U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated Form I-485, which it will accept for immigrants applying to adjust their status to lawful permanent residency or a Green Card.
“As of March 3, 2025, the current version [of the form] is the 01/20/25 edition. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the form and instructions,” the agency stated.
There are several changes, some easy to identify, but others best addressed with an attorney to avoid complications, such as the section regarding the public charge rule, which could determine whether a person obtains a Green Card.
Among the most significant adjustments to the new Form I-485 is the reduction of gender identity options, as the “Another gender identity” option has been removed, leaving only “Female” and “Male,” following the executive order of President Donald Trump to recognize only two genders in the United States, excluding nonbinary individuals.
The administration of President Joe Biden made some modifications to show respect for immigrants, such as specifying “foreign citizen” or “noncitizen” in reference to immigrants.
Now, the USCIS under the Trump administration reinstates the term “alien” in all sections.
USCIS updates its forms periodically, which is why it includes the corresponding date on the document to be used.
“If you complete and print this form to mail it, make sure the form’s edition date and page numbers are visible at the bottom of all pages and that all pages are from the same edition of the form,” the agency reminds. “If any pages are missing or from a different edition, we may reject your form.”
Other changes related to Green Card petitions include updates to Form I-485 Supplement J, or Confirmation of Bona Fide Job Offer or Job Portability Request under Section 204(j) of the INA (Immigration and Nationality Act), as well as Form I-485 Supplement A, or Adjustment of Status under Section 245(i).
USCIS is also seeking to implement other adjustments, such as requiring immigrants to provide their social media and digital platform accounts.
What About Other Visas?
USCIS is making adjustments to several immigration processes to align with President Trump’s new policies, though the changes will be gradual.
For now, several forms with the January 20, 2025, edition date have been confirmed, taking effect on March 3.
These include Form I-918, or Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status; Form G-325A, or Biographic Information (for deferred action or DACA); Form I-134, or Declaration of Financial Support; and Form I-192, or Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant.
An official statement was requested from USCIS regarding the adjustments, but no response has been received so far.
It is important for immigrants applying for new USCIS processes to consult an attorney to avoid financial losses and complications.
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