Revised Form I-485 Takes Effect Sept. 18

On Sept. 18, 2026, USCIS will publish a revised edition of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, the form used to apply for a green card through adjustment of status. The revised form aligns with the recently announced Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility Final Rule and will immediately replace the current 01/20/25 edition without any grace period for the transition.

Employers and sponsors with pending or upcoming I-485 filings should review the changes below carefully.

What’s Changing?

The Public Charge Final Rule updates how USCIS determines whether an applicant is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence, a ground of inadmissibility that can result in denial of a green card. The revised Form I-485 (edition date: 09/18/26) incorporates new questions and documentation requirements to reflect these changes.