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
or
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
- Form I-485
- 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)
- Form I-765
- 2 x Passport Pictures
- 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)
and
- Form I-131
- 2 x Passport Pictures
- Photo ID
- 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
Conclusion
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.
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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.
FAQ
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.