Abrupt USCIS Form Update Forces Applicants to Restart Green Card Process

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is facing criticism following the immediate implementation of a revised Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

This potentially derails Green Card applications. Effective immediately, applications submitted using the previous version and postmarked after the update's release are subject to rejection, creating confusion and added expense for applicants.

The abrupt change, enacted without advance notice or a transitional grace period, means applicants who invested time and money preparing submissions with the outdated form now face starting the process over. These expenses, which may include fees for medical examinations and required photographs, are non-refundable.

The policy is further complicated by the need for applicants to wait for formal rejection notices before resubmitting, adding to processing times and increasing the emotional and financial burdens on those seeking permanent residency. While the agency has acknowledged at least one application submitted shortly before the update, issuing receipt notices, the inconsistent handling of applications has generated further uncertainty.

Immigration advocates and applicants are questioning the transparency and consistency of USCIS procedures during this transition. Critics argue that the USCIS's rollout of the revised form demonstrates a lack of consideration for the difficulties immigrants face. The absence of a grace period is viewed as creating unnecessary obstacles within an already complex immigration system.