The Form I-485, otherwise known as the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is a crucial step in the journey for immigrants seeking to become lawful permanent residents of the United States while within the country. An individual files this form subsequent to an immigrant petition and when an immigrant visa number is immediately available.

Filing and Eligibility:

• The applicant must be physically present in the U.S.
• They must have an approved immigrant petition (such as Form I-130 or I-140).
• An immigrant visa number must be available.
• The applicant should be admissible to the U.S. or eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility or other form of relief.

Processing Stages:

1. Submission of form accompanied by supporting documents and fees.
2. Biometrics appointment for fingerprinting and photograph.
3. Possible interview requirement.
4. Adjudication by USCIS to grant or deny permanent residence.

Applicants often have the opportunity to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Advance Parole (AP), allowing them to work and travel respectively while their I-485 is being processed. However, travel without AP or before the I-485 is approved can result in the application being considered abandoned.

The processing time for I-485 applications can vary greatly based on the applicant’s category of eligibility, the volume of pending applications, and the workload of USCIS at the time of filing. The current status of an I-485 application can be checked through the USCIS online case status tool.

The outcome of an I-485 Application for Adjustment of Status (AOS) can be significantly affected by divorce, introducing legal complexities and necessitating an appraisal of changed circumstances.

Legal Considerations

When an individual’s I-485 is based on a family-sponsored petition, divorce before the approval can lead to the denial of the application. Specifically, if the application was filed via Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) by a spouse, a finalized divorce effectively terminates the relationship upon which the immigration benefit was sought. As a result, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may deny the application, leaving the individual without a legal immigration status.

In contrast, for employment-based I-485 applications where the spouse is a derivative applicant, the impact may vary. Though divorce might not directly affect the primary applicant’s status, the ex-spouse could lose their derivative status and thus may have to apply for a different immigration status or leave the United States if they no longer meet the criteria for AOS.

Change of Circumstances

Following a divorce, USCIS must be notified of the change in marital status, as it constitutes a significant change in circumstances that can affect the outcome of the pending I-485 application.

• For family-based I-485 applicants, unless protections like the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) apply, they generally have a limited timeframe to either adjust their application based on a new qualifying relationship or to seek another immigration pathway.
• For employment-based derivative applicants, the grace period after a divorce is not explicitly defined by USCIS, and individual circumstances can influence whether the applicant needs to leave the country or adjust their status through other means, such as obtaining a non-immigrant visa.

It is important for individuals in this situation to consult with an immigration attorney for specific advice tailored to their unique case.

During the I-485 pending period, a divorce can have significant implications for one’s immigration status. Absolute attention to procedural requirements is critical for those affected.

Notification of USCIS

The first step is to notify U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This is done by sending a letter to the USCIS office where the I-485 was filed, detailing the change in marital status. The individual should provide the case number, alien number (A-Number), full name, and the date the divorce was finalized.

Legal Representation

Securing legal representation is highly advisable. An immigration attorney can guide the individual through this complex situation, ensuring proper filing of all necessary documents and representing the individual in any required interviews or court appearances. They can also assist in exploring potential avenues to maintain lawful status in the United States.

Update Personal Information

Finally, it’s essential to update personal information with USCIS. This includes submitting a change of address form if the individual has moved, ensuring mail regarding the case goes to the correct location. If the individual’s work permit (Employment Authorization Document) was obtained through the pending I-485, they should consult with an attorney to understand how the divorce impacts their work authorization.

In the event of a divorce, individuals with a pending I-485 application face specific outcomes that hinge on the underlying basis of their pending adjustment of status application.

Potential Delays

Divorce can result in significant delays in the I-485 adjudication process. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may require additional documentation to substantiate the ongoing validity of the adjustment application.

• Required updates: Applicants must inform USCIS about changes in marital status.
• Documentation: Additional paperwork such as the final divorce decree might be requested.

Reevaluation of Eligibility

The eligibility for permanent residence through adjustment of status may be reevaluated post-divorce, which is contingent on the type of application initially filed.

• Family-based petitions (Form I-130): The applicant’s eligibility might be compromised if the marriage was the basis for the application.
• Work-based petitions: If the application was employment-based, divorce might have less impact on the outcome.

Applicants should be prepared for USCIS to closely scrutinize the original intent behind the marriage and its dissolution.

Conditional Permanent Residents (CPRs) who face divorce while their Form I-485 is pending may encounter significant legal complexities. These individuals must navigate specific immigration procedures to retain their status.

Removing Conditions on Residence

When a CPR obtains their status through marriage, they are typically required to jointly file Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) with their spouse 90 days before the second anniversary of receiving their conditional status. Failure to file this petition or a divorce may lead to the revocation of their conditional status and subsequent removal proceedings.

