Mastering Your USCIS Cover Letter Sample For I-485: A Guide to Success

Navigating the U.S. immigration process can feel like a maze, and submitting a clear, comprehensive application is key. For those applying for Adjustment of Status with Form I-485, a well-crafted cover letter can make a significant difference. This article will delve into the essential components and provide a Uscis Cover Letter Sample For I-485 to help you present your case effectively.

Why Your I-485 Cover Letter Matters

Think of your USCIS cover letter as your first handshake with the adjudicating officer. It's your opportunity to introduce your application, highlight its important parts, and guide the officer through the supporting documents. A strong cover letter can help ensure that all necessary information is readily available and clearly understood, potentially speeding up the review process. Here's why it's so crucial:

Organization: It helps organize your application package, making it easier for USCIS officers to process.
Clarity: It summarizes the purpose of your application and lists the enclosed evidence.
Completeness: It acts as a checklist, ensuring you haven't missed any required documents.

Consider the following elements to include:

Applicant's Full Name and Contact Information
USCIS Lockbox Address
Date
Subject Line: Clearly stating "Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status" and the applicant's A-Number (if applicable)

Here’s a quick look at what your evidence list might resemble:

Document Name	Description
Form I-485	Completed Application
Filing Fee	Check/Money Order Number
Birth Certificate	Applicant's Official Copy

Sample Cover Letter for I-485 Based on Family Petition

[Your Full Name] [Your Street Address] [Your City, State, Zip Code] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Date] USCIS Lockbox [Specific Lockbox Address - Check USCIS Website for Current Address] [City, State, Zip Code] Subject: Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status Applicant: [Applicant's Full Name] A-Number: [Applicant's A-Number, if applicable] Petitioner: [Petitioner's Full Name] Relationship: [Relationship to Petitioner] Dear USCIS Officer, Please accept this application for Adjustment of Status, Form I-485, on behalf of [Applicant's Full Name]. I am the [Relationship to Petitioner] of [Petitioner's Full Name], who has filed an immigrant petition, Form I-130, on my behalf. This application is being submitted along with all required supporting documents as outlined in the checklist below. I am seeking to adjust my status to that of a lawful permanent resident based on my approved I-130 petition. Enclosed please find the following documents:

Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, completed and signed
Filing Fee in the amount of $[Amount] (Check/Money Order # [Number])
Copy of my Birth Certificate
Copy of my Passport Biographic Page
Copy of my I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
Two passport-style photographs
Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, filed by [Petitioner's Full Name]
Copy of [Petitioner's Full Name]'s Birth Certificate or U.S. Passport
Copy of my approved I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
[Any other required documents, e.g., Medical Examination Form I-693]

I trust that this submission is complete and meets all the requirements for adjustment of status. Thank you for your time and consideration of my application. Sincerely, [Applicant's Signature] [Applicant's Typed Name]

Sample Cover Letter for I-485 Based on Employment Petition

[Your Full Name] [Your Street Address] [Your City, State, Zip Code] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Date] USCIS Lockbox [Specific Lockbox Address - Check USCIS Website for Current Address] [City, State, Zip Code] Subject: Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status Applicant: [Applicant's Full Name] A-Number: [Applicant's A-Number, if applicable] Employer: [Name of U.S. Employer] EB Category: [e.g., EB-2, EB-3] Dear USCIS Officer, Please accept this application for Adjustment of Status, Form I-485, on behalf of [Applicant's Full Name]. I am applying for adjustment of status based on an approved employment-based immigrant petition, [Immigrant Petition Type, e.g., Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker], filed by my sponsoring employer, [Name of U.S. Employer]. This application is submitted with all necessary supporting documentation to fulfill the requirements for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident. The following documents are enclosed for your review:

Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, completed and signed
Filing Fee in the amount of $[Amount] (Check/Money Order # [Number])
Copy of my Birth Certificate
Copy of my Passport Biographic Page
Copy of my I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
Two passport-style photographs
Copy of my approved I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker
[Proof of U.S. Employer's ability to pay the offered wage, if required]
[Any other required documents]

