New Green Card Application Form I-485 Required Starting September 18, 2026
If you are applying for a Green Card, you will need to use a new form starting September 18, 2026.
Affects: Green Card · Source: USCIS · Action may be needed
What happened
USCIS will soon release a new version of Form I-485. This form is used to apply for a Green Card.
The new form will be required starting September 18, 2026. It is called the 09/18/26 edition.
If you send an older version of Form I-485 on or after September 18, 2026, USCIS will reject it. You must use the new form if your application is postmarked or sent online on or after that date.
The bigger picture
Before this change, people used an older version of Form I-485 to apply for a Green Card. This form helped them ask to become permanent residents in the U.S.
The government updated the form to match a new rule. This rule is about "Public Charge," which helps decide if someone might need government help in the future. The new form makes sure it fits with this rule.
What this means for you
Green card applicants
If you are applying for a Green Card, you must use the new Form I-485 starting September 18, 2026. Make sure to use the correct version to avoid your application being sent back.
H1B workers
If you are an H1B worker planning to apply for a Green Card, this change affects you. You will need to use the updated Form I-485 when you apply on or after September 18, 2026.
F1 students
If you are an F1 student and plan to apply for a Green Card in the future, this update is important for you. You will need to use the new Form I-485 when you apply to become a permanent resident.
All immigrants
This change affects any immigrant who will apply for a Green Card. It is important to know which form to use to avoid delays in your application.
What you should do
- If you plan to apply for a Green Card, make sure to use the correct version of Form I-485. If you send it on or after September 18, 2026, use the new form. You can preview the new form on the USCIS website now.
Key dates
- 2026-09-18: New Form I-485 edition (09/18/26) becomes required; older editions (01/20/25) will be rejected.
Words explained
- Form I-485
- This is the official paper you fill out to ask the government to become a permanent resident, also known as getting a Green Card.
- Green Card
- This is a special card that lets you live and work in the United States permanently.
- USCIS
- This stands for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which is the government agency that handles immigration requests.
- Public Charge
- This is a rule that helps the government decide if someone applying for a Green Card might need government help in the future.
- Adjust Status
- This means changing your immigration status while you are already in the U.S. to become a permanent resident.
Common questions
When does the new I-485 form start?
The new Form I-485 will be required starting September 18, 2026. You should not send the new form before this date.
What if I send the old I-485 form after September 18, 2026?
If USCIS receives an old version of Form I-485 on or after September 18, 2026, they will reject it. This means your application will not be processed.
Where can I find the new I-485 form?
USCIS has a preview version of the new form and its instructions on their Form I-485 webpage. You can look at it there, but do not file it before September 18, 2026.
Why is USCIS changing the I-485 form?
USCIS is changing the form to match a new rule called the "Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility Final Rule." This rule helps make sure people applying for Green Cards can support themselves.
This is a plain-English explanation, not legal advice. Confirm with the official source or a licensed immigration attorney.