The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sparked confusion among applicants and attorneys by releasing updated versions of key immigration forms, including the Green Card application (Form I-485), on Monday without prior notice or a grace period. Unlike typical updates, which include a transition period, the new forms took effect immediately, leaving many uncertain about their applications.
I-485 applications postmarked on or after Monday using the old forms may be rejected, though it remains unclear whether the postmark date will be considered. This sudden shift has frustrated the immigrant community, particularly those who had already submitted or prepared applications with the previous editions.
Immigration attorneys are also grappling with the change. New York-based attorney Ramesh Shrestha said, “Applicants who mailed their forms on Monday with the outdated version are especially confused. They’re left unsure of their next steps.”
He added that forms postmarked before Monday should be safe, but those caught in the switch must now redo their paperwork, increasing frustration and effort.
One affected applicant, who mailed his form on Monday using the old edition, expressed dismay: “It can take months for a rejected package to be returned. I’m stuck—should I refile with the updated form now or wait for clarification?”
Starting Monday, March 3, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented updates to several immigration forms, including the widely used Green Card application, Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
The new versions, dated January 20, 2025, replace the previous editions from October 24, 2024. These updates introduce notable changes in terminology and inclusivity, reflecting the current administration’s policies and marking a shift from previous approaches to immigration documentation.
One of the most significant changes in the new Form I-485 is the reduction of gender identity options. The previous edition allowed applicants to select from “Female,” “Male,” and “Another Gender Identity.” However, the updated form limits these options to just “Female” and “Male,” eliminating the “Another Gender Identity” category. This adjustment aligns with an executive order from the current administration, which mandates that gender identification on government documents be restricted to male and female.
The terminology used in the forms has also changed, with the reintroduction of the term “alien.” In the October 2024 edition, “foreign national” and “noncitizen” were used to describe individuals. The new edition replaces these terms with “alien” in multiple sections, including the public charge section and questions about military service exemptions.
Beyond Form I-485, these updates extend to several other immigration-related documents, all bearing the January 20, 2025, edition date and taking effect on March 3, 2025. These include Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status; Form I-485 Supplement J, Confirmation of Valid Job Offer or Request for Job Portability Under INA Section 204(j); and Form I-485 Supplement A, Adjustment of Status Under Section 245(i). Additionally, Form G-325A, Biographic Information (for Deferred Action); Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support; and Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant, have also been revised.
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These updates are part of a broader initiative by the current administration to align immigration paperwork with executive orders issued by President Donald Trump. This policy shift is already evident in other areas, such as the U.S. Department of State’s removal of the “X” gender marker from passport applications, limiting passport gender designations to “Male” or “Female.”
USCIS Grants One-Month Grace Period for 12 Updated Forms, Including Green Card Application
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
