So, you're planning to adjust your status to become a lawful permanent resident in the United States? That's awesome! A big part of this journey involves submitting your Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. To make sure USCIS has everything they need and to present your case clearly, a well-written cover letter is super important. This article will walk you through what makes a great cover letter, and we'll even provide an I-485 Cover Letter Sample K1 to help you get started!
Understanding Your I-485 Cover Letter
Think of your I-485 cover letter as your personal introduction to the immigration officer who will review your application. It’s your chance to briefly explain who you are, what you're applying for, and to highlight the key documents you've included. A well-crafted cover letter can significantly streamline the review process and ensure your application is complete and easy to understand. It acts as a roadmap for the officer, guiding them through your supporting evidence.
When you're putting together your I-485 Cover Letter Sample K1, remember to include these crucial elements:
- Your full name and contact information.
- The applicant's full name and date of birth.
- The type of application you are submitting (Form I-485).
- The basis of your eligibility (e.g., family-based petition, employment-based petition, K-1 visa).
- A clear list of all the documents you are enclosing.
Here’s a quick look at what might be on your list:
| Document Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Form I-485 | The main application form. |
| Proof of legal status | Like your visa or entry stamp. |
| Birth Certificate | To prove identity and age. |
| Passport-style photos | For identification. |
I-485 Cover Letter Sample K1 for Initial 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
[Appropriate USCIS Lockbox Address – Check USCIS website for current address]
Subject: I-485 Application for [Applicant's Full Name], Case Type: K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Adjustment of Status
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this letter and the enclosed Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, submitted by my client/fiancé(e), [Applicant's Full Name], who entered the United States on a K-1 Fiance(e) visa. We are seeking to adjust status to that of a lawful permanent resident based on our marriage.
The applicant, [Applicant's Full Name], was born on [Applicant's Date of Birth] and entered the United States on [Date of Entry] at [Port of Entry]. The K-1 visa petition, [I-129F Petition Number], was approved by USCIS on [Approval Date of I-129F]. We were married on [Date of Marriage] at [Location of Marriage].
We have meticulously gathered all required documentation to support this application. The enclosed package includes:
- Original Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, completed and signed.
- Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, from the petitioner, [Petitioner's Full Name].
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (Optional, if applying for work permit).
- Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (Optional, if applying for advance parole).
- Proof of Applicant's lawful admission into the United States, including a copy of the K-1 visa and passport stamp.
- Applicant's birth certificate.
- Copy of Petitioner's birth certificate or U.S. passport.
- Copy of Marriage Certificate.
- Two passport-style photographs of the applicant.
- Copy of USCIS receipt notices for any previously filed petitions or applications.
- Filing fee of $[Amount] via check/money order payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security."
Thank you for your time and consideration of this application. Please do not hesitate to contact me if any further information or clarification is required.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
I-485 Cover Letter Sample K1 for Expedited Processing
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Appropriate USCIS Lockbox Address]
Subject: Request for Expedited Processing - I-485 Application for [Applicant's Full Name], Case Type: K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Adjustment of Status - Urgent Humanitarian Need
Dear USCIS Officer,
This letter is submitted in conjunction with the enclosed Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, for my fiancé(e), [Applicant's Full Name]. We are requesting expedited processing of this application due to severe and urgent humanitarian circumstances, specifically [briefly explain the urgent situation, e.g., a critical medical condition of a family member requiring the applicant's immediate presence or care].
[Applicant's Full Name] entered the United States on a K-1 Fiance(e) visa on [Date of Entry] and we were married on [Date of Marriage]. While the standard processing of the I-485 is appreciated, the current situation demands immediate attention.
To support our request for expedited processing, we have included the following:
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
- Supporting medical documentation detailing the critical condition of [Name of Family Member] and the applicant's essential role in their care.
- Letters from [mention relevant professionals, e.g., doctors, social workers] confirming the necessity of the applicant's presence and assistance.
- Proof of relationship to the individual requiring urgent humanitarian aid.
- Any other relevant evidence demonstrating the urgency of the situation.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this critical matter. We are available to provide any additional information or documentation needed to expedite this review.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
I-485 Cover Letter Sample K1 with Document Checklist
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Appropriate USCIS Lockbox Address]
Subject: I-485 Application for [Applicant's Full Name], Case Type: K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Adjustment of Status - Comprehensive Document Checklist Included
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please find enclosed the completed Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, for my fiancé(e), [Applicant's Full Name]. This application is being submitted following [Applicant's Full Name]'s entry into the United States on a K-1 Fiance(e) visa and our subsequent marriage on [Date of Marriage].
