cover letter for employment based i 485

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Everything You Need to Know About Writing an I-485 Cover Letter

See I-485 Cover Letter sample below and instructions on how to build your own. When applying for an extraordinary ability green card in the United States, you should consider submitting an I-485 cover letter. This letter is an opportunity to introduce your application to the USCIS officer reviewing your case, explain any discrepancies or unusual circumstances in your application, and make life easier for your busy examiner.

When we applied we thought about the purpose and needs of this cover letter –

• a) introduces your application to the USCIS officer reviewing your case,
• b) where you can explain any discrepancies or unusual circumstances in your application and
• c) mentions proof of fee payment.
• d) makes life easier for your busy examiner. The letter should be clear, concise, and easy to read. The letter should also be free of errors.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about writing an effective I-485 cover letter for an extraordinary ability green card application. We will discuss the purpose of the cover letter, what to include in the letter, and how to format the letter. We will also provide examples of effective cover letters.

Is an I-485 Cover Letter Important?

While an I-485 Adjustment of Status (AOS) cover letter is not required, we believe it was a powerful tool in our green card application. It shows the USCIS officer that you care by having put time and effort into preparing a complete and thorough application package and so respect their time.

As an introduction to your case the letter should provide a brief overview of your qualifications and why you are eligible for an extraordinary ability green card. The letter should also explain any discrepancies or unusual circumstances in your application.

When to file your I-485 Cover Letter

WARNING: The I-485 should only be submitted if your [“priority date” is “current”(this is only usually an issue for applicants from India and China)].

WARNING: Do not submit the I-485 if you intend to travel abroad as doing so without [Permission to Travel] can be seen as “abandoning your green card application”. In our [Permission to Travel] article we show how you can get a temporary travel papers and avoid losing your green card before you even receive it. We cover this further in our “Concurrent Filing” article.

This formal letter should explain to the first person that opens your application that you have been approved your I-140 and are adjusting your status (AOS) OR that you have filed your I-140 and are [concurrently filing] to adjust your status . EB-1 visa applicants on a valid underlying visa are permitted to file an [ Adjustment of Status ]. This has many benefits including [Temporary Work Papers] and [Permission to Travel].

When filing your I-485 forms you should this cover letter on top of your visa packet. (Visa packet just means all your forms and documents that relate to your I-485). If you are concurrently filing the I-140 section and I-485 should be separated as they can go to different departments within the USCIS.

Purpose of the I-485 Cover Letter

At a quick glance your officer:

• understands why you are submitting your I-485 – I-140 Approval or Concurrently Filing
• check that you have included the correct documents
• check that you have included ALL the documents
• can identify if your package requires a more senior officer or special consideration

How to Write the I-485 Cover Letter

Keep this letter as logical, methodical and short as possible. When writing an I-485 cover letter, there are several key components you should include:

1. Introduction

Your introduction should be brief and to the point. Begin by introducing yourself and stating that you have either an approved I-140 and are adjusting your status OR that you have filed your I-140 and are [ concurrently filing ] to adjust your status. You can include a sentence or two about your background or qualifications but it is not necessary – your officer is short on time. Place your USCIS [receipt number] or an [Alien number] up top – if you don’t have either add your US SSN (Social Security Number). If this is your first visa application be sure to add your Full Name and Date of Birth MM/DD/YYY. This number/information should be on loose pages of your application so your evidence can be easily added back to your case file. Mention the fee check included.

2. Explanation of Package Contents

In the next section of your cover letter, explain the contents of your application package. This should include a list of all the documents you are submitting, along with a brief description of each document. Make sure to organize your list in a clear and easy-to-read format.

If concurrently filing it should also tell them here that you are submitting your I-140 with petition letter and evidence, and/or, you are also applying for adjustment of status(I-485). It should also list the important documents enclosed in your packet.

Below is a list of documents that may be submitted this list might not be relevant to you.

3. Explanation of Discrepancies or Unique Circumstances

It is unusual for applicants to need to mention anything here, however, here’s your opportunity if necessary. If there are any discrepancies or unique circumstances in your application, your cover letter is the place to explain them. Be honest and transparent about any issues that may arise in your application, and provide any necessary documentation to support your explanation. This can be related to your criminal past etc. If you have consulted an immigration attorney or other professional, you can mention this in your cover letter as well.