I look forward to a favorable review of my application. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [Applicant's Signature] [Applicant's Typed Name]

Sample Cover Letter for I-485 Based on Asylum Status

[Your Full Name] [Your Street Address] [Your City, State, Zip Code] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Date] USCIS Lockbox [Specific Lockbox Address - Check USCIS Website for Current Address] [City, State, Zip Code] Subject: Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status Applicant: [Applicant's Full Name] A-Number: [Applicant's A-Number, if applicable] Asylum Case Number: [Asylum Case Number, if applicable] Dear USCIS Officer, Please accept this application for Adjustment of Status, Form I-485, on behalf of [Applicant's Full Name]. I am an asylee granted status by the U.S. government, and I am now eligible to apply for permanent residence under the provisions for asylees. This application is submitted with the required documentation for adjustment of status. Please find the following documents enclosed:

Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, completed and signed
Filing Fee in the amount of $[Amount] (Check/Money Order # [Number])
Copy of my Birth Certificate
Copy of my Passport Biographic Page
Copy of my I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
Two passport-style photographs
Copy of my Asylum Approval Letter
[Any other required documents, e.g., Medical Examination Form I-693]

Thank you for processing my application for adjustment of status. Sincerely, [Applicant's Signature] [Applicant's Typed Name]

Sample Cover Letter for I-485 Based on Diversity Visa Lottery

[Your Full Name] [Your Street Address] [Your City, State, Zip Code] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Date] USCIS Lockbox [Specific Lockbox Address - Check USCIS Website for Current Address] [City, State, Zip Code] Subject: Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status Applicant: [Applicant's Full Name] A-Number: [Applicant's A-Number, if applicable] DV Lottery Case Number: [DV Lottery Case Number, if applicable] Dear USCIS Officer, Please accept this application for Adjustment of Status, Form I-485, on behalf of [Applicant's Full Name]. I have been selected as a recipient of the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, and I am applying to adjust my status to that of a lawful permanent resident. The following documents are enclosed for your review:

Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, completed and signed
Filing Fee in the amount of $[Amount] (Check/Money Order # [Number])
Copy of my Birth Certificate
Copy of my Passport Biographic Page
Copy of my I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
Two passport-style photographs
Copy of my DV Lottery Notification Letter
[Any other required documents, e.g., Medical Examination Form I-693]

I appreciate your review of my application for permanent residence. Sincerely, [Applicant's Signature] [Applicant's Typed Name]

Sample Cover Letter for I-485 for a Child (Derivative Beneficiary)

[Parent's Full Name] [Parent's Street Address] [Parent's City, State, Zip Code] [Parent's Phone Number] [Parent's Email Address] [Date] USCIS Lockbox [Specific Lockbox Address - Check USCIS Website for Current Address] [City, State, Zip Code] Subject: Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status Applicant: [Child's Full Name] A-Number: [Child's A-Number, if applicable] Parent: [Parent's Full Name] Relationship: Parent Dear USCIS Officer, Please accept this application for Adjustment of Status, Form I-485, on behalf of my child, [Child's Full Name]. [Child's Full Name] is a derivative beneficiary of [Principal Applicant's Full Name]'s immigrant petition, [Immigrant Petition Type, e.g., I-130, I-140]. This application is submitted with all required supporting documents. Enclosed please find the following:

Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, completed and signed by me as the legal guardian
Filing Fee in the amount of $[Amount] (Check/Money Order # [Number])
Copy of [Child's Full Name]'s Birth Certificate
Copy of [Child's Full Name]'s Passport Biographic Page
Copy of [Child's Full Name]'s I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
Two passport-style photographs of [Child's Full Name]
Copy of [Principal Applicant's Full Name]'s approved immigrant petition ([Immigrant Petition Type])
[Any other required documents, e.g., Proof of legal guardianship if applicable]

Thank you for your consideration of my child's application. Sincerely, [Parent's Signature] [Parent's Typed Name]

Sample Cover Letter for I-485 with Concurrent Filing (I-130 and I-485)

