Templates Immigration I-485 Adjustment of Status
I-485 Adjustment of Status
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DISCLAIMER
1. This template is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
2. Use of this template does not create an attorney–client relationship.
3. Always download and complete the current official Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) directly from www.uscis.gov. This template is intended to help attorneys and accredited representatives assemble a professionally organized filing package to accompany—not replace—the official USCIS form.
4. Verify all statutory, regulatory, and form-version requirements immediately prior to filing.


FORM I-485 ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS

COMPREHENSIVE FILING PACKAGE TEMPLATE
[// GUIDANCE: All bracketed items are user-editable placeholders. Delete guidance comments before finalizing.]


TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Document Header (Attorney Cover Letter)
II. Definitions
III. Operative Provisions (Filing Instructions & Conditions)
IV. Representations & Warranties of Applicant
V. Covenants & Continuing Obligations
VI. Default & Remedies (USCIS Requests for Evidence / Denial)
VII. Risk Allocation (Force Majeure, Disclaimer of Liability)
VIII. Dispute Resolution & Forum Selection
IX. General Provisions
X. Execution Blocks & Notarial Acknowledgments
XI. Exhibits & Index of Supporting Evidence


I. DOCUMENT HEADER ‒ ATTORNEY COVER LETTER

[Attorney Letterhead]
[Date]

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Lockbox / Service Center Address]

Re: Form I-485 Adjustment of Status Application
Applicant: [FULL LEGAL NAME]
A-Number: [A-NUMBER]
Basis for Adjustment: [e.g., Immediate Relative (INA § 201(b)), Employment-Based Third Preference (INA § 203(b)(3)), Diversity Visa, etc.]

Dear Sir/Madam:

Please find enclosed the complete Adjustment of Status filing on behalf of the above-referenced Applicant. The package is organized in accordance with current USCIS form instructions and 8 C.F.R. § 245 et seq. A detailed Index of Supporting Evidence (Exhibit A) is provided for ease of review.

The filing includes:
1. Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (edition [MM/YY]).
2. Form I-485 Supplement A or J, if applicable.
3. Ancillary forms: Form I-864 [or I-864EZ/I-864W], Form I-693 (sealed), Form I-765, Form I-131, and Form G-28.
4. Government filing fee(s) in the amount of $[____] payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”
5. Supporting documentary evidence, tab-divided and indexed.

The Applicant respectfully requests favorable adjudication and, if required, any employment or travel authorization while the application is pending.

Sincerely,


[ATTORNEY NAME], Esq.
[Bar No.] | [State]
Counsel for Applicant


II. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this Filing Package only:

A. “Applicant” means [APPLICANT FULL NAME], the individual seeking adjustment of status.
B. “Petitioner” means [PETITIONER NAME], if any, who filed the underlying immigrant petition (e.g., I-130, I-140).
C. “Package” means the collective submission consisting of this cover letter, official USCIS forms, supporting documentation, and any required fees.
D. “USCIS” means United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, including any successor agency.


III. OPERATIVE PROVISIONS

  1. Filing Venue. The Package shall be filed with the USCIS Lockbox or Service Center designated by current USCIS instructions based on the Applicant’s residence and filing category.
  2. Completeness. The Applicant must ensure that every question on Form I-485 is answered fully and accurately, marking “N/A” where a question is not applicable.
  3. Deadlines.
    a. Statutory Eligibility Deadlines (e.g., visa availability under Visa Bulletin) are conditions precedent.
    b. Any Request for Evidence (RFE) issued by USCIS must be answered within the timeframe stated on the RFE notice.
  4. Consideration. The filing fee constitutes consideration for USCIS’s processing of the application. No further monetary consideration is required.
  5. Applicant Obligations. The Applicant shall:
    i. Appear for biometrics at the scheduled Application Support Center (“ASC”) appointment;
    ii. Submit to a medical examination on USCIS-approved Form I-693;
    iii. Notify USCIS of any change of address within 10 days pursuant to 8 C.F.R. § 265.1.

[// GUIDANCE: Insert additional performance or timing clauses (e.g., concurrent filing, premium processing for I-140) as needed.]


IV. REPRESENTATIONS & WARRANTIES

  1. Accuracy. The Applicant represents that all information provided on Form I-485 and in the supporting evidence is true, correct, and complete to the best of the Applicant’s knowledge and belief.
  2. Eligibility. The Applicant warrants that he/she:
    a. Was inspected and admitted or paroled into the United States;
    b. Is not subject to any statutory bar to adjustment (e.g., INA § 212(a) grounds of inadmissibility) unless a waiver is concurrently filed;
    c. Has maintained lawful status or qualifies under a statutory exception.
  3. Survival. These representations survive submission of the Package and remain in effect until final adjudication.

