Form I-485 Edition Changes on September 18, 2026: No Grace Period
USCIS will publish a 09/18/26 edition of Form I-485 on September 18, 2026, aligned with the public charge final rule. The 01/20/25 edition is accepted only if submitted before that date. A new form does not create visa-number eligibility.
Form I-485 Edition Changes on September 18, 2026: No Grace Period #
Key takeaways
- New I-485 edition date: 09/18/26, replacing 01/20/25
- No grace period
- Do not file the preview before September 18
- Do not file an I-485 just to beat the old edition if your priority date is not current
- Public charge questions belong to adjustment, not to rewriting an NIW I-140
USCIS announced the change on August 19, 2026. Employment-based China EB-2 remained at a September 1, 2021 Final Action Date, so most NIW applicants should treat this as a calendar reminder, not a reason to file early. This is not legal advice.
The bulletin still decides whether a visa number is available. The form edition only decides which PDF USCIS will accept that day.
I-765 filed with an I-485 still has its own September 15 edition rule. See I-539 / I-765 and the September bulletin.
FAQ #
My PD is in 2024. Should I file the old I-485 on September 17?
Generally no. Chart A for China EB-2 is still September 1, 2021 in September 2026.
What if I file the old edition on September 18?
USCIS said it will reject the 01/20/25 edition if submitted on or after September 18.
Does this rewrite NIW I-140 standards?
The alert is about Form I-485 and public charge data collection, not Dhanasar.
Pending I-485 cases already filed?
The edition change is about new filings. Follow any USCIS notice on your case.