USCIS has announced that it will publish a revised edition of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, on September 18, 2026. The updated form is being issued to implement the agency’s recently finalized Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility rule and will become mandatory immediately upon its release.
Importantly, USCIS confirmed that there will be no grace period for transitioning to the new form. Applicants who submit an outdated edition on or after September 18, 2026, will have their applications rejected.
New Form I-485 Edition
The new Form I-485 will carry an edition date of: 09/18/26
This edition replaces the current: 01/20/25 edition
USCIS has released a preview version of the revised form and instructions to help applicants, employers, sponsors, and immigration practitioners prepare for the transition.
Why USCIS Is Updating Form I-485
The revised form aligns with DHS’s new Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility Final Rule, which becomes effective on September 18, 2026.
As previously reported by EIG, the new public charge framework expands factors that USCIS may consider when evaluating whether an adjustment applicant is likely to become a public charge, including broader consideration of certain means-tested public benefits received on or after the rule’s effective date.
The revised Form I-485 incorporates questions and requirements necessary for USCIS to apply the new public charge standards.
Filing Rules: What Applicants Need to Know
USCIS has established strict filing rules based on the submission date.
Current Form I-485 (01/20/25 Edition)
USCIS will:
- Accept the 01/20/25 edition if it is postmarked or electronically submitted before September 18, 2026.
- Reject the 01/20/25 edition if it is postmarked or electronically submitted on or after September 18, 2026.
New Form I-485 (09/18/26 Edition)
USCIS will:
- Only accept the 09/18/26 edition if it is postmarked or electronically submitted on or after September 18, 2026.
- Not accept the new edition if filed before September 18, 2026.
No Grace Period
Unlike some prior USCIS form updates, there will be no overlap period allowing applicants to use either edition.
This means:
- Applications filed with the wrong edition may be rejected.
- Rejections could result in filing delays, lost processing time, and potential status issues for certain applicants.
- Attorneys, employers, and applicants should carefully verify the form edition before submission.
Who May Be Affected?
The change affects all adjustment of status applicants filing Form I-485, including:
- Family-based green card applicants
- Employment-based green card applicants
- Diversity visa adjustment applicants
- Certain humanitarian applicants adjusting status in the United States
Organizations preparing adjustment filings in September should review timelines carefully to ensure submissions use the correct version of the form.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.