As a Miami immigration lawyer and an Austin immigration lawyer, I noted with interest that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has redesigned the application form to apply for permanent residence, commonly referred to as a green card. Below are some frequently asked questions:
What is new about green card application?
The new document, officially known as Form I-485, now has 18 pages and includes new questions on the background of those who wish to adjust their immigration status. According to the USCIS, the new Form I-485 and instructions have been substantially updated to reduce complexity. If you have any questions in regard to this, you may want to speak with a Miami immigration lawyer or an Austin immigration lawyer.
What are the new features in the green card application?
- Better flow and organization of questions to make it user-friendly for both the applicants and USCIS. In addition, readability has significantly improved due to new spacing, columns, flow, white space, and formatting.
- The questions about biographic information (Form G-325A) so applicants will no longer need to file a separate form;
- A list of 27 immigrant categories, which allows applicants to identify the specific immigrant category under which they are applying; and
- A comprehensive, updated list of admissibility-related questions. The added questions to ensure USCIS officers have the necessary information to better assess the applicant’s admissibility and eligibility.
If you have any questions in regard to this, you may want to speak with a Miami immigration lawyer or an Austin immigration lawyer.
What stays the same about the green card application?
While both Form I-485 and its instructions may look different from earlier versions, the process for filing Form I-485 and Form I-485 Supplement A and Form I-485 Supplement J remains the same. Applicants must still submit their paper applications to the location listed in the form instructions. If you have any questions in regard to this, you may want to speak with a Miami immigration lawyer or an Austin immigration lawyer.
When must green card applicants start using the new form?
Applicants must use the revised document effective Aug. 25. If you have any questions in regard to this, you may want to speak with a Miami immigration lawyer or an Austin immigration lawyer.
I am a Cuban migrant who entered the country before the Jan. 12 elimination of an immigration policy known as “wet foot, dry foot”. Do I still have to go through the green card application process?
Yes. However, Cuban migrants still must go through the application process, which includes providing proof of physical presence in the United States for at least year.
If you would like more information on the new green card application, obtaining a green card, or obtaining U.S. citizenship, please contact Miami immigration lawyer and Austin immigration lawyer Michael G. Murray, Esq. at (305) 895-2500 or visit our website at www.mmurraylaw.com.