4. Conclusion

In the conclusion of your cover letter, thank the USCIS officer for their time and consideration. You can include a sentence or two about why you believe you are a strong candidate for a green card and why you are excited to become a permanent resident of the United States but we believe this is not necessary and a waste of the USCIS officers time.

Tips for Writing your Strong I-485 Cover Letter

Here are key takeaways to help you write a strong and effective I-485 cover letter:

• Keep your cover letter concise and to the point. Avoid lengthy paragraphs or unnecessary information.
• Use a professional tone and avoid any slang or colloquial language.
• Make sure to proofread your cover letter carefully for spelling and grammatical errors.
• Use clear headings and formatting to make your cover letter easy to read and navigate. Use Arial font and no emoticons. Spell in American English and use US date formats MM/DD/YYYY to avoid confusion.
• Make sure you include any receipt number or social security numbers you may have that can identify you.
• Be honest and transparent about any discrepancies or unique circumstances in your application.

SAMPLE Cover Letter I-485

U.S. Department of Homeland Security US Citizenship and Immigration Services Address

Re: I-485 Adjustment of Status Petition Based on APPROVED I-140 petition for EB1 – EA

Re: I-485 Adjustment of Status Petition Based on PENDING I-140 petition for EB1 – EA CONCURRENT FILING

Receipt # OR A# OR DOB MM/DD/YYYY

Petitioner: XXX (Your full name in English) Spouse : XXX (Full name in English)

DATE: Dear Sir/Madam, OR Dear Officer,

Please accept this application for Adjustment of Status.

*This application is submitted concurrently with I-140 application.

Enclosed is the following: Petitioner XX XX G-1145 | E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance Form I-485 – XX XX Adjustment of Status Form I-944 – Declaration of Self Sufficiency Form I-765 – EAD Form I-131 – Advanced Parole Form I-693 – Medical Spouse XX XX Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance Form I-485 – Spouse Full name Adjustment of Status Form I-765 – EAD Form I-131 – Advanced Parole Form I-693 – Medical Check for fee – Petitioner and Spouse

All required supporting documents are enclosed.

Please send all correspondence to the address below.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

SIGNED by you.

List of documents:

From each petitioner XXX and Spouse XXX

• 2 x Passport Pictures
• Receipt of I-140 petition for EB1-EA (not necessary if concurrently filing)
• Copy of long-form birth certificate(PLEASE CHECK you might need translation .)
• Copy of marriage certificate (if applicable)(PLEASE CHECK you might need translation .)
• Copy of divorce or death certificate (if applicable)(PLEASE CHECK you might need translation .)
• Copy of most recent US Visas from Passport
• Copy of most recent I-94 arrival & departure record.
• Scan of passport
• Copies of any I-797 INS / BCIS / USCIS Approval Notices. Receipts of I-140 petition for EB1-EA (not necessary if concurrently filing)
• Completed I-944 and additional documents
• Completed I-693 and I-693 Supplement 1 Medical Exam from USCIS Physician in Sealed Envelope.
• Criminal history
• (EB1 – Not necessary to have Affidavit of Support/Employment Letter)

(If filing for a temporary green card and travel papers include Form I-765 and I-131 for free concurrently with Form I-485)

• Copy of most recent I-94 arrival & departure record. Homeland Security
• Scan of Passport or prior EAD
• Receipt notice of I-485(not necessary if filing together with I-485)
• Current or expired visa or approval notice
• Evidence of reasons and/or necessity to travel

Check(cheque)/Form G1450 for TOTAL I-485 Filing fee and Biometrics

The I-485 Adjustment of Status (AOS) cover letter is not a requirement to your green card application, however, by following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can collate a strong and effective cover letter that highlights any discrepancies or unique circumstances in your application. The key is to keep it short and not waste your officers time by making the letter easy to follow.

Good luck with your green card application!

If you need more information, a guide might benefit you – we used GreenCard.guide – read review here .

All articles are written from our experiences and the experiences of our colleagues. These are fantastic visas and we wish to empower others in applying. This information is for general guidance only and shouldn’t be considered legal advice.

If you have any questions or encounter any issues that we have left out let us know – it is important that others are aware. Email here!

Read HOW TO APPLY HERE .

How many pages is the EB-1 cover letter?

This should be as short and succinct as you can make it. Aim for no more than 2 pages.

