Navigating the U.S. immigration system can feel like a maze, and when you're dealing with an Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485), making changes can be a big deal. If you find yourself needing to withdraw your I-485 application, knowing how to do it correctly is crucial. This article will guide you through the process, providing an essential I-485 Withdrawal Letter Sample to help you communicate your intentions clearly to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Why You Might Need to Withdraw Your I-485
Life happens, and sometimes circumstances change. You might have decided to pursue a different immigration path, perhaps your sponsor has withdrawn their petition, or maybe you've decided to leave the United States altogether. Whatever the reason, withdrawing your I-485 application formally is a necessary step to avoid potential complications down the line. It's important to understand that a withdrawn application is considered abandoned, and USCIS will no longer process it.
When you submit a withdrawal letter, you're essentially telling USCIS that you no longer wish to proceed with your application for a green card. This can involve various situations:
- Your underlying petition (like an I-130 or I-140) has been denied or revoked.
- You've decided to leave the United States permanently.
- You are pursuing a different immigration avenue.
- Your sponsor has withdrawn their support.
The table below outlines key elements to include in your withdrawal letter:
| Essential Information | Why It's Important |
|---|---|
| Your Full Name | To clearly identify you. |
| Your A-Number | USCIS uses this unique identifier for your case. |
| Receipt Number of I-485 | Helps USCIS quickly locate your specific application. |
| Date of Birth | Another important identifier for USCIS. |
| Clear Statement of Withdrawal | No room for misunderstanding your intent. |
| Date | To record when the letter was sent. |
| Your Signature | Makes the letter official. |
I-485 Withdrawal Letter Sample - General Reasons
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Address of the USCIS Service Center where you filed your I-485]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Withdrawal of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
A-Number: [Your A-Number]
Receipt Number: [Your I-485 Receipt Number]
Applicant's Full Name: [Your Full Name]
Date of Birth: [Your Date of Birth]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to formally withdraw my Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. I submitted this application on [Date of I-485 Filing] with the receipt number [Your I-485 Receipt Number]. My Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is [Your A-Number] and my date of birth is [Your Date of Birth].
I am withdrawing this application for personal reasons. I understand that by withdrawing my I-485 application, it will be considered abandoned and will not be processed further. I request that USCIS confirm the withdrawal of my application.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature (if mailing)]
[Your Typed Full Name]
I-485 Withdrawal Letter Sample - Sponsor Withdrawal
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Address of the USCIS Service Center where you filed your I-485]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Withdrawal of Form I-485 due to Sponsor Withdrawal
A-Number: [Your A-Number]
Receipt Number: [Your I-485 Receipt Number]
Applicant's Full Name: [Your Full Name]
Date of Birth: [Your Date of Birth]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to formally withdraw my Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, filed on [Date of I-485 Filing] with receipt number [Your I-485 Receipt Number]. My A-Number is [Your A-Number] and my date of birth is [Your Date of Birth].
My decision to withdraw this application is due to the withdrawal of the underlying petition by my sponsor. [Briefly explain, e.g., "My spouse, [Sponsor's Name], has withdrawn their I-130 petition filed on my behalf."] I understand that without a valid underlying petition, my I-485 application cannot proceed. I request that USCIS confirm the withdrawal of my application.
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature (if mailing)]
[Your Typed Full Name]
I-485 Withdrawal Letter Sample - Change of Plans
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Address of the USCIS Service Center where you filed your I-485]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Withdrawal of Form I-485 due to Change of Plans
A-Number: [Your A-Number]
Receipt Number: [Your I-485 Receipt Number]
Applicant's Full Name: [Your Full Name]
Date of Birth: [Your Date of Birth]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I wish to formally withdraw my Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, which I filed on [Date of I-485 Filing] with receipt number [Your I-485 Receipt Number]. My A-Number is [Your A-Number] and my date of birth is [Your Date of Birth].
My circumstances have changed, and I have decided to pursue a different immigration pathway. Therefore, I no longer wish to adjust my status through this application. I request that USCIS acknowledge and confirm the withdrawal of my I-485 application.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature (if mailing)]
[Your Typed Full Name]
I-485 Withdrawal Letter Sample - Leaving the U.S.
