Therefore, you are encouraged to file as soon as you are eligible.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 as a DV applicant, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
Additional Evidence Requirements
As a DV applicant, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this immigrant category. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, principal and derivative applicants must also submit:
1. Evidence of the principal applicant’s selection in the DV lottery; and
2. Evidence that any derivative applicants were originally included in the DV lottery entry (if applicable).
In addition, principal applicants must also submit evidence of the required education or work experience to qualify for adjustment as a DV applicant.
Evidence of Selection in DV Lottery
You must provide a copy of the principal applicant’s DOS Selection Letter for the DV lottery and a copy of the receipt from DOS for the DV lottery processing fee.
Evidence of Relationship
If derivative applicants are filing Form I-485 based on the principal applicant’s Selection Letter, you must provide evidence that the principal applicant included the derivative applicants in the entry when entering the DV lottery for the current fiscal year.
If the DV selectee becomes a spouse or parent (whether of a natural, adopted, or stepchild) after submitting the qualifying online DV lottery entry, the spouse and children are eligible for derivative status for immigration purposes. However, the qualifying marriage, birth, or adoption must occur before the DV selectee becomes a lawful permanent resident. If the qualifying marriage, birth, or adoption occurs after the DV selectee becomes a lawful permanent resident, then the DV selectee may petition for eligible family members in an appropriate family-based category.
Evidence of Education or Work Experience
Principal applicants must provide one of the following:
1. A high school diploma or its equivalent (Successful completion of a 12-year course of elementary and secondary education in the United States or successful completion of a formal course of elementary and secondary education in another country that is comparable to a high school education in the United States. Only formal courses of study meet this requirement. Correspondence programs or equivalency certificates, such as the General Equivalency Diploma (GED), are not acceptable); or
2. Two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or experience.
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Continuous Residence in the United States Since Before January 1, 1972 (Registry)
Certain foreign nationals who entered the United States prior to January 1, 1972 and have maintained continuous U.S. residence since then may apply to register their lawful permanent resident status.
Derivative applicants are not allowed in this category.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 as an applicant for Registry, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
Additional Evidence Requirements
As a Registry applicant, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this registration category. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, you must also submit:
1. Evidence you entered the United States before January 1, 1972; and
2. Evidence establishing continuous residence since entry.
Evidence of Entry Before January 1, 1972
You may show evidence of entry by submitting at least one document showing presence in the United States before January 1, 1972. You may submit as many documents as necessary.
Evidence of Continuous Residence
You may establish continuous residence even if you have made numerous brief departures from the United States.
You may submit as many documents as necessary to establish continuous residence during the period of time since your claimed date of entry. Examples of the types of evidence you may submit include:
1. Copy of passport pages with nonimmigrant visa, admission, or parole stamps;
2. Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record;
3. Income tax records;
4. Mortgage deeds or leases;
5. Insurance premiums and policies;
6. Birth, marriage, and death certificates of immediate family members;
7. Medical records;
8. Bank records;
9. School records;
10. All types of receipts that contain identifying information about you;
11. Census records;
12. Social Security records;
13. Newspaper articles concerning you;
14. Employment records;
15. Military records;
16. Draft records;
17. Car registrations;
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18. Union membership records; and
19. Affidavits from credible witnesses having a personal knowledge of your residence in the United States, submitted with the witness’ contact information.
Although you may submit affidavits, you should provide some type of additional evidence to support the application.
Individual Born under Diplomatic Status in the United States
If you are under 18 years of age, your parent or legal guardian must prepare and sign Form I-485 on your behalf.
Derivative applicants are not allowed in this category.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 as an individual born under diplomatic status in the United States, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
Additional Evidence Requirements
As an individual born in diplomatic status, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this registration category. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, you must also submit:
1. Official confirmation of the diplomatic classification and occupational title of your parent at the time of your birth;
2. A list of all your arrivals in and departures from the United States;
3. Proof of your continuous residence in the United States; and
4. Form I-508, Waiver of Rights, Privileges, Exemptions and Immunities under INA section 247(b) (and Form I-508F, if you are a French national).
Evidence of Diplomatic Status
International law states that individuals born in the United States to a foreign diplomatic officer accredited to the United States are not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. You are also not a U.S. citizen under the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution. However, you may be considered a lawful permanent resident at birth.
If one of your parents was listed on the Blue List at the time you were born in the United States, you may file Form I-485 in this category. Both parents do not have to be listed on the Blue List. The Blue List is available at www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/dpl/. However, if one of your parents was a U.S. citizen at the time of your birth, then you are already a U.S. citizen from birth and do not need to file this application.
Evidence of Continuous Residence
You must establish that you have not abandoned your residence in the United States. One of the tests for whether you retained lawful permanent resident status is your continuous residence in the United States.