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Sample Employment Letter for Employment Based Adjustment of Status – I-485

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How To Write a USCIS Cover Letter

Preparing an immigration application for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires filling out complex paperwork and gathering supporting documents. Using a cover letter is a great way to keep your application materials organized and make sure you don’t miss any required documents. It’s also a good opportunity to highlight anything you want USCIS to know about your application. This article explains what a cover letter is and the elements it should include. It also includes a template you can use to write your own.

Written by Jonathan Petts .  Updated May 4, 2023

What Is a USCIS Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a document that helps USCIS officers navigate your application materials. You can place a cover letter at the top of your citizenship , permanent resident , DACA , or visa application package. By outlining your reasons for applying and the contents of your application in a cover letter, you give your USCIS officer a useful overview of your case. You can also use your cover letter as a personal checklist to make sure you’ve included all necessary documents in your package.

You may also use a cover letter to explain any special circumstances you want the USCIS officer to be aware of before they start reviewing your application. If you have a unique or complicated background, it is especially helpful to supplement your application with a cover letter. It will ensure that USCIS becomes aware of any special circumstances and can consider your application with this in mind.

Is a Cover Letter Required for My USCIS Application?

USCIS does not require you to submit a cover letter for any immigration benefit or visa application. Many immigration attorneys include cover letters for their clients to prevent any misunderstandings or missing paperwork. Immigration officers read through a lot of paperwork, so any guidance or organization you can offer them will be helpful. 

Cover letters may be especially helpful when you are in a unique situation. Suppose you are applying for a marriage green card with Form I-130 : Petition for Alien Relative, and you and your spouse have lived apart for some time. You and your U.S. citizen or green card holder spouse can use a cover letter to explain this or any other unusual circumstances behind your marriage. 

USCIS will want to know the reasons behind an unusual living or marriage situation when evaluating your adjustment of status application. A cover letter can help you address any major concerns at the beginning of the process.

What Should My USCIS Cover Letter Include?

When submitting a cover letter with your application, be sure to include the following:

The USCIS filing location or lockbox address to which you’re sending your application

The date of filing

An appropriate subject (re:) line

A short introductory paragraph to describe the contents of your letter and package

If applying for a marriage-related benefit, information about the marriage date and location for yourself (the beneficiary) and your spouse (the petitioner)

An ordered list of the content in your application package, including all supporting documents and filing or biometrics fees included

A closing paragraph including your contact information

Your signature and full printed name

Your supporting documents for an application will depend on which forms you’re filing. You can determine which documents are necessary by reviewing USCIS’ webpage for your specific form. For example, USCIS lists the required supporting evidence on its webpage for Form N-400 applicants.

You’ll also need to identify the right mailing address for your application. To do so, you should consult the USCIS website. For example, naturalization applicants can review USCIS’s webpage for Form N-400 direct filing addresses .

Your filing fees will depend on your specific application type. You can use the USCIS Fee Calculator to determine your costs. For example, suppose you are filing for naturalization with Form N-400. You should select Form N-400 on the Fee Calculator and enter your age. USCIS may ask for additional information, such as your specific application category.

USCIS Cover Letter Template

You may use the sample cover letter below as guidance when writing your cover letter. This specific cover letter sample is for a naturalization application, intended for submission alongside Form N-400. Be sure to personalize this template to reflect your application type and circumstances. If you’d like to use the following template, you may also make a copy of this document to start writing.

[Petitioner’s Street Address]

[Petitioner’s City, State  ZIP code]

[Relevant USCIS mailing address]

RE: [Naturalization Application]

Beneficiary: [Immigrant’s Full Legal Name]

To Whom It May Concern:

Enclosed, please find the Naturalization Application for [Immigrant’s Full Legal Name].

The following documents accompany and support this application:

Filing Fee Payments

[Check or Money Order] in the amount of [Current Fee Amount] for Form N-400

Form G-1450 authorizing payment of the filing fee for Form N-400 (credit card charge authorization if you completed one)

[Form G-1145 (e-notice authorization if you requested them in our system)]

[OPTIONAL Beneficiary’s Form I-912 Fee Waiver Application]

[List of supporting documents]

Beneficiary’s Form N-400 Application for Naturalization

If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at [Phone Number]. Thank you very much for your prompt consideration of my Naturalization Application.

[Immigrant’s Full Name]

[Immigrant’s Signature]

[Signature Date]

Tips for Writing Your USCIS Cover Letter

When writing a USCIS cover letter, be sure to type your letter in English on a computer. Keep your letter concise and only include necessary information. A long cover letter will not be as helpful to a USCIS officer as a brief letter. If possible, keep your letter to one page. Be sure to proofread your letter before submitting your application package.

