Changes to the Green Card in February: new application requirements

Sharing is caring!

Significant changes to the Green Card application procedure have been announced by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and they will go into effect on February 10, 2025. A revised version of Form I-485, a required medical examination, and the elimination of several additional forms are some of these modifications. The modifications are intended to streamline the status adjustment procedure while cutting down on errors and delays.

How to get a work permit (EAD) and Social Security in the United States: Tiktok video that is going viral

Ohio s Solar Revolution: How renewable energy is changing the rules of the game

Key Updates to the Green Card Application

1. The updated Form I-485Only the revised Form I-485 with an edition date of October 24, 2024, will be accepted starting on February 10, 2025. The main application for permanent residency for non-citizens of the United States is this form. Applicants must use the most recent version of the form because any earlier versions will be automatically rejected.

2. Effective Medical Examination RequirementAll candidates must submit Form I-693 by December 2, 2024, attesting to their compliance with the prescribed vaccinations and their completion of a medical examination performed by a licensed physician. The application will be rejected if this form is not submitted. USCIS advises applicants to plan their medical examinations well in advance to prevent needless delays.

3. Form I-864W is being eliminatedAdditionally, Form I-864W, which was used to request exemptions from the Affidavit of Support requirement, will no longer be available, according to USCIS. This change reduces the number of documentation applicants must submit by immediately integrating the exemption request procedure into the updated Form I-485.

4. Public Charge Question UpdatesUpdates to the Form I-485 questions pertaining to public charges represent another significant modification. The purpose of these changes is to increase clarity so that applicants may better comprehend the requirements and USCIS can more easily identify applicants who might be inadmissible due to public charge concerns.

5. Form Structure SimplifiedForm I-485’s layout has been rearranged by USCIS, and the instructions that go with it have been revised to provide more thorough information. The goal of this restructuring is to expedite the application procedure and assist candidates in avoiding mistakes that can cause their cases to be delayed.

How to Prepare for These Changes

To remain ahead of the game if you intend to apply for a Green Card, follow these steps:

• 
  Use the correct version of Form I-485:
  
  Ensure you re submitting the updated form, as older versions will no longer be accepted after February 10, 2025.
• 
  Schedule your medical exam early:
  
  Since the medical examination is now a mandatory part of the process, plan to complete it in advance to avoid any last-minute hurdles.
• 
  Consult a professional if needed:
  
  If you re unsure about your eligibility or the required documentation, USCIS recommends seeking guidance from an immigration attorney or accredited representative.

Fees and Processing Times

• 
  Application fees:
  
  The total cost for filing Form I-485 is
  
  $1,225
  
  , which includes a $1,140 filing fee and an $85 biometric service fee. Certain categories, such as refugees and asylees, may qualify for fee waivers.
• 
  Processing times:
  
  Depending on the applicant s category and the workload at the specific USCIS office handling the case, processing times can range from
  
  6 to 24 months
  
  .

Who Is Eligible to Apply for a Green Card?

One of the following requirements must be fulfilled in order to be eligible for a Green Card:

• Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
• Skilled workers sponsored by a U.S. employer.
• Refugees or asylees who meet the necessary criteria.
• Beneficiaries of humanitarian programs.

Since every category has unique criteria, applicants should carefully read over the paperwork required for their circumstances.

Why These Changes Matter

Over 1.2 million Green Card applications were handled by USCIS in fiscal year 2023, although wait periods were greatly depending on the case type and the agency handling it. These changes demonstrate USCIS’s dedication to enhancing application process efficiency and transparency, assisting in the reduction of backlogs, and guaranteeing quicker case adjudication.

It will be crucial for candidates to remain aware and ready when these changes take effect. To prevent any shocks, USCIS recommends often visiting its official website for changes. Applicants can guarantee a more straightforward route to acquiring permanent residency in the United States by adjusting to these new conditions.