USCIS Announces Grace Period for I-485 Green Card Application Forms After Backlash

 On March 8, 2025, USCIS issued a grace period for a dozen newly updated immigration forms that were released in February and March 2025 and made effective immediately. 

What forms are affected?

These forms include key applications such as:

• N-400 (Application for Naturalization)
• I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status)
• I-131 (Application for Travel Documents)

Why?

Initially, USCIS released the “01/20/2025” editions of these forms without prior notice, creating uncertainty for applicants using previous versions. As a result, older editions received after the new forms' release date risked rejection. Now USCIS announced a grace period, allowing applicants to continue using prior versions until a specified deadline.

Important Deadlines: New Forms Required After These Dates

USCIS will accept only the 01/20/2025 editions of certain forms starting:

March 24, 2025

• Form I-356 – Request for Cancellation of Public Charge Bond
• Form I-914 – Application for T Nonimmigrant Status
• Form I-941 – Application for Entrepreneur Parole

April 3, 2025

• Form I-485 Supplement J – Confirmation of Valid Job Offer or Request for Job Portability
• Form I-485 Supplement A – Adjustment of Status Under Section 245(i)
• Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
• Form G-325A – Biographic Information (for Deferred Action)
• Form I-192 – Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant
• Form I-134 – Declaration of Financial Support

April 4, 2025

• Form N-400 – Application for Naturalization
• Form I-131 – Application for Travel Documents, Parole, and Arrival/Departure Records

May 5, 2025

• Form I-918 – Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status

Avoid Delays: Check USCIS for the Latest Forms

I always suggest our readers that you should check the USCIS Forms pages to ensure you are submitting the correct edition of any required form. Using outdated versions after the grace period expires could lead to processing delays or rejection! 

Alright - Good luck my friends!

USCIS Waives COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Green Card Applicants Effective January 22, 2025

NEW! Effective January 22, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has waived the requirement for adjustment of status applicants to provide documentation of COVID-19 vaccination on Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. 

USCIS will no longer issue Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs) related to COVID-19 vaccination proof, nor will it deny any adjustment of status application based on the absence of such documentation.

USCIS Waives COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Green Card Applicants Effective January 22, 2025

This policy change signifies that applicants seeking to adjust their status to lawful permanent resident are no longer mandated to present evidence of COVID-19 vaccination during the medical examination process. However, it's important to note that other vaccination requirements remain in effect. Applicants must still comply with all other vaccination protocols as outlined by USCIS.

Important Update: New Requirement for Form I-693 Submission with Form I-485

Important Update: New Requirement for Form I-693 Submission with Form I-485

Starting December 2, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will implement a new rule that changes how Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) is submitted with Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status).

If you are required to submit Form I-693, or a partial Form I-693, such as the Vaccination Record, you must now submit it at the same time as your Form I-485. This new requirement means that failure to include your completed I-693 form or any required vaccination records along with your I-485 application will result in your Form I-485 being rejected by USCIS.

This change is being implemented to streamline the process and ensure a more efficient review of immigration applications. To avoid delays or the rejection of your application, make sure to gather all required medical and vaccination documents well in advance before submitting your Form I-485.

Remember, the deadline for compliance is December 2, 2024, so take action now to ensure your immigration paperwork is complete. 

Stay informed and make sure your application is in order to prevent unnecessary complications in your path to U.S. permanent residency!

USCIS Issues New Form I-131 with No Grace Period

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a new edition of Form I-131, Application for Travel Document! From October 11, 2024, USCIS will no longer accept the previous version of the form. 

USCIS Issues New Form I-131 with No Grace Period

On October 11, 2024, USCIS will release a new version of Form I-131, now titled "Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records." This updated form, with the edition date of 06/17/24 (June 17, 2024), will become effective immediately upon publication, with the date printed at the bottom of each page of the form and its instructions.

As of October 11, 2024, USCIS will no longer accept applications submitted on the 04/01/24 edition of Form I-131 if they are postmarked on or after this date. However, applications using the 04/01/24 edition that are postmarked before October 11, 2024, will still be accepted.

