USCIS To Expand I-485 Adjustment Application Pilot Program...

...And To Make Participation Mandatory For Those Eligible Within The Effected Jurisdictions.

Individuals residing under the jurisdiction of the Dallas, El Paso, and Oklahoma district offices and who plan to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, based on a family relationship, the diversity visa lottery, or qualification for most special immigrant categories, will now be required to file their adjustment application materials in person at their respected district offices. This pilot program tests an alternative to current filing and processing procedures with the goal of achieving a 90-day processing time for affected Forms I-485.

As applied to the Dallas District Office, this rule is effective October 23, 2006 and will terminate on September 21, 2007. As applied to the El Paso District Office and Oklahoma City Sub-Office, this rule is effective November 20, 2006 and will terminate on September 21, 2007.

This new rule does not affect the AOS procedures for individuals seeking lawful permanent residence (green card) under the employment-based immigrant visa categories.

For more information on this new AOS filing rule, see 71 FR 55206 (9/21/06).