Why Your I-485 Cover Letter Sample Matters
Your I-485 Cover Letter Sample is more than just a formality; it's your chance to organize your thoughts and highlight the most important parts of your application. It's a vital tool to help the USCIS officer quickly understand your case and confirm that you've included all the necessary documents. Here’s why it's so important:- Organization: It acts as a table of contents for your entire application package.
- Clarity: It allows you to explain any unique aspects of your case that might not be immediately obvious from the forms themselves.
- Completeness Check: It ensures that you (and the officer) don't miss any required evidence.
- Introduction of yourself and the purpose of the letter (applying for Adjustment of Status).
- Briefly mention the basis of your application (e.g., family-based, employment-based).
- List the documents you are submitting.
- Provide contact information.
| Section | What to Include |
|---|---|
| Applicant Information | Your full name, address, date of birth, A-Number |
| USCIS Address | The correct lockbox address for your petition |
| Subject Line | Clearly state "Application for Adjustment of Status - [Your Name] - A-Number [Your A-Number]" |
| Body | Briefly explain your application, list enclosed documents, and state your intent. |
| Closing | Sincerely, your signature, typed name. |
I-485 Cover Letter Sample for Family-Based Sponsorship
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS Lockbox Facility
[Specific Address for your Form I-485, based on your state]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Application for Adjustment of Status - [Your Full Name] - A-Number: [Your A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this letter and the accompanying documents as my formal application for Adjustment of Status to that of a lawful permanent resident, filed under section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. I am applying for adjustment of status based on my familial relationship with my [Petitioner's Full Name], who is a U.S. Citizen and my [Relationship to Petitioner, e.g., spouse, parent, child].
My Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative (Receipt Number: [Your I-130 Receipt Number]) was approved on [Date of I-130 Approval]. My Immigrant Visa Number is [Your Immigrant Visa Number, if applicable].
The following documents are included in this application package:
* Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
* Filing Fee of [Amount] (Check/Money Order Number: [Check/Money Order Number])
* Two passport-style photographs of the applicant
* Copy of applicant's birth certificate
* Copy of applicant's passport biographic page and visa pages
* Copy of the I-130 Approval Notice
* Form I-864, Affidavit of Support (submitted by [Petitioner's Name])
* Supporting financial documentation for the Affidavit of Support
* Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (sealed by civil surgeon)
* [List any other relevant documents, e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decrees, etc.]
I have carefully reviewed all the requirements for Adjustment of Status and believe I am eligible. I respectfully request that my application be approved.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
I-485 Cover Letter Sample for Employment-Based Sponsorship
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS Lockbox Facility
[Specific Address for your Form I-485, based on your state]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Application for Adjustment of Status - [Your Full Name] - A-Number: [Your A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this submission as my Application for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) to that of a lawful permanent resident. I am applying for adjustment of status based on my employment, as the beneficiary of an approved Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, filed by my sponsoring employer, [Sponsoring Employer's Full Name].
My Form I-140 (Receipt Number: [Your I-140 Receipt Number]) was approved on [Date of I-140 Approval], classifying me under the [Employment-Based Preference Category, e.g., EB-2, EB-3] category. My priority date is [Your Priority Date].
The following documents are enclosed with this application:
* Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
* Filing Fee of [Amount] (Check/Money Order Number: [Check/Money Order Number])
* Two passport-style photographs of the applicant
* Copy of applicant's birth certificate
* Copy of applicant's passport biographic page and visa pages
* Copy of the I-140 Approval Notice
* Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service (if applicable)
* Form I-864, Affidavit of Support (if required for your category, otherwise state "Not Applicable")
* Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (sealed by civil surgeon)
* [List any other relevant documents, e.g., labor certification approval, employment verification letters, etc.]
I believe I meet all the eligibility requirements for adjustment of status. I look forward to a favorable review of my application.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
I-485 Cover Letter Sample After Marriage to a U.S. Citizen
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS Lockbox Facility
[Specific Address for your Form I-485, based on your state]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Application for Adjustment of Status - [Your Full Name] - A-Number: [Your A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
This letter accompanies my Application for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) as I seek to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States. I am married to [Spouse's Full Name], who is a U.S. Citizen, and I am applying for adjustment of status based on this qualifying marriage.
My spouse, [Spouse's Full Name], filed Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on my behalf, which was approved on [Date of I-130 Approval] (Receipt Number: [Your I-130 Receipt Number]). We were married on [Date of Marriage] in [Place of Marriage].
Included in this package are the following documents:
* Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
* Filing Fee of [Amount] (Check/Money Order Number: [Check/Money Order Number])
* Two passport-style photographs of the applicant
* Copy of applicant's birth certificate
* Copy of applicant's passport biographic page and visa pages
* Copy of the I-130 Approval Notice
* Copy of marriage certificate
* Evidence of bona fide marriage, including but not limited to:
* Joint bank account statements
* Joint lease agreement
* Joint utility bills
* Affidavits from friends and family
* Photographs of us together
* Form I-864, Affidavit of Support (submitted by [Spouse's Name])
* Supporting financial documentation for the Affidavit of Support
* Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (sealed by civil surgeon)
I have provided all required documentation to demonstrate the legitimacy of our marriage and my eligibility for adjustment of status. I request that you favorably consider my application.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
I-485 Cover Letter Sample for Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Applicants
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS Lockbox Facility
[Specific Address for your Form I-485, based on your state]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Application for Adjustment of Status - [Your Full Name] - A-Number: [Your A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this package containing my Application for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485). I am applying for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident of the United States through the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program.