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Checklist of Required Initial Evidence for Form I-485 (for informational purposes only)

Please do not submit this checklist with your Form I-485. It is an optional tool to use as you prepare your form, but does not replace statutory, regulatory, and form instruction requirements. We recommend that you review these requirements before completing and submitting your form. Do not send original documents unless specifically requested in the form instructions or applicable regulations. You may view the form instructions at uscis.gov/i-485 .

If you submit any documents (copies or original documents, if requested) in a foreign language, you must include a full English translation along with a certification from the translator verifying that the translation is complete and accurate, and that they are competent to translate from the foreign language to English.

Checklist for Immediate Relatives

Did you provide the following?

• Two passport-style photographs;
• A copy of your government-issued identity document with photograph;
• A copy of your birth certificate. If it is unavailable or does not exist, submit other acceptable evidence of birth such as church, school, or medical records, and proof of unavailability or nonexistence;
• Inspection and admission, or inspection and parole documentation (unless applying for adjustment under INA 245(i)). For more information and examples, please see the form instructions;
• Documentation of immigrant category, such as a copy of Form I-797, Approval or Receipt Notice, for the Form I-130 filed on your behalf (unless you are filing your Form I-485 with the Form I-130 filed on your behalf);
• Form I-864, Affidavit of Support (if required);
• Certified police and court records of all criminal charges, arrests, or convictions regardless of final disposition (if applicable);
• Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility (if applicable);
• Form I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal (if applicable);
• Documentation regarding J-1 and J-2 exchange visitor status (Form I-612, if applicable);
• Form I-508, Waiver of Diplomatic Rights, Privileges, Exemptions, and Immunities (if applicable);
• Form I-566, Interagency Record of Request – A, G, or NATO Dependent Employment Authorization or Change/Adjustment to/from A, G, or NATO Status (only if you have A, G, or NATO nonimmigrant status); and
• Form I-485 Supplement A, Adjustment of Status Under Section 245(i) (Supplement A) (if applicable).

Family Members: If you are the spouse or child of a U.S. citizen’s immediate relative, you must independently qualify for adjustment of status and file your own application. You cannot qualify for adjustment of status as the derivative beneficiary based on the immediate relative’s application.

Checklist for Family Preference Immigrants

If you are a principal applicant, did you provide the following?

• Everything listed above for immediate relatives; and
• Proof that you have continuously maintained a lawful status since arriving in the United States.

If you are the spouse or unmarried child under 21 years of age of a family-based principal applicant, did you provide the following?

• Everything listed above for immediate relatives;
• Proof you have continuously maintained a lawful status since arriving in the United States;
• A copy of documentation showing your relationship to the principal applicant, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or adoption decree. If your marriage certificate is unavailable or does not exist, submit other acceptable evidence such as church records and proof of unavailability or nonexistence;
• A copy of the Form I-797, Approval or Receipt Notice, for the principal applicant’s Form I-130 (unless you are filing your Form I-485 together with the principal applicant’s Form I-485); and
• A copy of the Form I-797, Approval or Receipt Notice, for the principal applicant’s Form I 485 or a copy of the principal applicant’s Green Card (if not filing together with the principal applicant’s Form I-485).

Checklist for Principal Applicants

• A copy of a government-issued identity document with photograph;
• A copy of your birth certificate. If it is unavailable or does not exist, provide other acceptable evidence of birth such as church, school, or medical records, and proof of unavailability or nonexistence, if applicable;
• Inspection and admission, or inspection and parole documentation (unless applying for adjustment under INA 245(i)). For more information or examples, please refer to the form instructions;
• Documentation of immigrant category, such as a copy of Form I-797, Approval or Receipt Notice, for the immigrant petition (unless you are filing your Form I-485 with the petition, such as Form I-140);
• Evidence you continually maintained a lawful status since arriving in the United States (or that you are exempt under 245(k) from the INA 245(c)(2), (7) and (8) bars);
• Confirmation of job offer (on Form I-485 Supplement J, if applicable);
• A signed statement confirming you intend to work in the occupational field specified in the Form I-140 if you are a self-petitioner;
• Form I-601, Waiver of Inadmissibility (if applicable);
• Form I-508, Waiver of Diplomatic Rights, Privileges, Exemptions, and Immunities;
• Form I-485 Supplement A (if applicable).