More details on USCIS's webpage: https://www.uscis.gov/i-131

USCIS Extended Automatic Validity Period of Green Cards

Effective September 10, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has extended the automatic validity period of permanent resident cards (green cards) to 36 months for lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who submit Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. Previously, Form I-90 receipt notices provided a 24-month extension.

USCIS Extended Automatic Validity Period of Green Cards

USCIS has revised the language on Form I-90 receipt notices to reflect the updated validity period. These receipt notices, when presented with an expired green card, serve as proof of continued lawful status and employment authorization.

Learn more on USCIS's website: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-extends-green-card-validity-extension-to-36-months-for-green-card-renewals

Keep reading:

• The 9th Edition E-Book is published (with Updated Fee Information)! 

• DIY How I Applied for My I-485 Green Card with No RFE! (Updated April 2024, with NEW FEES!)

• How to Assemble My I-485 Adjustment of Status Package - Updated April 2024!

USCIS Extends Automatic EAD Renewals to 540 Days with Temporary Final Rule

Did you hear about this? USCIS announced a temporary final rule to increase the automatic extension period for certain employment authorization documents (EADs) from up to 180 days to up to 540 days. This change follows significant improvements in EAD processing times over the past year. Let's hear more about it:

USCIS Extends Automatic EAD Renewals to 540 Days with Temporary Final Rule

The temporary measure aims to prevent work-authorized noncitizens from experiencing lapses in their employment authorization and documentation while waiting for the USCIS to process their EAD renewal applications. This rule is part of USCIS's ongoing efforts to support employment-authorized individuals' access to work. The USCIS has overall reduced EAD processing times and streamlined adjudication processes. 

When will this rule be effective until? 

This temporary final rule will be effective through September 20, 2027, with certain amendments effective through October 15, 2025. Public comments on the rule will be accepted through June 7, 2024. 

Who is eligible?

The temporary measure applies to eligible applicants who filed their EAD renewal applications on or after October 27, 2023, and had their applications pending as of April 8, 2024, the publication date in the Federal Register. It also applies to eligible EAD renewal applicants who file Form I-765 during the 540-day period starting April 8. To qualify for the extension, individuals must: 

•  Properly and timely file Form I-765 for an EAD renewal before their current EAD expires (with exceptions for certain applicants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or a pending TPS application). 
• Be otherwise eligible for a renewal, which includes: 
• Having a renewal application under a category eligible for an automatic extension. 
• Ensuring the category on the current EAD matches the “Class Requested” listed on the Form I-797C Notice of Action, Receipt Notice.

Visit USCIS's page to see all employment categories that are eligible for an automatic extension>>

The latest version of Form N-400, slated for use starting June 3, 2024, introduces significant updates from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Let's see what's new:

USCIS Unveils Updated Form N-400: Notable Changes and Third Gender Option

Streamlined Social Security Process:

Applicants can now opt to authorize USCIS to update their immigration status with the Social Security Administration (SSA) directly through the form, eliminating the need for a visit to an SSA office or additional documentation, though alternatives remain available.

Inclusive Gender Option:

The N-400 becomes the first USCIS form to offer a third gender option, denoted as "X" for "Another Gender Identity," aligning with similar changes by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Regarding the "X" gender option:

• No supporting documentation is required. 
• It does not need to match other documents. 
• However, applicants may still need to visit an SSA field office for certain services. 
• Applicants with pending N-400 applications can request a gender update through various channels.

These updates reflect USCIS's commitment to inclusivity while ensuring identity verification and fraud prevention. Further updates to related forms are underway to accommodate these changes.

New USCIS Policy: Form I-693 Medical Exam Report Now Valid Indefinitely!

Great news for immigrants to the U.S.! 🇺🇸 The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services just announced that starting Nov. 1, 2023, any Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, signed by a civil surgeon remains valid indefinitely! 

Form I-693 Now Valid Indefinitely

This means that if you've had your medical exam completed and signed on or after Nov. 1, 2023, you won't need to worry about expiration dates anymore. Your Form I-693 can now be used as evidence to show your eligibility without time constraints. This change provides more flexibility and peace of mind for applicants regarding health-related grounds for inadmissibility. For more details, check out the official announcement: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-announces-new-guidance-on-form-i-693-validity-period

How to Assemble My I-485 Adjustment of Status Package - Updated April 2024!

