Applying for a US Green Card? New Form I-485 becomes mandatory from September 18

US Green Card Applicants Face New Form I-485 Rule From September 18: What Changes

Green card applicants in the US will need to pay close attention to a new version of Form I-485 from September 18. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has said it will reject applications submitted using the current version of the form on or after that date.

The change comes as the US prepares to implement revised “public charge” rules that could affect how certain immigration applications are assessed.

What is changing?  

USCIS is introducing a new edition of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The new form will replace the edition dated January 20, 2025.

The revised form has been updated to align with the new public charge requirements, which take effect on September 18. Importantly, there will be no grace period for applicants using the old form.

USCIS will reject the January 20, 2025 edition if it is:

• Postmarked on or after September 18  
• Submitted electronically on or after September 18  

The old edition will continue to be accepted if it is postmarked or electronically submitted before September 18.

What should green card applicants do?  

Applicants preparing to file Form I-485 should check the edition date carefully before submitting their applications.

USCIS has released a preview of the new form and its instructions to allow applicants and immigration professionals to prepare. However, the agency has specifically warned applicants not to file the revised edition before September 18.

Those planning to submit their applications before the deadline should continue using the January 20, 2025 edition, provided it is filed before September 18.

Applicants filing on or after September 18 will need to use the new edition.

Why is the form changing?  

The revised Form I-485 is linked to changes in the US government's approach to the “public charge” determination.

Public charge rules are used by immigration authorities to assess whether a person seeking certain immigration benefits is likely to become primarily dependent on government assistance.

The Trump administration had expanded the scope of benefits that could be considered under public charge assessments, including certain forms of Medicaid, food assistance and other government-supported benefits.

The new rules taking effect on September 18 are being incorporated into the updated Form I-485.

What does this mean for Indian applicants?  

The change is particularly relevant for Indians in the US who are pursuing permanent residency through employment, family sponsorship or other eligible routes.

For applicants nearing the filing stage, the key issue is the September 18 cut-off. Using the wrong edition after that date could result in the application being rejected, potentially causing delays and requiring a fresh submission.

Applicants should therefore verify the form edition, filing method and applicable instructions before submitting their green card applications.

Key dates to remember  

1. Before September 18: The January 20, 2025 edition can still be used, provided it is postmarked or electronically submitted before the deadline.  
2. September 18: The new Form I-485 takes effect and the revised public charge rules come into force.  
3. On or after September 18: USCIS will reject the January 20, 2025 edition of Form I-485.