The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a one-month grace period for the implementation of all newly updated forms, including those for green cards. This means applicants can still submit older versions of these forms for up to one month after the new versions were announced.
Previously, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) had released new versions of 12 immigration forms, including those for U.S. green cards (Form I-485), naturalization applications (Form N-400), and travel documents (Form I-131), without providing a grace period. Despite this, USCIS had accepted older versions of these forms submitted unknowingly by applicants. New versions of green card applications (Form I-485) were released on March 3, and naturalization applications (Form N-400) on March 4, but some applicants, unaware of the updates, continued to submit older versions of the forms.
To view all updated forms and details of the grace period, click here.
Although USCIS had not initially specified a fixed grace period, it had indicated it would exercise discretion and not reject older versions of forms submitted within a “reasonable period” after the new versions took effect. However, what constituted a “reasonable period” remained unclear. Finally, even on a Saturday holiday, USCIS updated its policy to officially grant a one-month grace period for the forms.
The sudden release of new versions for over a dozen application forms—effective immediately without prior notice or a grace period—had led to a lawsuit against USCIS in a U.S. court. The American Immigration Lawyers Association and Benach Collopy LLP filed a case in a Washington, D.C. court on Friday, seeking immediate relief.
USCIS updated 12 forms on February 24, March 3, and March 4, all bearing the edition date of January 20, 2025. These forms will now be fully enforced starting March 24, April 3, and April 4, respectively. Until those dates, older versions of the forms can still be used.
The older versions offered three gender options—male, female, and another gender identity—while the new versions limit gender choices to male and female only. The older forms used gender-neutral language and the term “noncitizen,” whereas the new versions use male- and female-specific terms and replace “noncitizen” with “alien.” Critics note that the new versions are less inclusive than their predecessors.
On March 3, updated versions (dated January 20, 2025) were released for the U Visa application (I-918), Supplement J and Supplement A to Form I-485, Biographic Information (G-325A), Sponsorship Form (I-134), and the Application for Advance Permission to Enter as an Immigrant (I-192). Earlier, on February 24, updates were issued for the Entrepreneur Parole Form (I-941), T Visa Application (I-914), and Public Charge Bond Cancellation Form (I-356), also dated January 20, 2025.
The Trump administration’s reintroduction of terms like “alien” and “illegal alien” to describe noncitizens and immigrants has prompted corresponding updates to these forms. The use of “alien” has also resumed in documents from USCIS, ICE, immigration courts, and other government agencies.
Additionally, under an executive order issued by President Trump, U.S. government documents now list only “male” or “female” as gender options. The Trump administration continues to update various forms and documents in line with this policy.
The U.S. Department of State has already eliminated the “X” gender marker option from passport application forms, following the same executive order. Going forward, U.S. passports will only list “male” or “female” as gender options.
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.