• Required Action: Joint filing of Form I-751
• Filing Window: Within 90 days preceding the second anniversary of CPR status
• Consequence of Non-Filing or Divorce: Potential revocation of status

Divorce specifically introduces a challenge for CPRs. In such cases, they must apply for a waiver to the joint filing requirement, demonstrating that the marriage was entered in good faith, but ended in divorce.

Conditional Residency and Separation

A CPR who separates or begins divorce proceedings must promptly address their conditional status with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Separation alone does not automatically lead to the denial of the I-751 petition. However, it is crucial for individuals to provide evidence of the bona fides of the marriage.

• CPR Must: Inform USCIS of separation or initiate a waiver request
• Evidence Required: Documentation proving the good faith nature of the marriage

USCIS evaluates each case on its merits, and while separation may not directly affect the outcome of the I-751 petition, it ultimately requires CPRs to take additional legal steps to maintain their status.

When a Form I-485 application is pending and the applicant undergoes a divorce, several legal rights and protections are pertinent. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has the right to revoke or terminate a pending Form I-485 if it deems the applicant no longer eligible for adjustment of status following a divorce.

Key Considerations:

• USCIS Evaluation: The agency evaluates whether the divorce represents a substantial change in circumstances that affects eligibility.
• Timing of Divorce: If the divorce occurs before the approval of Form I-485, the applicant’s case could be denied.
• Post-Approval Divorce: A green card issued before the divorce is finalized is generally not affected by the subsequent dissolution of the marriage.

Self-Petitioning Rights: Certain individuals, such as those self-petitioning under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), may still be eligible to adjust their status post-divorce if they meet specific requirements.

Legal Protections: Applicants who are victims of abuse by a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) may be eligible to self-petition, provided they meet specific conditions, such as:

• The stepchild was under 18 when the marriage creating the step relationship occurred.

Applicants should consult with an immigration attorney for personalized legal advice and to ensure their rights are protected throughout this process.

When navigating a divorce during the pending process of an I-485, obtaining legal advice is paramount. Lawyers specializing in immigration law can help discern the complexities and provide guidance tailored to an individual’s unique situation.

• Understanding Legal Grounds: They ascertain the impact of the divorce on the application based on the specific details of the case, including the timing and the grounds for the adjustment of status.
• Legal Representation: If a divorce occurs before the I-485 is approved, an attorney can potentially advocate on behalf of the applicant with USCIS.

Key Considerations:

• Time of Divorce: The stage at which the divorce occurs is crucial. Post-approval divorces generally have less impact on the status.
• Legal Expertise: Counsel with expertise in family and immigration law is best equipped to navigate these matters.

Steps for Seeking Legal Advice:

1. Research: Identify attorneys with relevant experience.
2. Consultation: Schedule a consultation to review your case specifics.
3. Representation: Engage an attorney for representation, if necessary.

An attorney ensures proper representation and interpretation of the law, and can also provide:

• Documentation Assistance: Correct filing and management of necessary documents.
• Case Appeals: Advising on appeals, if the case is denied due to the divorce.
• Future Applications: Guidance on future applications and implications for status adjustment.

In essence, individuals should immediately seek legal counsel to protect their interests and ensure compliance with the appropriate immigration laws and policies during the divorce process.

If an individual’s divorce finalizes while their Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) is pending, this can result in significant long-term consequences regarding their immigration status. Here is an outline of potential impacts:

• Eligibility for Adjustment of Status: An applicant’s eligibility might be compromised. Without the married couple’s relationship, USCIS might determine that the beneficiary is no longer eligible for adjustment of status based on the family-based petition.
• Status Revocation: A pending Form I-485 associated with a marriage may be revoked or terminated by USCIS if the marriage dissolves before the approval.
• Dependency on Spouse’s Application: Dependent applications linked to a spouse’s employment-based visa petition could also be affected. The dependent’s status is contingent upon the primary applicant’s status.
• Grace Period: There is no standard grace period given to individuals to leave the country if they no longer have a valid immigration status due to a divorce during their Form I-485 processing.
• Future Applications: The denial of a Form I-485 can affect future immigration applications. Applicants might face challenges in obtaining a new visa or lawful status in the United States.
• Risk of Removal: Individuals may find themselves vulnerable to removal proceedings if they no longer have any lawful immigration status upon the denial of their Form I-485.

It is important for individuals facing such consequences to seek legal advice promptly. Immigration lawyers can provide guidance on options that may be available, depending on the specifics of the case and any changes in circumstances.