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I-485 Adjust Status / Permanent Residence Application Template
Clearly explain your immigration background, basis for adjustment, and supporting factors in a structured cover letter for your I-485 packet.
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I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status Cover Letter Template
[Your Full Name]
[A-Number (if any)]
[Your Street Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[USCIS Office / Service Center / Lockbox Name]
[USCIS Address Line 1]
[USCIS Address Line 2]
Re: Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
Applicant: [Your Full Name], A-Number: [A-Number, if any]
Category: [Adjustment Category]
1. Introduction and Purpose of This Letter
I, [Your Full Name], submit this cover letter in support of my Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This letter introduces my case, identifies my adjustment category, and lists the forms and supporting documents included in my application packet.
2. Personal and Immigration Background
Full Name: [Your Full Name]
Other Names Used: [Other Names or “None”]
Date of Birth: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Place of Birth: [City, Country]
Country of Citizenship/Nationality: [Country]
Current U.S. Mailing Address: [Street, City, State, ZIP Code]
Current U.S. Physical Address: [Street, City, State, ZIP Code]
I-94 Number: [I-94 Number or “None”]
First Entry to the United States: [Date of First Entry]
Class of Admission at First Entry: [Class of Admission]
Most Recent Entry to the United States: [Date of Most Recent Entry]
Class of Admission at Most Recent Entry: [Class of Admission]
Current Immigration Status: [Current Status or “No Current Lawful Status”]
Status Expiration Date: [Date or “N/A”]
3. Basis for Adjustment of Status
Adjustment Category: [For Example: Immediate Relative (Spouse) of U.S. Citizen / Family-Sponsored Preference / Employment-Based / Asylee or Refugee / Other]
Underlying Petition or Basis:
Petition Type: [Form I-130 / Form I-140 / Form I-360 / Other]
Petitioner or Employer Name: [Name]
Petition Receipt Number: [Receipt Number]
Petition Priority Date: [Priority Date, if any]
Petition Approval Date: [Approval Date, if approved]
Derivative Family Members Filing with Me:
[Name of Spouse], A-Number: [A-Number or “None”], Date of Birth: [MM/DD/YYYY]
[Name of Child], A-Number: [A-Number or “None”], Date of Birth: [MM/DD/YYYY]
[Name of Child], A-Number: [A-Number or “None”], Date of Birth: [MM/DD/YYYY]
4. Immigration History Summary
Date of First Entry: [Date]
Manner of First Entry: [With Visa / Visa Waiver / Without Inspection / Other]
Immigration History Details:
– Prior Entries: [Dates, Locations, Status or “None”]
– Departures from the United States: [Dates and Destinations or “None”]
– Reentries to the United States: [Dates, Ports of Entry, Status or “None”]
– Status Changes or Extensions: [Form Type, Filing Date, Approval Date or “None”]
– Prior Applications Filed with USCIS: [Form Type, Receipt Number, Filing Date or “None”]
– Prior Removal, Voluntary Departure, or Immigration Proceedings: [Details or “None”]
5. Family and Personal Information
Marital Status: [Single / Married / Divorced / Widowed]
Spouse’s Information (if applicable):
Spouse’s Full Name: [Spouse’s Full Name]
Spouse’s Date of Birth: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Spouse’s Country of Birth: [Country]
Spouse’s Status: [U.S. Citizen / Lawful Permanent Resident / Other]
Date of Marriage: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Place of Marriage: [City, State/Country]
Children’s Information (if applicable):
[Child’s Full Name] – Date of Birth: [MM/DD/YYYY] – Place of Birth: [City, Country] – Status: [Status]
[Child’s Full Name] – Date of Birth: [MM/DD/YYYY] – Place of Birth: [City, Country] – Status: [Status]
Brief Family and Personal Background:
[Short Paragraph Describing Family, Residence, and Personal Situation]
6. List of Enclosed Forms
The following USCIS forms are enclosed with this adjustment of status packet:
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, for [Your Full Name]
Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, for [Your Full Name], filed by [Petitioner Name] [if enclosed]
Form I-864 or Other Required Affidavit of Support, with supporting financial evidence
Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization [if enclosed]
Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (Advance Parole) [if enclosed]
Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance [if enclosed]
Additional Forms: [Form Number and Title]
7. List of Supporting Documents
The following supporting documents are enclosed in support of my Form I-485:
Identity and Civil Documents
– Copy of passport biographical page
– Copy of all U.S. visa pages and entry stamps
– Copy of most recent I-94 record
– Birth certificate and certified English translation
– Government-issued photo identification
Relationship and Category Evidence
– Marriage certificate and certified translation
