New Green Card Application Form Goes Into Effect December 23

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a new form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (AOS), that goes into effect December 23, 2022:

“If you file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, on or after Dec. 23, 2022, you must use the 12/23/22 edition of Form I-485 or we will reject your filing.”

The new form is necessary due to the re-implementation of the public charge new final rule that also goes into effect on December 23, 2022, and “requires collection of information in the new 12/23/2022 edition of Form I-485.”

All applicants that do not fall under one of these exemptions will need to identify as subject to the New Rule.

All AOS applicants will need to provide detailed information on their education and financial circumstances, including the applicant’s:

• household size
• annual household income
• household assets
• household liabilities
• highest level of schooling
• descriptions of professional certifications and licenses
• government benefits received
• long-term government institutionalizations

USCIS also stresses that applicants DO NOT USE THE NEW FORM I-485 PRIOR TO DECEMBER 23:

“DO NOT file the 12/23/22 edition of Form I-485 before Dec. 23, 2022. USCIS will reject any Form I-485 with the edition date of 12/23/22 filed before Dec. 23, 2022.”