To ensure a thorough and organized submission, we have included a detailed checklist of all accompanying documents. This checklist is designed to facilitate a smooth review process by clearly itemizing each piece of evidence.
Enclosed Documents Checklist:
- Application Forms:
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Original, signed).
- Form I-864, Affidavit of Support (Original, signed, submitted by [Petitioner's Full Name]).
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (Optional).
- Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (Optional).
- Identification and Status Documents:
- Copy of Applicant's Passport bio page.
- Copy of K-1 Fiance(e) visa.
- Copy of I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
- Applicant's Birth Certificate (Original or certified copy).
- Petitioner's Birth Certificate or U.S. Passport (Copy).
- Marriage Certificate (Original or certified copy).
- Photographs:
- Two (2) recent passport-style photographs of the applicant.
- Supporting Evidence:
- Joint bank statements (dating from marriage to present).
- Utility bills in both names (dating from marriage to present).
- Photographs of the couple together (showing bona fide relationship).
- Other evidence of bona fide marriage (e.g., lease agreements, insurance policies).
- Fees:
- Filing fee check/money order in the amount of $[Amount].
Thank you for your dedicated service.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
I-485 Cover Letter Sample K1 with Spouse as Applicant
[Applicant's Full Name]
[Applicant's Street Address]
[Applicant's City, State, Zip Code]
[Applicant's Phone Number]
[Applicant's Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Appropriate USCIS Lockbox Address]
Subject: I-485 Application for [Applicant's Full Name], Case Type: K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Adjustment of Status - Submitted by Applicant
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this letter and the enclosed Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, which I am submitting myself. I am applying to adjust my status to that of a lawful permanent resident of the United States based on my K-1 Fiance(e) visa and my subsequent marriage to U.S. Citizen [Petitioner's Full Name].
I entered the United States on [Date of Entry] with a K-1 Fiance(e) visa. I married my U.S. Citizen fiancé(e), [Petitioner's Full Name], on [Date of Marriage] in [Location of Marriage]. My previous K-1 petition was approved under petition number [I-129F Petition Number].
I have carefully completed all required sections of the Form I-485 and have gathered the necessary supporting documents. The following items are included in this submission:
- My completed and signed Form I-485.
- A copy of my passport showing my visa and entry stamp.
- My original birth certificate.
- A copy of my marriage certificate.
- Two passport-style photographs.
- Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, completed by my spouse, [Petitioner's Full Name].
- Supporting documents demonstrating the bona fides of our marriage.
- The required filing fee of $[Amount].
Thank you for your review of my application. I am available to provide any further information requested.
Sincerely,
[Applicant's Full Name]
I-485 Cover Letter Sample K1 with Fee Waiver Request
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Appropriate USCIS Lockbox Address]
Subject: I-485 Application for [Applicant's Full Name], Case Type: K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Adjustment of Status - Request for Fee Waiver
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this letter along with the enclosed Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, for my fiancé(e), [Applicant's Full Name]. We are also submitting Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, as we are unable to afford the required filing fees at this time.
[Applicant's Full Name] arrived in the United States on a K-1 Fiance(e) visa on [Date of Entry] and we were married on [Date of Marriage]. We are requesting a waiver of the I-485 filing fee because [Applicant's Full Name] has no income and is dependent on me, and I am experiencing significant financial hardship due to [briefly explain hardship, e.g., unexpected medical bills, job loss, low income below poverty guidelines].
To support our request for a fee waiver, we have included:
- Completed Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
- Completed Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver.
- Evidence of the applicant's lack of income (e.g., statement of dependency).
- Evidence of the petitioner's financial hardship, including:
- Recent tax returns.
- Pay stubs (if applicable).
- Bank statements.
- Proof of reliance on public benefits (if applicable).
- Documentation of significant expenses (e.g., medical bills, eviction notices).
- Supporting documentation for our K-1 marriage and adjustment of status.