V. COVENANTS & CONTINUING OBLIGATIONS

  1. Cooperation. The Applicant shall promptly provide any additional documentation reasonably requested by counsel or USCIS.
  2. Non‐Engagement in Disqualifying Conduct. The Applicant agrees to refrain from any activity that could render him/her inadmissible or removeable under INA §§ 212–237 while the application is pending.
  3. Notification Requirement. The Applicant shall inform counsel within 48 hours of any interaction with law-enforcement authorities, service of process, or receipt of USCIS correspondence.

VI. DEFAULT & REMEDIES

  1. Default Events.
    a. Failure to attend biometrics appointment.
    b. Failure to respond timely to an RFE or Notice of Intent to Deny (“NOID”).
  2. Cure Periods. Where cure is permitted by USCIS, the Applicant shall diligently comply within the specified timeframe.
  3. Remedies.
    a. USCIS may deny the application or deem it abandoned (8 C.F.R. § 103.2(b)(13)).
    b. Upon denial, the Applicant may pursue applicable motions (Form I-290B) or renew the application in removal proceedings, subject to jurisdictional limitations.
  4. Attorneys’ Fees. Each party bears its own fees and costs in connection with the filing unless otherwise agreed in a separate representation agreement.

VII. RISK ALLOCATION

  1. Force Majeure. Neither the Applicant nor counsel shall be liable for delays caused by government shutdowns, public health emergencies, or other events beyond reasonable control.
  2. Disclaimer of Liability. Counsel shall not be liable for governmental delays, discretionary denials, or changes in law subsequent to filing, except in cases of proven professional malpractice.
  3. Insurance. Counsel maintains professional liability insurance in accordance with state bar requirements.

VIII. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

  1. Governing Law. All matters arising out of this Package shall be governed by federal immigration law, the Immigration and Nationality Act (“INA”), and Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
  2. Forum Selection. Any disputes not exclusively governed by USCIS shall be heard in the immigration court or federal district court having jurisdiction, as determined by statute.
  3. Arbitration. Not available for immigration benefit determinations.
  4. Jury Waiver. Issues of fact relating to immigration benefits are adjudicated administratively; jury trial rights do not attach.
  5. Injunctive Relief. Limited to statutory provisions permitting mandamus or Administrative Procedure Act (APA) actions in U.S. District Court.

IX. GENERAL PROVISIONS

  1. Amendments. Any modification to this Package prior to filing must be in writing and initialed by the Applicant.
  2. Assignment. Rights and obligations under this Package are personal to the Applicant and may not be assigned.
  3. Severability. If any provision is held invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force.
  4. Integration. This Package (together with the official USCIS forms) constitutes the entire agreement regarding documentation submitted in support of Form I-485.
  5. Electronic Signatures. If permissible under USCIS policy, electronic reproduction of original handwritten signatures may be submitted.

X. EXECUTION BLOCKS

A. APPLICANT

I, [FULL LEGAL NAME], acknowledge that I have reviewed the contents of this Filing Package, including the official Form I-485, and affirm that all statements are true and correct.

_____ _____
Signature of Applicant Date

[Notary acknowledgment if desired or required by local practice.]

B. ATTORNEY/ACCREDITED REPRESENTATIVE

_____ _____
[ATTORNEY NAME], Esq. Date
Counsel for Applicant
[Firm Name | Address | Phone | Email]
[Bar Number & State]


XI. EXHIBITS & INDEX OF SUPPORTING EVIDENCE

Exhibit A Table of Contents / Index
Exhibit B Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney
Exhibit C Form I-485 (signed original)
Exhibit D Form I-864 [Affidavit of Support] + Supporting Financial Evidence
Exhibit E Form I-693 (sealed medical)
Exhibit F Copy of Valid Passport Biographic Page & Admit Stamp/I-94 Record
Exhibit G Birth Certificate (+ certified translation)
Exhibit H Marriage Certificate / Divorce Decrees (where applicable)
Exhibit I Underlying Approved Petition (Form I-130/I-140 approval notice)
Exhibit J Two U.S.-style Passport Photographs
Exhibit K Filing Fee Check(s)
Exhibit L [Any Waiver Applications or Supplements]
Exhibit M [Additional Supporting Documentation, e.g., Employment Verification]

[// GUIDANCE: Insert or remove exhibits to fit the specific factual scenario.]


[OPTIONAL] PACKET ASSEMBLY ORDER

  1. Cover Letter
  2. Form G-28
  3. Government Filing Fee(s)
  4. Form I-485 (with photographs attached)
  5. Supplement A or J (if required)
  6. Supporting Forms (I-864, I-693, I-765, I-131, etc.)
  7. Primary Civil Documents (birth, marriage, etc.)
  8. Secondary & Additional Evidence
  9. Index of Exhibits (tab-dividers recommended)

[// GUIDANCE: Use a two-hole fastener on the top of the packet per USCIS Lockbox guidance. Place the bar-coded I-485 form on top when generated via USCIS pdf-fillable version.]


END OF TEMPLATE

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