Immigration Form I-485 – 10 Tips
What is form I-485?
The form is used in the registration or adjustment of permanent residence status. It ranks among the most expensive immigration forms to be filed. Thus, is vital to ensure that your eligibility for the change of status is precise and accurate. Failure to fill the form correctly results in rejection of the form thus you will need to pay the filing fee again. Below are ten tips about immigration form I-485 courtesy of RunRex.com.
- What is the Right Time to File Form I-485?
The best time to file your form is during the month when your priority date is current. However, you must ensure that you are eligible before applying. You can use this form if you want to apply for lawful permanent residence status. This only applies if you are in the United States. In case you are abroad, you will be forced to apply for your visa first.
- Do not Omit Information
Please indicate every necessary requested detail about your life. Do not omit or misrepresent any information especially about where you initially lived. Indicate all the places you have lived even if it is just for a week or several days. Such information will leave no loophole for your application to be rejected merely on a technicality. You do not want to be accused of fraud.
- Consult Your Attorney
The form requires you to fill out information about your criminal record. If you do not have any criminal record, then it is straightforward; just reply no to the question. However, if you do have a criminal history, answer yes and follow your attorney’s advice in filling the rest of part three on I-485. Let your attorney proofread the document for any legal errors.
- Ensure that all Your Foreign Documents are in English
It is a requirement that every piece of supporting paperwork be in English. Therefore, it is vital to ensure you submit translated copies of your official documents. The translations also have to be verified as an indication that the papers are accurately translated.
- Sign Your Form
Every application that is not signed by the applicant is considered null and void hence directly rejected. However, the rejection does not directly imply a denial. In the case of rejection, your application fee and the document will be returned to you. In the case of denial, you will have to reapply with the application fees inclusive. Not signing your form will only result in a waste of time.
- Make A Copy of Form I-485
There is too much paperwork involved hence it is advisable to make several copies of your documents in case your application form gets lost in the mail. It will save you the time and headache for filling the forms again. Do not forget to also make copies of all the certified translated paperwork. Keeping the prints will give you an easy time for the next time you will be applying for another immigration benefit.
- Submit the Correct Fee
Just like not signing your application, submitting the wrong fee with the correct form amounts to a rejection of the application. Confirm and double check the charge before paying, then keep the proof of payment. The only modes of payment are in the form of money order or checks with any of the United States banks. The required fees are typically indicated on the applications instructions part.
- Register for Selective Service
It applies to all males above the age of eighteen and below the age of twenty-six. Many attorneys advise every male applicant of ages mentioned above to register as it is punishable by law if one does not register. You have the option of choosing whether to enlist or not to enlist. However, ensure that you register for the service.
- Attach Additional Evidence
Supporting letters from church, family, friends, and employers are often a plus when it comes filling and submission of the forms. Ensure that these messages are placed at the end of the submission. The notes serve as the much-needed additional evidence that further increases one’s success rate when it comes to form I-485 application.
- What Next After Form I-485 Approval
As soon as your form is approved, it is advisable that you visit the local USCIS office and get your passport stamped. In case your application includes your dependents, ensure that their passports also get stamped. Dependents under the age of 14 years will receive the green card automatically thus no need to get their passport stamped. Let the USCIS office stamp the children’s passport if you intend to leave the country as soon as possible. Form I-485 photos will be used to make your green cards which may take several days or months.
The whole process may take a while before the approval. It is therefore advisable to comply with the requirements of each stage of the process.