So, you're ready to apply for a green card in the United States? That's a big step! One of the crucial parts of your application package is the Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. And to make sure everything is in order, you'll want to include a strong cover letter. This guide will walk you through what a Form I-485 Cover Letter Sample should look like and why it's so important.
Why Your Form I-485 Cover Letter Matters
Think of your cover letter as the introduction to your entire Form I-485 application. It's the first thing the immigration officer will read, and it sets the tone for the rest of your documents. A well-written cover letter can help organize your application, highlight key information, and demonstrate that you've carefully prepared everything. The importance of a clear and concise cover letter cannot be overstated; it can significantly contribute to a smoother and faster processing of your application.
Here's what typically goes into a great cover letter:
- Your contact information.
- The date.
- The USCIS address where you're sending your application.
- A clear subject line indicating what the application is for.
- A brief introduction stating the purpose of the letter.
- A list of all the documents you are submitting.
- A brief explanation of your eligibility for adjustment of status.
- A concluding remark thanking the officer for their time.
Here's a peek at the main sections you'll want to cover:
- Applicant's Information: Your full name, date of birth, and A-Number (if you have one).
- Application Details: Clearly state that this is an Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485).
- Basis for Eligibility: Briefly mention why you are eligible to adjust your status (e.g., family sponsorship, employment-based petition).
- Included Documents: List all the supporting documents attached. This helps the officer verify that nothing is missing.
Form I-485 Cover Letter Sample for Family-Based Adjustment
Form I-485 Cover Letter Sample for Family-Based Adjustment
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[Specific USCIS Lockbox Address - check USCIS website for correct address]
Subject: Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status for [Your Full Name], A-Number: [Your A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this package as my application for Adjustment of Status to that of a Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States, filed concurrently with my Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130, filed by my [Relationship to petitioner, e.g., U.S. Citizen spouse], [Petitioner's Full Name]. My A-Number is [Your A-Number].
I am eligible to adjust my status based on the approved I-130 petition filed on my behalf. The purpose of this letter is to ensure that all necessary documents are clearly presented for your review and to facilitate the efficient processing of my application.
The following documents are included in this submission:
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative (if filing concurrently)
- Copy of my U.S. visa and passport biographical page
- Copy of my birth certificate
- Copy of my marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Form I-864, Affidavit of Support (filed by my petitioner)
- Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (sealed)
- Passport-style photographs (as required)
- Filing fee check or money order for [Amount]
I kindly request that you review my application favorably. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
Form I-485 Cover Letter Sample for Employment-Based Adjustment
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[Specific USCIS Lockbox Address - check USCIS website for correct address]
Subject: Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status for [Your Full Name], A-Number: [Your A-Number], EB-[Category Number, e.g., EB-2]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this package as my application for Adjustment of Status to that of a Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States, based on my approved employment-based immigrant petition, [Form Name, e.g., Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker]. My A-Number is [Your A-Number].
I am eligible to adjust my status in the EB-[Category Number] category due to my qualifications and the permanent job offer from my sponsoring employer, [Sponsoring Employer's Name].
The following documents are enclosed for your review:
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- Copy of my approved Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker
- Copy of my passport biographical page
- Copy of my most recent Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record
- Copy of my birth certificate
- Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (sealed)
- Passport-style photographs (as required)
- Filing fee check or money order for [Amount]
I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to a positive outcome. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
Form I-485 Cover Letter Sample for Asylum Adjustment
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[Specific USCIS Lockbox Address - check USCIS website for correct address]
Subject: Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status for [Your Full Name], A-Number: [Your A-Number] - Asylum Adjustment
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am submitting this application for Adjustment of Status to that of a Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States, pursuant to [Specific regulation, e.g., 8 CFR § 209.1 or 8 CFR § 209.2], based on my asylum status granted on [Date of asylum grant]. My A-Number is [Your A-Number].
I have been granted asylum and have resided in the United States for at least one year since the grant of asylum, meeting the eligibility requirements for adjustment.
The following documents are included in this submission:
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- Copy of my asylum approval notice
- Copy of my passport biographical page
- Copy of my birth certificate
- Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (sealed)
- Passport-style photographs (as required)
- Filing fee check or money order for [Amount]
I kindly request your favorable review of my application. Thank you for your dedicated service.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
Form I-485 Cover Letter Sample for Diversity Visa Lottery Winner
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[Specific USCIS Lockbox Address - check USCIS website for correct address]
Subject: Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status for [Your Full Name], A-Number: [Your A-Number] - Diversity Visa Lottery Winner
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this package as my application for Adjustment of Status to that of a Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States. I was selected as a winner in the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program for the [Year] fiscal year.
My Diversity Visa Case Number is [Your DV Case Number]. I have met all eligibility requirements and am currently residing in the United States, making me eligible to adjust my status.
The following documents are included in this submission:
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- Copy of my Diversity Visa Lottery selection letter
- Copy of my passport biographical page
- Copy of my birth certificate
- Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (sealed)
- Passport-style photographs (as required)
- Filing fee check or money order for [Amount]
I am eager to complete my immigration process and contribute to the United States. Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
Form I-485 Cover Letter Sample for Refugee Adjustment
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[Specific USCIS Lockbox Address - check USCIS website for correct address]
Subject: Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status for [Your Full Name], A-Number: [Your A-Number] - Refugee Adjustment
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am submitting this application for Adjustment of Status to that of a Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States, pursuant to [Specific regulation, e.g., 8 CFR § 209.1], having been admitted to the United States as a refugee on [Date of admission]. My A-Number is [Your A-Number].
I have resided in the United States for at least one year since my admission as a refugee and meet all other eligibility criteria for adjustment of status.
The following documents are included in this submission:
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- Copy of my refugee admission documents
- Copy of my passport biographical page
- Copy of my birth certificate
- Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (sealed)
- Passport-style photographs (as required)
- Filing fee check or money order for [Amount]
I am grateful for the opportunity to build a new life in the United States and request your favorable consideration of my application. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
Form I-485 Cover Letter Sample for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Adjustment
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[Specific USCIS Lockbox Address - check USCIS website for correct address]
Subject: Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status for [Your Full Name], A-Number: [Your A-Number] - Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this application for Adjustment of Status to that of a Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States, based on my approved Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) petition. My A-Number is [Your A-Number].
I have been granted Special Immigrant Juvenile Status by the [State] juvenile court, and I meet all eligibility requirements for adjustment of status under the SIJS provisions.
The following documents are included in this submission:
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- Copy of my approved Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant (for SIJS)
- Copy of the court order granting Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
- Copy of my passport biographical page (if applicable)
- Copy of my birth certificate
- Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (sealed)
- Passport-style photographs (as required)
- Filing fee check or money order for [Amount]
I am seeking to establish a stable life in the United States and kindly request your favorable review of my application. Thank you for your compassionate consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
Crafting a good Form I-485 cover letter is like giving your application a friendly handshake. It introduces you, tells the immigration officer exactly what you're asking for, and helps them quickly see that you've provided all the necessary pieces. By using these samples as a guide and filling in your specific details, you'll be well on your way to presenting a strong and organized application for adjustment of status.