Purchase Your Assembling Guide Here for $10! (10 Steps to Assemble your I-485 AOS Application Package)

How to organize my I-485 concurrent filing

I don't think there's a right or wrong way of organizing the I-485 package. It all depends on how you want the agent to review your case. I separated my package into 3 papers on top, 7 folders and 1 sealed envelope. Here's my filing order for your reference:

1. Four G-1450 Forms (on top) - Authorization for Credit Card Transactions for I-485, I-130, I-131 & I-765
2. Main Cover Letter
3. I-485 Folder - Adjustment of Status
4. I-864 Folder - Affidavit of Support
5. I-944 Folder - Declaration of Self-Sufficiency
6. I-130 Folder - Petition for Alien Relative & I-130A Supplementary Information for Spouse Beneficiary
7. Evidence of Bona-Fide Marriage Folder
8. I-765 Folder - Application for Employment Authorization
9. I-131 Folder - Application for Travel Document
10. Sealed I-693 Envelope - Report of Medical Examination & Vaccination Record

How to assemble my I-485 concurrent filing package

On the USCIS website, there are some guidelines you can follow:

• Use black ink
• Do not use highlighter or correction fluid/tape
• Do not use binders or folders that cannot be easily disassembled
• Make sure you have written "Original Submission" on the package and the main cover letter. 
• Add tabs at the bottom, not on the side
• Two-hole punching on top is appreciated - This is not required and I wasn't sure about the hole distance, so I decided to skip the hole punching

Check the USCIS filing tips webpage for more details.

Click here to see a step-by-step guide for filing the I-485 application>>

More related questions:

• How many G-1145 forms and cover letters should I include in my I-485 application package?
• How many photos do I need for I-485 concurrent filing?
• Where do I mail my I-485 Package?

Disclaimer: This article is for sharing my personal experience only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

USCIS Increases Immigration Fees on April 1st 2024!

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has published a final rule adjusting immigration and naturalization benefit request fees for the first time since 2016.

USCIS Increases Immigration Fees on April 1st 2024!

Who and what will be affected? The final rule includes lowered annual cost recovery, expanded fee exemptions for certain groups, special fee discounts for nonprofits and small businesses, and reduced fees for specific categories.

USCIS emphasizes that every fee in the final rule is the same or lower than in the proposed rule.

Here are some of the new fees in the final rule:

• I-130 Petition for Alien Relative (Online): From $535 to $625
• I-130 Petition for Alien Relative (Paper): From $535 to $675
• I-131 Application for Travel Document: From $575 to $630
• I-131 Application for Travel Document (with biometric services): From $660 to $630 - This is actually lower!
• I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers: From $700 to $715
• I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: From $1140 to $1440
• I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (with biometric services): From $1225 to $1440
• I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence: From $595 to $750
• I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (with biometric services): From $680 to $750
• I-765 Application for Employment Authorization (online filing): From $410 to $470
• I-765 Application for Employment Authorization (online filing) (with biometric services): From $495 to $470
• I-765 Application for Employment Authorization (paper filing): From $410 to $520
• I-765 Application for Employment Authorization (paper filing) (with biometric services): From $495 to $520
• N-400 Application for Naturalization (online filing): From $640 to $710
• N-400 Application for Naturalization (online filing) (with biometric services): From $725 to $710
• N-400 Application for Naturalization (paper filing): From $640 to $760
• N-400 Application for Naturalization (paper filing) (with biometric services): From $725 to $760

Note that, under the final rule: Individuals seeking adjustment of status will pay half the standard fee for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, if they paid the full fee for a concurrently filed or pending adjustment application!

See here for more details>>

When will the final rule take into effect?

The new fees will take effect on April 1, 2024, with USCIS encouraging stakeholders to review the updated forms and fees on their website.

The agency plans to use the generated revenues to enhance customer experience and address backlog growth, while congressional funding remains crucial for managing increased caseloads, especially related to recent border crossers.