Recent updates from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) affect forms I-485, I-765, and I-539, which are essential for applying for work authorization and permanent residency. These changes will affect individuals who are transitioning status or who require reviews of their immigration records.
USCIS has announced that, starting October 28, 2024, only the most recent versions of the specified forms will be allowed. Consequently, any outdated forms submitted to the agency will face immediate rejection. To avoid any setbacks in their processes, USCIS suggests that applicants check the edition dates of the forms on their official website.
As an example, the process of obtaining a work permit begins with Form I-765, which has a fee of $410, along with an additional biometrics fee of $85. This form is now available for download through the USCIS website. To apply, applicants must carefully read the instructions and pay a processing fee before submitting the application.
Immediately discarding outdated forms not only delays the process, but can seriously impact people who rely on these permits to work or to normalize their situation in the country. Take, for example, an application for a work permit: a denial could result in the applicant having to wait a long time before being able to legally seek work.
Employers must ensure that the employee possesses a legitimate Employment Authorization Document (EAD) that is valid for one to two years before they can provide a contract.
Individuals seeking a green card must use Form I-485, which is essential for applying for lawful permanent residence in the United States. The fee associated with this application is $1,140, โโalong with an additional $85 for biometric data processing.
Through the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), individuals can change their immigration status in several categories, provided they meet the particular eligibility criteria associated with each category.
Applicants are encouraged to seek guidance from professionals or consult official USCIS resources to stay informed about all stages of the process and ensure they meet the necessary eligibility criteria.
You can also get help through various organizations that provide assistance to immigrants, along with legal counseling services to properly complete and review immigration documents. These resources, which may be offered at low or no cost, can be extremely beneficial to individuals who face challenges during the application process, such as language barriers or lack of familiarity with legal processes.