Checklist for Derivative Applicants

Did you also provide the following?

• Items listed above for principal applicants (except Supplement J or signed statement for self-petitioners);
• A copy of your marriage certificate to the principal applicant or proof of relationship as a child to the principal applicant. If you are a spouse of the principal applicant and your marriage certificate is unavailable or does not exist, evidence demonstrating its unavailability/nonexistence and other acceptable evidence of marriage (such as church records);
• Evidence you terminated your previous marriage (if applicable);
• Documentation of the principal applicant’s immigrant category (unless you are filing your Form I-485 together with the principal applicant’s Form I-485); and
• Documentation of the principal applicant’s Form I-485 or copy of the principal applicant’s Green Card (if not filing together with the principal applicant’s Form I-485).
• A copy of a government-issued photo identity document (if available);
• A copy of your birth certificate;
• Documentation of your immigrant category (concurrently filed, pending, or approved Form I-360);
• Disposition on criminal charges, arrests, or convictions, if available. If not available, please see the form instructions for further guidance;
• Documentation regarding J-1 and J-2 exchange visitor status (if applicable); and
• Form I-508, Waiver of Diplomatic Rights, Privileges, Exemptions, and Immunities (if applicable).

To apply for status adjustment by using Form I-485, one way is that you can do-it-yourself for free by downloading Form I-485 and its instructions from USCIS website for your status adjustment application, and follow the instructions to complete the form filling. The better way is that you can order our Complete Do-It-Yourself Package to help you going through the complicated process. To help you obtain U.S. Green Card easily and quickly, we provide a high quality and case-proven Complete Do-It-Yourself Package for form I-485 application of status adjustment, based on our extensive and practical immigration experience. As added value in the Complete Do-It-Yourself Package of I-485 Application for Adjustment of Status to U.S. Permanent Resident, we provide comprehensive instructions on U.S. immigration application requirements and processing, we also let you know the required application documents, evidence, procedures, samples of petition cover letter and employment letter, samples of required forms and optional forms, an application check list, and detailed explanation of the form I-485 application related forms and issues. Also, all required application forms and optional forms are included in the package. New immigrants can benefit from our added value to make the complicated application process much simpler and easier, at the same time meet the U.S. Government's rigorous requirements. Therefore, our Complete Do-It-Yourself Package of I-485 Application for Adjustment of Status to U.S. Permanent Resident is much more beneficial than the U.S. Government website's free service. You will find our package to be very helpful. With the package of form I-485 application of status adjustment, you get all the information you need and step-by-step knowledge of how to adjust your status and obtain your Green Card. The following is a list of the package contents:        Our User's Testimonials          Order the Complete Do-It-Yourself Package from us

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Keep this letter as logical, methodical and short as possible. When filing your I-485 will letter will be placed on top of your visa packet. It is a formal letter explaining to the first person that opens your application that you have been approved your I-140 and are adjusting your statue. WARNING: This should only…

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A letter to your marriage-based i-485 uscis interviewing officer, practice areas, associations.

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In this post, we will discuss what are the needed components for a letter to be made specifically for a US CIS marriage-based interviewing officer. 

At the time of the interview, you have already run the gauntlet. You have patiently waited, submitted countless documents, and have been studious in trying to do everything in accordance with immigration law. Now, the stressful, exciting, mysterious marriage-based green card interview awaits.

Throughout the process, everything has been documented and provided to USCIS. Our office recommends writing a letter to your interviewing officer as a way to introduce yourself, clearly document your relationship timeline, and help to quickly personalize your immigration filing. Although this recommendation is built for the USCIS Raleigh Durham field office, based on many years of filing with that specific office, this recommendation is applicable to any USCIS I485 interview based on marriage to a US citizen.

Again, the purpose of the letter is to introduce and provide a timeline. A marriage is built upon a relationship, and the relationship has many different phases. For instance, there could be a friendship phase, dating phase, engagement phase, and marriage phase. These phases build a timeline that can immediately introduce your relationship to an interviewing officer.