– Divorce decrees or death certificates from prior marriages
– Birth certificates of children
– Evidence of bona fide marital relationship: [Joint Bank Statements / Lease or Mortgage / Joint Bills / Insurance Policies / Photographs / Correspondence]
– Other relationship evidence: [Details]
Status and Eligibility Evidence
– I-130 / I-140 / I-360 or other petition receipt and/or approval notices
– Evidence of lawful admission or parole: [I-94, Entry Stamp, Parole Documents]
– Asylum or refugee approval notices, if applicable
– Documentation for special immigrant or humanitarian category, if applicable
Financial and Support Evidence
– Completed and signed Affidavit of Support (Form I-864 or other required form)
– Petitioner’s federal tax returns and W-2s
– Recent pay stubs
– Employment verification letter
– Bank statements or other financial records
Medical and Background Evidence
– Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record [if enclosed]
– Police certificates or court records, if any
– Other background documentation: [Details]
Additional Supporting Documents
– Passport-style photographs in required quantity
– Letters of support: [From Family / Friends / Employers / Community or Religious Organizations]
– Any other documents supporting my eligibility for adjustment of status: [Details]
8. Statement and Request
I respectfully request that USCIS accept and approve my Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, based on the information and documentation provided. To the best of my knowledge and belief, all statements in my application, supporting forms, and this cover letter are true, correct, and complete.
9. Closing
Thank you for your time and consideration in reviewing my application and supporting documents.
Respectfully submitted,
[Your Full Name]
[Signature, if printed]
[Date]
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Learn more about
I-485 Adjust Status / Permanent Residence Application Template
Click below for detailed info on the template.
For quick answers, scroll below to see the FAQ.
Click below for detailed info on the template.
For quick answers, scroll below to see the FAQ.
I-485 APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR ADJUST STATUS TEMPLATE FAQ
What is Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status?
Form I-485 is a U.S. immigration form used by eligible applicants who are already in the United States and want to apply for lawful permanent resident status (a “green card”) without having to leave the country. It is filed with supporting documents that show your eligibility category, admissibility, and personal background.
When do people use Form I-485?
People typically use Form I-485 when they qualify to adjust status based on a family relationship, employment, special immigrant category, asylum/refugee status, certain humanitarian programs, or other specific categories. It is usually filed after an immigrant petition (such as Form I-130 or I-140) has been approved or can be filed at the same time, depending on the category and visa availability.
What is the purpose of an I-485 cover letter or personal statement?
An I-485 cover letter or personal statement is a written explanation that introduces your adjustment of status case, summarizes your eligibility basis (for example, marriage to a U.S. citizen or employment-based category), and lists the main documents you are including in your packet. It can briefly describe your immigration history, family situation, and any important context that helps the officer understand your case in a clear, organized way.
What should I include in my I-485 cover letter or personal statement?
In your I-485 cover letter or personal statement, you should typically include: your full name and A-number (if any), the basis for your adjustment (for example, “spouse of a U.S. citizen”), a short summary of your immigration history, your current status (if any), key family or hardship factors, and a simple checklist of supporting documents enclosed. The tone should be respectful, honest, and factual — avoid exaggeration or unnecessary emotional detail.
How long should an I-485 personal statement or cover letter be?
An effective I-485 personal statement or cover letter is usually one to three pages long. It should be long enough to clearly explain who you are, why you are eligible to adjust status, and what you are submitting, but short enough to remain focused and easy to read. Quality, clarity, and structure are more important than length.
Can AI Lawyer help me write my I-485 cover letter or personal statement?
Yes. AI Lawyer can help you use this I-485 template by suggesting clear wording, improving organization, and helping you keep a respectful and consistent tone. You still need to provide accurate facts and decide what to include, and AI Lawyer does not replace a licensed immigration attorney or provide legal advice. However, it can save time, reduce stress, and help you create a more polished I-485 cover letter to include in your adjustment of status packet.
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