I-485 ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS COVER LETTER AND CHECKLIST

PURPOSE

This template provides a comprehensive cover letter and document checklist for Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, for applicants seeking to become lawful permanent residents while in the United States.

COVER LETTER

[DATE]

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Appropriate USCIS Lockbox or Service Center]
[Address]

Re: Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
Applicant: [APPLICANT FULL LEGAL NAME]
A-Number (if any): [A-NUMBER]
Basis for Adjustment: [Family-Based / Employment-Based / Special Immigrant / Other]

Dear USCIS Officer:

Please accept this Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, submitted by [APPLICANT NAME] pursuant to INA § 245.

Applicant Information

• Full Legal Name: [NAME]
• Other Names Used: [IF ANY]
• Date of Birth: [DOB]
• Country of Birth: [COUNTRY]
• Country of Citizenship: [COUNTRY]
• A-Number (if applicable): [A-NUMBER]
• USCIS Online Account Number (if any): [NUMBER]
• Current Immigration Status: [STATUS]
• Date of Last Arrival: [DATE]
• I-94 Number: [NUMBER]
• Current Address: [ADDRESS]
• Telephone: [PHONE]
• Email: [EMAIL]

Basis for Adjustment of Status

[Select and complete applicable section:]

Family-Based (INA § 201(b) Immediate Relative or INA § 203(a) Preference):
- Petitioner: [NAME]
- Relationship: [Spouse/Parent/Child/Sibling of U.S. Citizen or LPR]
- I-130 Receipt Number: [NUMBER] or filing concurrently
- Priority Date: [DATE]

Employment-Based (INA § 203(b)):
- Petitioner/Employer: [NAME]
- I-140 Receipt Number: [NUMBER]
- Priority Date: [DATE]
- Preference Category: [EB-1/EB-2/EB-3/EB-4/EB-5]

Other Basis:
[Specify: Diversity Visa, Asylum, Special Immigrant, VAWA, etc.]

Concurrent Applications (if applicable)

☐ Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
☐ Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
☐ Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative (if filing concurrently)
☐ Form I-864, Affidavit of Support

Enclosed Documents

Please find the following documents enclosed with this application:
[See comprehensive checklist below]

Special Circumstances (if applicable)

[Explain any circumstances requiring clarification:]
- [Immigration history issues]
- [Prior visa overstays with explanation]
- [Criminal history (if any) with certified dispositions]
- [Medical issues requiring waiver]
- [Prior immigration violations]
- [Name discrepancies]
- [Missing documents with explanation]

Conclusion

I respectfully request that USCIS approve this application for adjustment of status. The applicant meets all eligibility requirements under INA § 245 and is not subject to any bars to adjustment.

All required supporting documents are enclosed. Should you require any additional information or documentation, please contact [applicant/attorney] at the information provided above.

Thank you for your consideration of this application.

Respectfully submitted,

_________________________________
[APPLICANT SIGNATURE]
[APPLICANT PRINTED NAME]
Date: _______________

_________________________________
[ATTORNEY SIGNATURE, IF APPLICABLE]
[ATTORNEY NAME, BAR NUMBER]
[LAW FIRM NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[PHONE / EMAIL]

COMPREHENSIVE DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

FORMS INCLUDED

☐ Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
☐ Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
☐ Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney (if represented)

Fee Payment:
☐ Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, OR
☐ Form G-1650, Bank Account Direct Pay Authorization
☐ Applicable filing fee (verify at uscis.gov/i-485)

Concurrent Applications (if filing):
☐ Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization Document
☐ Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (Advance Parole)
☐ Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative (if concurrent family-based)
☐ Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA
☐ Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (sealed envelope)

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

☐ Copy of passport biographical page (valid passport preferred)
☐ Copy of all U.S. visa stamps in passport
☐ Copy of most recent I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Electronic I-94 printout from cbp.gov/i94
☐ Copy of birth certificate
☐ Two (2) passport-style photographs