The letters requirements and restrictions:

• The letter must be only one page long. Meaning, one side of a sheet of paper. Officers are busy and introductions should be quick.
• The letter should have a meaningful spousal photo, that is clear, recent, and summarizes either a hobby or a memorable moment. A photo says 1000 words, so, even though the letter is one page long, it will still say a lot.
• Full names should be used
• When describing events, be sure to add geographical location, a date or season, and any meaningful circumstances
• A bulleted list like this one helps showcase the phases of your relationship
• Size 14 font to size 12 font
• 1-inch margin at the minimum
• Letter-sized paper, not A4 or legal size

Mailing requirements:

• Priority mail envelope
• A copy of the interview notice must be present with the letter
• Always confirm delivery

Now, with requirements and restrictions out of the way, an example or template is added below to assist you in modeling your letter. Since variety is the spice of life, please closely review the below items:

Related Blog Posts:

USCIS Marriage-Based Adjustment of Status Interview in 2020: Tips and Tricks

Bona Fide Marriage Evidence: How many Photos does USCIS want with an I-130 Filing?

Disclaimer:  This Blog is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

The post A letter to your marriage-based I-485 USCIS interviewing officer appeared first on Fickey Martinez Law Firm .

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• Adjustment of Status Case Filing and Progress Reports

NEED COVER LETTER FOR I-485, I-864, I-765, I-131 HELP!

By kittyanne June 20, 2019 in Adjustment of Status Case Filing and Progress Reports

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Hello everyone, im a k1 visa holder, married to a us citizen and i am filing for an Adjustment of Status along with I-765 and I-131. I need a cover letter, simple and neat. I cant find an accurate and recent cover letter samples in some forums and it seems not active so i decided to create a topic. If you know a sample please feel free to link it in. Its better if you can share and post yours. 

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Loren Y   2,732

Here on a K1? Need married and a Certificate in hand within a few hours? I'm here to help. Come to Vegas and I'll marry you Vegas style!!   Visa Journey members are always FREE for my services. I know the costs involved in this whole game of immigration, and if I can save you some money I will!

Mrs Thor   16

My husband and I just recently (last week) sent our concurrent filing application (I-130 and I-1485 with I-765 & I-131).

What I did was I made a cover letter for the entire application package. And then I made a cover letter for each of the I-130 and I-485 (which is the example that I will attach here).

I also got the ideas from my letter to some people here in Visa Journey and to some website using Google. God bless on your journey!

3 hours ago, Mrs Thor said: My husband and I just recently (last week) sent our concurrent filing application (I-130 and I-1485 with I-765 & I-131).   What I did was I made a cover letter for the entire application package. And then I made a cover letter for each of the I-130 and I-485 (which is the example that I will attach here).   I also got the ideas from my letter to some people here in Visa Journey and to some website using Google. God bless on your journey!  

Such a big help. Thank you!

Pitaya   2,576

Here is one cover letter that is in a thread in the AOS Process Forum, it has been around since 2014: 

Completed: K1/K2 (271 days) - AOS / EAD /AP (134 days) - ROC (279 days)

"Si vis amari, ama" - Seneca

10 hours ago, Pitaya (火龙果) said: Here is one cover letter that is in a thread in the AOS Process Forum, it has been around since 2014:  HTH.

It doesnt seem active. But thats the one i follow. Tried to post a comment in there but sadly no one answered.

So, if you may, in I-765 and I-131 in this cover letter, do i need the whole copy of my passport? or just the biographic page and the visa?

I don't think that the thread I previously mentioned is necessarily intended to be active, but more to serve as a reference. Hence, you didn't get a reply. Additionally, you can get the general idea on cover letters from the reference thread, but don't go around looking for a Form G-325A. It is likely listed on the reference cover letter, but got cut from the required form list a couple years ago.

I sent in a copy of each of our passports, cover to cover. Of course, when they had their POE, I scanned all of the passports. So that when they ask for one page or another, who cares, I just send in a pdf copy of the whole enchilada.

BTW, here is a parallel contemporary thread about AOS , contents, tips and tricks, you should consider checking it out.  https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/710567-what-to-submit-for- aos /#comments  . There maybe some pearls of wisdom that may be of use to you.

Good luck on your immigration journey.