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Address of the USCIS Service Center where you filed your I-485]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Withdrawal of Form I-485 - Intent to Depart the United States
A-Number: [Your A-Number]
Receipt Number: [Your I-485 Receipt Number]
Applicant's Full Name: [Your Full Name]
Date of Birth: [Your Date of Birth]
Dear Sir or Madam,
This letter serves as formal notification that I am withdrawing my Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, filed on [Date of I-485 Filing] with receipt number [Your I-485 Receipt Number]. My A-Number is [Your A-Number] and my date of birth is [Your Date of Birth].
I have decided to depart the United States and will not be continuing with the adjustment of status process. Therefore, I am formally withdrawing my application. I request that USCIS confirm the withdrawal of my I-485 application.
Thank you for your service.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature (if mailing)]
[Your Typed Full Name]
I-485 Withdrawal Letter Sample - Related to Employment-Based Petition
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Address of the USCIS Service Center where you filed your I-485]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Withdrawal of Form I-485 - Employment-Based Petition
A-Number: [Your A-Number]
Receipt Number: [Your I-485 Receipt Number]
Applicant's Full Name: [Your Full Name]
Date of Birth: [Your Date of Birth]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to withdraw my Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, which I filed on [Date of I-485 Filing] with receipt number [Your I-485 Receipt Number]. My A-Number is [Your A-Number] and my date of birth is [Your Date of Birth].
This application was based on [Mention the basis, e.g., an employment-based petition filed by my employer, [Employer's Name]]. My employer has withdrawn the underlying petition, or I have decided to leave my employment with [Employer's Name]. Consequently, I am withdrawing my I-485 application.
I kindly request that USCIS acknowledge and confirm the withdrawal of my application.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature (if mailing)]
[Your Typed Full Name]
I-485 Withdrawal Letter Sample - Incorrect Filing
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Address of the USCIS Service Center where you filed your I-485]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Withdrawal of Form I-485 - Incorrect Filing
A-Number: [Your A-Number]
Receipt Number: [Your I-485 Receipt Number]
Applicant's Full Name: [Your Full Name]
Date of Birth: [Your Date of Birth]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to request the withdrawal of my Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, filed on [Date of I-485 Filing] with receipt number [Your I-485 Receipt Number]. My A-Number is [Your A-Number] and my date of birth is [Your Date of Birth].
Upon review, I have realized that my I-485 application was filed incorrectly, or it was filed prematurely. I intend to refile the application at a later date with the correct information or when I meet all eligibility requirements. Therefore, I wish to withdraw this current application.
Please confirm the withdrawal of my Form I-485.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature (if mailing)]
[Your Typed Full Name]
I-485 Withdrawal Letter Sample - Request to Hold Application
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Address of the USCIS Service Center where you filed your I-485]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Request to Hold Form I-485 Application
A-Number: [Your A-Number]
Receipt Number: [Your I-485 Receipt Number]
Applicant's Full Name: [Your Full Name]
Date of Birth: [Your Date of Birth]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing regarding my Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, filed on [Date of I-485 Filing] with receipt number [Your I-485 Receipt Number]. My A-Number is [Your A-Number] and my date of birth is [Your Date of Birth].
Due to [Briefly explain reason, e.g., unforeseen circumstances, needing to gather additional documentation], I respectfully request that my I-485 application be placed on hold or temporarily suspended. I do not wish to formally withdraw my application at this time, but rather to pause its processing. I plan to resume processing once [Mention your plan, e.g., the circumstances have been resolved, I have collected the necessary documents].
I understand that USCIS may not always be able to grant such requests, and if a formal withdrawal is the only option, please consider this letter as such. However, I hope for the possibility of a temporary hold.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature (if mailing)]
[Your Typed Full Name]
In conclusion, a well-crafted I-485 Withdrawal Letter Sample is your key to officially ending your green card application process with USCIS. Remember to always be clear, provide all necessary identifying information, and send your letter to the correct USCIS service center. It's often a good idea to keep a copy for your records and consider sending it via certified mail for proof of delivery. If you're unsure about your specific situation, consulting with an immigration attorney can provide valuable guidance and peace of mind.