Starting February 10, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will implement significant changes to the Green Card application process. Applicants for permanent legal residency should be aware of the new requirements, especially concerning Form I-485, which is used to adjust immigrant status.
Changes to Form I-485
As of October 24, 2024, a new version of Form I-485 has been introduced. This updated form will become the only accepted version on February 10, 2025. It is essential to use the correct version to avoid any delays or rejections in the application process.
Medical and Vaccination Requirements
One of the key changes to the Green Card application process is the mandatory submission of a medical report along with Form I-485. Applicants will now need to submit Form I-693 (medical immigration report) at the same time as their I-485 application. This is a major shift from the past when applicants could submit their medical documents separately after applying.
Immigration attorney Nelson A. Castillo explained to CNN that submitting both forms together will eliminate the expiration issue that occurred when applicants sent their medical exam results later. He said, “With this new change, you send everything together and there is no expiration. The idea is that everything is processed correctly from the start.”
However, USCIS has clarified that, starting January 22, 2025, the COVID-19 vaccination will no longer be a requirement for the medical examination. “USCIS will not deny any adjustment of status application based on the applicant’s failure to provide documentation showing that they received the COVID-19 vaccine,” the agency stated.
Elimination of Form I-864W
USCIS has also eliminated Form I-864W, which was previously required for certain applicants who were exempt from submitting an affidavit of financial support. This process will now be incorporated directly into Form I-485. As a result, applicants will no longer need to submit an additional form, streamlining the application procedure.
Attorney Castillo noted that this change simplifies the application process, as all required forms can be submitted together, reducing the administrative burden for applicants.
Public Charge Inadmissibility Clarified
Form I-485 has also been updated to clarify the “public charge” questions. A public charge refers to an immigrant who is likely to become dependent on government assistance. The new version of the form requires applicants to identify their immigration category more precisely, helping USCIS determine whether the applicant is exempt from being considered a public charge.
Castillo added that this update aims to reduce confusion by allowing applicants to provide additional information if needed, ensuring that their status is accurately assessed.
Expert Recommendations and Expectations
USCIS has stated that these changes are designed to optimize the collection of information, consolidate requirements, and improve the efficiency of the Green Card application process. However, immigration attorney Elizabeth Uribe cautioned that while these updates may simplify some aspects of the process, they are unlikely to reduce processing times.
According to Uribe, applicants may still face wait times of six to twelve months, even after the changes take effect in February 2025. Additionally, while the new I-485 form has been expanded from 20 to 24 pages, Uribe noted that this could lead to fewer requests for additional evidence, as some separate processes are now combined.
Nevertheless, she warned that if USCIS enforces stricter policies on missing documentation, the number of denials could rise.
Conclusion
With the upcoming changes to the Green Card application process, it is more important than ever for applicants to stay informed and ensure they submit the correct forms and documentation. By adhering to the new requirements, applicants can help ensure their applications are processed smoothly and efficiently.
Related topics:
- How to Get Dual Citizenship in Great Britain?
- How to Check Immigration Status Using Your Social Security Number?
- How Long Does It Take to Process 189 Visas?