1 hour ago, Pitaya (火龙果) said: I don't think that the thread I previously mentioned is necessarily intended to be active, but more to serve as a reference. Hence, you didn't get a reply. Additionally, you can get the general idea on cover letters from the reference thread, but don't go around looking for a Form G-325A. It is likely listed on the reference cover letter, but got cut from the required form list a couple years ago.   I sent in a copy of each of our passports, cover to cover. Of course, when they had their POE, I scanned all of the passports. So that when they ask for one page or another, who cares, I just send in a pdf copy of the whole enchilada.   BTW, here is a parallel contemporary thread about AOS , contents, tips and tricks, you should consider checking it out.  https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/710567-what-to-submit-for- aos /#comments  . There maybe some pearls of wisdom that may be of use to you.   Good luck on your immigration journey.   Good luck on your immigration journey.  

great! thank you!

but on the I-485, You just submit your passport biographical page and visa page only?

5 hours ago, kittyanne said: but on the I-485, You just submit your passport biographical page and visa page only?

You submit the biographical page, the visa page and the page that has your entry stamp. That's what I did.

• 4 months later...

Mason23   0

On 6/20/2019 at 10:20 PM, kittyanne said: Such a big help. Thank you!

Is it possible for me to get the typed version of this without  your sensitive info?

Comanutd33   61

Do we really need W2's from last three years?

DaveAndAnastasia   2,079

1 hour ago, Comanutd33 said: Do we really need W2's from last three years?

You are required to submit either tax returns with all W-2s and all schedules for the most recent tax year or tax transcripts for the most recent tax year.

You can submit returns or transcripts for prior years if you wish to. If you choose to submit returns rather than transcripts for any year, you need to also include W-2s and all schedules. This is why it's generally better to submit transcripts.

3 hours ago, DaveAndAnastasia said: You are required to submit either tax returns with all W-2s and all schedules for the most recent tax year or tax transcripts for the most recent tax year.   You can submit returns or transcripts for prior years if you wish to. If you choose to submit returns rather than transcripts for any year, you need to also include W-2s and all schedules. This is why it's generally better to submit transcripts.

What if we never filed any taxes before because we were in school and didn't have any actual jobs. 

13 hours ago, Mason23 said: What if we never filed any taxes before because we were in school and didn't have any actual jobs. 

You can get a statement from the IRS that you were not required to file due to insufficient income, though I'm not sure exactly how to do that.

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• Adjusting Status to Permanent Resident (Form I-485)

Which documents should I submit with my I-485 Adjustment of Status package?

Home » Which documents should I submit with my I-485 Adjustment of Status package?

May 3, 2021

USCIS Forms

Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status , is rarely filed by itself. Generally, USCIS requires several other forms to be included with Form I-485 at the time of filing. A family-based adjustment of status package will typically include:

• Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status — This is a required form used to claim the immigrant visa and adjust status to that of a permanent resident (green card holder).
• Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative — This is a required form for family-based applications. If an I-130 petition has not already been filed and approved (and a visa number is available), it should be filed concurrently with Form I-485.
• Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary — This is a required form only if the I-130 petition is for a spouse. The form contains additional information about the spouse beneficiary.
• Form I-864, Affidavit of Support — This is a required form if your application is based a family-based petition (including K-1 fiancés). It may also be required if your application is based on an employment petition related to a business that is five percent or more by your family. It’s used to show that the adjustment of status applicant has adequate means of financial support and is not likely to rely on the U.S. government for financial support.
• Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record — This is a required form used to establish that the adjustment applicant is not inadmissible to the United States on public health grounds. Your USCIS doctor will provide it.
• Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization — This is an optional form used to request permission to work in the United States. An adjustment of status applicant is eligible to request work authorization.
• Form I-131, Application for Travel Document — This is an optional form used to request an advance parole travel document that can be used to re-enter the United States after travel abroad. The advance parole is required if you plan to travel abroad.

The forms listed above are for a typical family-based adjustment of status package. You situation could vary. For example, spouses of U.S. citizens adjusting status on the basis of a K-1 visa entry do not need Form I-130 or Form I-130A.

RECOMMENDED: K-1 Visa to Green Card Application

Supporting Documents to Submit with Form I-485

The descriptions above only provide a brief overview. A birth certificate, copy of your passport, photos and a Notice of Action may also be required with your application. The forms and documents to submit with Form I-485 vary based on your answers in the application. Please consult the USCIS website or your CitizenPath instructions for additional details.

CitizenPath provides simple, affordable, step-by-step guidance through adjustment of status applications. Upon completion we also provide a simple set of filing instructions customized just for you. Individuals, businesses and even attorneys use our online service to prepare Form I-485 and all other required immigration forms accurately, avoiding costly delays. CitizenPath allows users to try the service for free and guarantees that USCIS will approve the application or your money back. Learn more >>

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