I was selected for the DV Lottery program for the [DV Lottery Year] fiscal year. My case number is [Your DV Lottery Case Number]. I have also successfully completed the Consular processing requirements, and my visa is available.
The following documents are submitted with this application:
* Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
* Filing Fee of [Amount] (Check/Money Order Number: [Check/Money Order Number])
* Two passport-style photographs of the applicant
* Copy of applicant's birth certificate
* Copy of applicant's passport biographic page and visa pages
* Copy of the DV Lottery selection letter
* Copy of [List any previous visa, if applicable]
* Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (sealed by civil surgeon)
* [List any other required documents, e.g., marriage certificate if applicable]
I have met all the requirements for adjustment of status through the Diversity Visa program. I kindly request that you approve my application.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
I-485 Cover Letter Sample for Asylum Applicants
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS Lockbox Facility
[Specific Address for your Form I-485, based on your state]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Application for Adjustment of Status - [Your Full Name] - A-Number: [Your A-Number] - Asylum Applicant
Dear USCIS Officer,
This letter is submitted with my Application for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485). I am seeking adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident based on my pending asylum application.
I have filed an asylum application (Form I-589) on [Date of Asylum Filing], and it is currently pending with USCIS. My asylum application has been pending for more than 180 days, and I am now eligible to apply for adjustment of status based on my asylum claim.
The following documents are enclosed for your review:
* Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
* Filing Fee of [Amount] (Check/Money Order Number: [Check/Money Order Number])
* Two passport-style photographs of the applicant
* Copy of applicant's birth certificate
* Copy of applicant's passport biographic page and visa pages
* Copy of Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal (with USCIS receipt confirmation)
* Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (sealed by civil surgeon)
* [List any additional supporting documents related to your asylum claim, if applicable and not already submitted with I-589]
I believe I meet all the eligibility criteria for adjustment of status as an asylum applicant. I appreciate your thorough review of my case.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
I-485 Cover Letter Sample When Adding Dependent Children
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS Lockbox Facility
[Specific Address for your Form I-485, based on your state]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Application for Adjustment of Status - [Your Full Name] & Dependents - A-Number: [Your A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
This letter and the accompanying documentation are submitted for the adjustment of status for myself and my dependent children to that of lawful permanent residents. We are applying for adjustment of status based on [State the basis of your application, e.g., approved I-130, approved I-140].
The principal applicant is [Principal Applicant's Full Name] (A-Number: [Principal Applicant's A-Number]). The following dependent children are included in this application:
* [Child 1 Full Name] (A-Number: [Child 1 A-Number]), Date of Birth: [Child 1 DOB]
* [Child 2 Full Name] (A-Number: [Child 2 A-Number]), Date of Birth: [Child 2 DOB]
* [Add more children as needed]
The basis for our application is [Briefly reiterate the basis, e.g., the approved I-130 petition filed by [Petitioner's Name] on behalf of [Principal Applicant's Name]].
For each applicant, the following documents are enclosed:
* Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (one for each applicant)
* Filing Fee of [Total Amount for all applicants] (Check/Money Order Number: [Check/Money Order Number])
* Two passport-style photographs of each applicant
* Copy of each applicant's birth certificate
* Copy of each applicant's passport biographic page and visa pages
* Copy of the [I-130/I-140] Approval Notice
* [List any other documents required for the principal applicant and each dependent, e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decrees, etc.]
* Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record for each applicant (sealed by civil surgeon)
We have diligently gathered all necessary documents to support our applications for adjustment of status. We request your favorable review and approval.
Thank you for your dedicated service.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
I-485 Cover Letter Sample When Requesting Expedited Processing
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS Lockbox Facility
[Specific Address for your Form I-485, based on your state]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Application for Adjustment of Status - [Your Full Name] - A-Number: [Your A-Number] - Request for Expedited Processing
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this application for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) along with a request for expedited processing. I am applying for adjustment of status based on [State the basis of your application, e.g., an approved I-140 petition in the EB-1 category].
I am requesting expedited processing due to [Clearly and concisely state the reason for your request for expedited processing. Provide specific details. Examples include:
* Severe financial loss to a company or person if granted and delay is unreasonable.
* Urgent humanitarian reasons.
* Compelling U.S. government interest.
* Clear USCIS error or delay.
* Other compelling circumstances.]
For example, if you are experiencing severe financial loss due to a delay, you might write: "My employment with [Company Name] is critical for a project that, if delayed, will result in significant financial losses totaling an estimated [Dollar Amount] to the company. My continued presence and ability to work are essential for the timely completion of this project."
The following documents are included in this submission:
* Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
* Filing Fee of [Amount] (Check/Money Order Number: [Check/Money Order Number])
* Two passport-style photographs of the applicant
* Copy of applicant's birth certificate
* Copy of applicant's passport biographic page and visa pages
* Copy of the [I-130/I-140] Approval Notice
*
Proof supporting the request for expedited processing:
[List specific documents, e.g., letters from employer, medical records, financial statements, etc.]
* Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (sealed by civil surgeon)
I have provided all necessary documentation to support my application for adjustment of status and my request for expedited processing. I respectfully request that my case be considered for expedited adjudication.
Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]