[Petitioner's Full Name] [Petitioner's Street Address] [Petitioner's City, State, Zip Code] [Petitioner's Phone Number] [Petitioner's Email Address] [Date] USCIS Lockbox [Specific Lockbox Address - Check USCIS Website for Current Address] [City, State, Zip Code] Subject: Concurrent Filing: Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status Petitioner: [Petitioner's Full Name] Beneficiary: [Beneficiary's Full Name] Relationship: [Relationship to Petitioner] Dear USCIS Officer, Please accept for concurrent filing, Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, on behalf of [Beneficiary's Full Name], who is the [Relationship to Petitioner] of the petitioner, [Petitioner's Full Name]. This submission includes all necessary forms and supporting documents for both petitions. The following documents are enclosed for your review: For Form I-130:

Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, completed and signed
Filing Fee for I-130 in the amount of $[Amount] (Check/Money Order # [Number])
Copy of Petitioner's Birth Certificate or U.S. Passport
Copy of Beneficiary's Birth Certificate
Evidence of Legal Relationship (e.g., Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificates of Children)

For Form I-485:

Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, completed and signed by [Beneficiary's Full Name]
Filing Fee for I-485 in the amount of $[Amount] (Check/Money Order # [Number])
Copy of Beneficiary's Birth Certificate
Copy of Beneficiary's Passport Biographic Page
Copy of Beneficiary's I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
Two passport-style photographs of Beneficiary
[Any other required documents for I-485, e.g., Medical Examination Form I-693]

We believe this package is complete and complies with all USCIS requirements for concurrent filing. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [Petitioner's Signature] [Petitioner's Typed Name] (for the Petitioner) [Beneficiary's Signature] [Beneficiary's Typed Name] (for the Beneficiary)

Sample Cover Letter for I-485 for a Spouse of a U.S. Citizen (Immediate Relative)

[U.S. Citizen Spouse's Full Name] [U.S. Citizen Spouse's Street Address] [U.S. Citizen Spouse's City, State, Zip Code] [U.S. Citizen Spouse's Phone Number] [U.S. Citizen Spouse's Email Address] [Date] USCIS Lockbox [Specific Lockbox Address - Check USCIS Website for Current Address] [City, State, Zip Code] Subject: Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status Applicant: [Foreign National Spouse's Full Name] A-Number: [Foreign National Spouse's A-Number, if applicable] U.S. Citizen Sponsor: [U.S. Citizen Spouse's Full Name] Relationship: Spouse Dear USCIS Officer, Please accept this application for Adjustment of Status, Form I-485, on behalf of my spouse, [Foreign National Spouse's Full Name]. I am a U.S. citizen and have filed a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on behalf of my spouse. This application is submitted with all required supporting documents for adjustment of status. Enclosed please find the following:

Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, completed and signed by [Foreign National Spouse's Full Name]
Filing Fee in the amount of $[Amount] (Check/Money Order # [Number])
Copy of [Foreign National Spouse's Full Name]'s Birth Certificate
Copy of [Foreign National Spouse's Full Name]'s Passport Biographic Page
Copy of [Foreign National Spouse's Full Name]'s I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
Two passport-style photographs of [Foreign National Spouse's Full Name]
Copy of my U.S. Birth Certificate or U.S. Passport
Copy of our Marriage Certificate
Evidence of bona fide marriage (e.g., joint bank statements, joint lease, affidavits from friends/family)
[Any other required documents, e.g., Medical Examination Form I-693]

We appreciate your diligent review of this application for permanent residence. Sincerely, [U.S. Citizen Spouse's Signature] [U.S. Citizen Spouse's Typed Name] (for the U.S. Citizen Sponsor) [Foreign National Spouse's Signature] [Foreign National Spouse's Typed Name] (for the Applicant)

In conclusion, a well-prepared USCIS cover letter sample for I-485 is more than just a formality; it's a strategic tool to help your application move smoothly through the USCIS system. By clearly outlining your case and meticulously listing your supporting evidence, you give the adjudicating officer a clear roadmap to approve your application for adjustment of status. Remember to always check the official USCIS website for the most current forms, fees, and filing addresses, as these can change.