The new version of Form I-485 is here: what you need to know if you are applying for your gr
If you are planning to file your adjustment of status application (Form I-485) to obtain your green card, there is an update you cannot ignore. Starting September 18, 2026, USCIS will only accept a new version of the form, and there will be no grace period. If you file an older version, your application will be automatically rejected and you will lose your place in line.
At RISE Immigration Services, we are not lawyers, but we are here to inform you. This is one of the most important news items in recent weeks for those in the adjustment of status process, and we want you to understand it well so you do not make costly mistakes.
What exactly changed?
On September 18, 2026, USCIS published a new edition of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with edition date 09/18/26.
This form was revised to align with the new Final Rule on the Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility, which also took effect the same day.
The agency was very clear: there will be no grace period for accepting the previous edition of the form. This means that if you file the wrong version, your application will be rejected with no automatic correction.
Key dates to keep in mind
The rules are very specific and depend on the date you file your application:
Before September 18, 2026: USCIS accepted the 01/20/25 and 09/04/26 editions of Form I-485.
Starting September 18, 2026: USCIS will reject the 01/20/25 and 09/04/26 editions. It will only accept the new 09/18/26 edition.
The date that matters is the postmark date or the electronic submission date. Not the date USCIS receives your package.
Why is this news important for the Latino community?
Form I-485 is one of the most important processes for our community. It is the final step to obtaining a green card from within the United States, and it affects thousands of Latino families who have waited years for an approved family petition, a job offer, or humanitarian protection.
A rejection for using the wrong version of the form can mean:
Losing your place in line for an available visa
Losing the fees paid (which you would have to pay again)
Delays of months or years in your process
Losing the opportunity if your visa expires while you correct the error
With the USCIS backlog exceeding 3.7 million cases, any additional delay can be devastating for a family that has already waited too long.
What should you do today if you are filing your I-485?
Check the edition date on your form
Before sending anything, check the bottom corner of each page of the form. Look for the edition date. If it says 01/20/25 or 09/04/26, and you plan to file after September 18, do not use it. You need the 09/18/26 edition.
Download the most recent version from the official USCIS website
Do not use forms saved from previous months or versions someone sent you. Always download the form directly from uscis.gov the day before you send it.
If you are filing several forms together, check all of them
If you are filing the I-485 together with the I-765 (work permit) or the I-131 (travel permit), check the edition date of each form in the package. USCIS can reject the entire package if even one of the forms is the wrong version.
Consult with an immigration attorney
Every case is unique. An attorney can help you make sure you are using the correct forms and that your adjustment of status package meets all current requirements.
Clear information, not legal advice
At RISE Immigration Services, we are not lawyers, but we are here to inform you. This content is a guide based on official USCIS announcements and reliable sources. For specific advice about your case, always consult with a licensed immigration attorney. The Latino community grows stronger when we support each other with honest and accurate information.
References
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. 3 de septiembre de 2026.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. I-485 Supplement A, Supplement A to Form I-485, Adjustment of Status Under Section 245(i). 3 de septiembre de 2026.
Joseph & Hall P.C. USCIS Alert: New Form Editions for I-485, I-765 and I-539 are Coming Mid-September — Are You Ready? 24 de agosto de 2026.
Connell Foley. Immigration Newsletter - September 2026. 8 de septiembre de 2026.
Comments