You may establish continuous residence in the United States since entry even if you have made numerous brief departures from the United States. You may submit as many documents as necessary to establish continuous residence in the United States. Examples of the types of evidence you may submit include:
1. Copy of passport pages with nonimmigrant visa, admission, or parole stamps;
2. Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record;
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3. Income tax records;
4. Mortgage deeds or leases;
5. Insurance premiums and policies;
6. Birth, marriage, and death certificates of immediate family members;
7. Medical records;
8. Bank records;
9. School records;
10. All types of receipts that contain identifying information about you;
11. Census records;
12. Social Security records;
13. Newspaper articles concerning you;
14. Employment records;
15. Military records;
16. Draft records;
17. Car registrations;
18. Union membership records; and
19. Affidavits from credible witnesses having a personal knowledge of your residence in the United States, submitted with the witness’ contact information.
Although you may submit affidavits, you should provide some type of additional evidence to support the application.
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[Page 46]
Additional Categories
Diversity Visa Program
Certain aliens who were selected in the Diversity Visa (DV) program (“selectee”) for the current fiscal year may apply for adjustment of status. Your Selection Letter, provided by DOS, confirms that you may qualify to apply for adjustment under this category.
Derivative Applicants
Derivative applicants may file in this category only if they were listed as derivative family members in the principal’s DV program application. There is an exception: if the DV selectee becomes a spouse or parent (whether of a natural, adopted, or stepchild) after submitting the qualifying online DV program entry, the spouse and children are eligible for derivative status and may file in this category. However, the qualifying marriage, birth, or adoption must occur before the DV selectee becomes a lawful permanent resident. If the qualifying marriage, birth, or adoption occurs after the DV selectee becomes a lawful permanent resident, then the DV selectee may be eligible to petition for eligible family members in an appropriate family-based category.
A derivative applicant must provide evidence that he or she is the spouse or child of the principal applicant.
Visa Availability
You may file Form I-485 only when a visa is immediately available. For information on visa availability for DV applicants, visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/greencard.
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You and your derivatives may only receive a DV through the end of the specific fiscal year for which you were selected. USCIS cannot approve any DV adjustment application after September 30 of the relevant fiscal year. Beginning October 1, USCIS must deny any DV adjustment application that remains pending from the prior fiscal year.
USCIS cannot guarantee that it will be able to adjudicate your application before the end of a fiscal year. Therefore, you are encouraged to file as soon as you are eligible.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 as a DV applicant, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
Additional Evidence Requirements
As a DV applicant, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this immigrant category. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, principal and derivative applicants must also submit evidence of the principal applicant’s selection in the DV program.
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In addition, principal applicants must also submit evidence of the required education or work experience to qualify for adjustment as a DV applicant.
Evidence of Selection in DV Program
You must provide a copy of the principal applicant’s DOS Selection Letter for the DV program and a copy of the receipt from DOS for the DV program processing fee.
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Evidence of Education or Work Experience
Principal applicants must provide one of the following:
Continuous Residence in the United States Since Before January 1, 1972 (Registry)
Certain aliens who entered the United States prior to January 1, 1972 and have maintained continuous U.S. residence since then may apply to register their lawful permanent resident status.
Derivative applicants are not allowed in this category.
Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 as an applicant for Registry, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
Additional Evidence Requirements
As a Registry applicant, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this registration category. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, you must also submit:
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Evidence of Entry Before January 1, 1972
You may show evidence of entry by submitting at least one document showing presence in the United States before January 1, 1972. You may submit as many documents as necessary.
Evidence of Continuous Residence
You may establish continuous residence even if you have made numerous brief departures from the United States.
You may submit as many documents as necessary to establish continuous residence during the period of time since your claimed date of entry. Examples of the types of evidence you may submit include:
Although you may submit affidavits, you should provide some type of additional evidence to support the application.
Individual Born Under Diplomatic Status in the United States
You may apply to register your lawful permanent resident status if you are an alien born in the United States to a foreign diplomatic officer accredited to the United States (listed in DOS’s Diplomatic List (“Blue List”)) and you have maintained continuous residence in the United States since birth.
If you are under 18 years of age, your parent or legal guardian must prepare and sign Form I-485 on your behalf.
Derivative applicants are not allowed in this category.
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Evidence of Financial Support
If you are filing Form I-485 as an individual born under diplomatic status in the United States, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.
Additional Evidence Requirements
As an individual born in diplomatic status, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this registration category. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485 section, you must also submit:
Evidence of Diplomatic Status
International law states that individuals born in the United States to a foreign diplomatic officer accredited to the United States are not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. You are also not a U.S. citizen under the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution. However, you may be considered a lawful permanent resident at birth.
If one of your parents was listed on the Blue List at the time you were born in the United States, you may file Form I-485 in this category. Both parents do not have to be listed on the Blue List. The Blue List is available at https://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/. However, if one of your parents was a U.S. citizen at the time of your birth, then you are already a U.S. citizen from birth and do not need to file this application.
Evidence of Continuous Residence
You must establish that you have not abandoned your residence in the United States. One of the tests for whether you retained lawful permanent resident status is your continuous residence in the United States.
You may establish continuous residence in the United States since entry even if you have made numerous brief departures from the United States. You may submit as many documents as necessary to establish continuous residence in the United States. Examples of the types of evidence you may submit include:
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Although you may submit affidavits, you should provide some type of additional evidence to support the application. |
| File Type | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document |
| Author | Kim, Andrew I |
| File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
| File Created | 2021-01-12 |