Thank you for your understanding and assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
I-485 Cover Letter Sample K1 with I-130 Petition Filed Concurrently
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Appropriate USCIS Lockbox Address]
Subject: Concurrent Filing - Form I-485 and Form I-130 for [Applicant's Full Name], Case Type: K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Adjustment of Status
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this letter and the enclosed applications for concurrent filing: Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, and Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, for my fiancé(e)/spouse, [Applicant's Full Name]. This filing is based on the K-1 Fiance(e) visa process and our subsequent marriage.
[Applicant's Full Name] entered the United States on a K-1 Fiance(e) visa on [Date of Entry], and we were married on [Date of Marriage]. We are now concurrently filing the I-130 petition to establish the spousal relationship and the I-485 application to adjust status.
The enclosed package includes the following:
- Form I-485: Original and completed application.
- Form I-130: Original and completed petition.
- Supporting Documents for I-130:
- Copy of Petitioner's U.S. Birth Certificate or Passport.
- Copy of Applicant's Birth Certificate.
- Copy of Marriage Certificate.
- Passport-style photographs of both petitioner and applicant.
- Supporting Documents for I-485:
- Copy of Applicant's K-1 visa and passport stamp.
- Copy of Applicant's I-94.
- Two (2) passport-style photographs of the applicant.
- Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, from the petitioner.
- Fees:
- Combined filing fees for both I-130 and I-485 applications.
Thank you for your review and consideration of our concurrent filing.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
I-485 Cover Letter Sample K1 with Documents for Both Spouses
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Appropriate USCIS Lockbox Address]
Subject: I-485 Application for [Applicant's Full Name], Case Type: K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Adjustment of Status - Jointly Submitted Documents
Dear USCIS Officer,
This letter accompanies the Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, submitted by my fiancé(e)/spouse, [Applicant's Full Name]. As we are a married couple seeking adjustment of status based on the K-1 Fiance(e) visa, we have compiled documents pertaining to both myself, the U.S. citizen spouse, and [Applicant's Full Name].
[Applicant's Full Name] arrived in the U.S. on a K-1 visa on [Date of Entry] and we married on [Date of Marriage]. We are diligently providing all necessary information to facilitate the adjustment of status process.
Our submission includes the following:
For the Applicant ([Applicant's Full Name]):
- Form I-485, signed.
- Copy of passport with K-1 visa and entry stamp.
- Copy of I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
- Applicant's Birth Certificate.
- Two (2) passport-style photographs.
- Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, signed.
- Copy of U.S. Birth Certificate or U.S. Passport.
- Copy of Marriage Certificate.
- Joint bank statements.
- Joint utility bills.
- Photographs of us together.
- Any other evidence of our shared life and relationship.
- Filing fee of $[Amount].
Thank you for your attention to our application.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
I-485 Cover Letter Sample K1 with Separate I-130 for Spouse
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Appropriate USCIS Lockbox Address]
Subject: I-485 Application for [Applicant's Full Name] and Separate I-130 Petition for [Petitioner's Full Name], Case Type: K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Adjustment of Status
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this letter and the enclosed Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, for my fiancé(e)/spouse, [Applicant's Full Name]. We are also submitting a separate Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, for myself, [Petitioner's Full Name]. While the K-1 process typically involves immediate relatives, we are submitting these applications to ensure all bases are covered for my wife's adjustment of status.
[Applicant's Full Name] entered the United States on a K-1 Fiance(e) visa on [Date of Entry], and we were married on [Date of Marriage].
The documents enclosed are organized as follows:
For the I-485 Application (Applicant: [Applicant's Full Name]):
- Form I-485, signed.
- Copy of Applicant's K-1 visa and passport entry.
- Copy of Applicant's I-94.
- Applicant's Birth Certificate.
- Two (2) passport-style photographs of the applicant.
- Form I-864, Affidavit of Support.
- Form I-130, signed.
- Copy of Petitioner's U.S. Birth Certificate or U.S. Passport.
- Copy of Marriage Certificate.
- Passport-style photographs of both petitioner and applicant.
- Evidence of our bona fide marriage, such as joint bank statements and photographs.
- Filing fee for Form I-485.
- Filing fee for Form I-130.
Thank you for your time and review.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Submitting your I-485 application is a significant step towards your permanent residency. While it might seem like a lot of paperwork, a well-organized application, complete with a clear and informative cover letter, will make the process much smoother. Remember to tailor your I-485 Cover Letter Sample K1 to your specific situation and double-check that you have included all the necessary documents. With careful preparation, you'll be well on your way to achieving your immigration goals!