Photo Requirements:
- 2" x 2" (51mm x 51mm)
- Color, white/off-white background
- Full face, frontal view
- Taken within 30 days of filing
- Write name and A-number (if any) lightly in pencil on back

EVIDENCE OF IMMIGRATION STATUS AND LAWFUL ENTRY

☐ Copy of current immigration status document:
- Visa stamp in passport
- I-20 (F-1 students)
- DS-2019 (J-1 visitors)
- I-797 Approval Notice (H-1B, L-1, etc.)
- Parole document (if paroled)
☐ Evidence of lawful admission or parole:
- I-94 showing inspection and admission
- Passport stamps
- Parole authorization
☐ Evidence of maintaining status (if applicable):
- Employment records
- School enrollment records
- I-20/DS-2019 history

EVIDENCE OF IMMIGRANT CLASSIFICATION

Family-Based Cases:
☐ Form I-797, Notice of Action for approved I-130
OR I-130 filed concurrently
☐ Evidence of relationship to petitioner
☐ Petitioner's proof of U.S. citizenship or LPR status

Employment-Based Cases:
☐ Form I-797, Notice of Action for approved I-140
☐ Certified PERM Labor Certification (ETA 9089) if applicable
☐ Evidence of job offer (employment letter)
☐ Evidence applicant meets job requirements
☐ Employer's ability to pay the proffered wage

Diversity Visa:
☐ Diversity Visa selectee letter
☐ Evidence of qualifying education or work experience

MEDICAL EXAMINATION (Form I-693)

☐ Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
- Completed by USCIS-designated civil surgeon
- In sealed envelope with surgeon's signature across seal
- Valid for 2 years from date of civil surgeon signature
☐ Vaccination records (bring to civil surgeon appointment)
☐ Medical history records (if relevant conditions)

Note: I-693 must be submitted within 60 days of civil surgeon's signature if filing with I-485, or submitted at any time if I-693 was signed no more than 60 days before I-485 filing and no more than 2 years from date of adjudication decision.

AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT (Family-Based and Some Employment-Based)

☐ Form I-864, Affidavit of Support (for sponsor)
☐ Sponsor's federal tax return (most recent year) with:
☐ W-2 forms
☐ 1099 forms (if applicable)
☐ All schedules
☐ Evidence of sponsor's current employment:
☐ Employment letter on company letterhead
☐ Recent pay stubs (last 6 months recommended)
☐ Evidence of sponsor's U.S. citizenship or LPR status
☐ Form I-864A, Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member (if using household income)
☐ Evidence of assets (if income insufficient):
☐ Bank statements
☐ Property deeds and appraisals
☐ Stock/bond certificates

If Using Joint Sponsor:
☐ Separate Form I-864 for joint sponsor
☐ Joint sponsor's supporting financial documents (same as above)
☐ Joint sponsor's proof of U.S. citizenship or LPR status

CIVIL DOCUMENTS

☐ Birth certificate (with certified English translation if not in English)
☐ Marriage certificate (if married)
☐ Divorce decrees / death certificates of prior spouses (if applicable)
☐ Children's birth certificates (if applicable)
☐ Adoption decree (if applicable)
☐ Court-ordered name change documents (if applicable)
☐ Military records (if applicable)

EVIDENCE OF GOOD MORAL CHARACTER

☐ Police clearance certificates / FBI background check (if requested)
☐ Court records for any arrests, charges, or convictions:
☐ Certified disposition for each incident
☐ Arrest records
☐ Sentencing documents
☐ Evidence of rehabilitation (if applicable)
☐ Selective Service registration (males 18-25):
- Status Information Letter from sss.gov (if required to register)
- Evidence of exemption (if applicable)

TRANSLATIONS

☐ Certified English translations of ALL foreign language documents
☐ Each translation must include:
- Translator's certification statement
- Statement of competency in both languages
- Statement that translation is complete and accurate
- Translator's signature, printed name, date
- Translator's contact information

ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE (Category-Specific)

For INA § 245(i) Cases:
☐ Evidence of grandfathered petition/application filed on or before April 30, 2001
☐ Evidence of physical presence on December 21, 2000 (if petition filed after January 14, 1998)
☐ Additional filing fee ($1,000 penalty fee)

For Asylee/Refugee Adjustment:
☐ Copy of asylum approval (I-94 or I-797)
☐ Evidence of one year since asylum granted

For Special Immigrant Cases:
☐ Approved I-360 petition
☐ Category-specific supporting documentation

INADMISSIBILITY AND WAIVER CONSIDERATIONS

Review whether applicant may be inadmissible under INA § 212(a) and whether waivers are available:

Common Grounds of Inadmissibility

☐ Health-related (INA § 212(a)(1))
- Waiver: Form I-601 or I-602 (refugees)
☐ Criminal grounds (INA § 212(a)(2))
- Waiver: Form I-601 (INA § 212(h))
☐ Immigration violations (INA § 212(a)(6))
☐ Unlawful presence bars (INA § 212(a)(9)(B))
- Waiver: Form I-601 (extreme hardship to USC/LPR spouse or parent)
☐ Prior removal/inadmissibility (INA § 212(a)(9)(A))
- Permission to reapply: Form I-212
☐ Fraud/misrepresentation (INA § 212(a)(6)(C))
- Waiver: Form I-601 (INA § 212(i))
☐ Public charge (INA § 212(a)(4))
- Overcome with sufficient Affidavit of Support

If Waiver Required:
☐ Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility
☐ Supporting evidence for waiver
☐ Extreme hardship declaration (if required)

FILING INSTRUCTIONS

Determine Filing Location

Verify current filing address at uscis.gov/i-485 based on:
- Category of adjustment
- Geographic location
- Concurrent vs. standalone filing

Package Organization

1. Cover letter on top
2. Form G-1145 (e-notification)
3. Forms in order: I-485, I-765, I-131, I-130, I-864
4. Filing fee payment/authorization
5. Supporting documents organized by category
6. Form I-693 in sealed envelope (on top or clearly marked)
7. Use tabs or dividers between sections
8. Use binder clips (no staples on originals)

Mailing

☐ Use trackable delivery (USPS Priority Mail, FedEx, UPS)
☐ Keep complete copy of entire package
☐ Tracking Number: _______________________
☐ Date Mailed: __________________________

POST-FILING CHECKLIST

☐ Received I-797C Receipt Notice
☐ Receipt Number: _________________________
☐ Priority Date: ___________________________
☐ Attended biometrics appointment
☐ Received EAD card (if I-765 filed)
☐ Received Advance Parole (if I-131 filed)
☐ Scheduled for interview (check case status online)
☐ Responded to any RFE within deadline
☐ Updated address with USCIS (Form AR-11) if moved

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

1. Maintain Status: Continue maintaining nonimmigrant status until I-485 approval or EAD issuance.

2. Travel Warning: Do NOT travel outside the U.S. without approved Advance Parole. Departure without Advance Parole may be deemed abandonment of I-485.

3. Employment: Do NOT work without valid work authorization (EAD or valid nonimmigrant work status).

4. Address Changes: Report all address changes within 10 days using Form AR-11.

5. Interview Preparation: Bring originals of all documents submitted, valid ID, and interview notice.

6. Fee Updates: Verify current filing fees at uscis.gov before filing.

LEGAL REFERENCES

• INA § 245 (8 U.S.C. § 1255) - Adjustment of Status
• INA § 212 (8 U.S.C. § 1182) - Inadmissible Aliens
• INA § 213A (8 U.S.C. § 1183a) - Affidavit of Support
• 8 CFR § 245 - Adjustment of Status to Permanent Resident
• 8 CFR § 213a - Affidavit of Support
• USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 7 - Adjustment of Status

This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. Consult with a qualified immigration attorney for specific legal guidance.