Thousands of I‑485 adjustment of status applications are denied every year, creating serious obstacles for lawful permanent residents seeking permanent residency. In fiscal year 2024, USCIS denied approximately 47,496 family-based and 13,485 employment‑based applications, about 10% across both categories.
A denial notice doesn’t just put your green card application on hold—it can trigger accrued unlawful presence, loss of lawful status, and even lead to removal proceedings. Whether your case relies on an approved immigrant petition through a family-based or employment-based category, a denial may feel overwhelming.
This guide explains the most common reasons for status denials in 2025, what to expect after a denial, and what steps you can take now. A knowledgeable immigration attorney can help you assess options and find a clear path forward.
Why Adjustment of Status Gets Denied: Top 6 Reasons in 2025
Understanding why USCIS denies an adjustment of status application is the first step toward protecting your permanent residence goals. Many status denials stem from technical issues or oversights that could have been avoided with the right legal guidance. Below are the six most common reasons applicants face denials in 2025.
1. Inadmissibility Findings
If someone has issues like criminal history, fraud, health concerns, or prior immigration violations, USCIS can issue a denial, even with an approved immigrant petition. These are inadmissibility grounds under U.S. immigration law and must be resolved or waived (e.g. via I‑601A) before filing. Denials on this basis represent a substantial portion of I‑485 refusals.
📊 According to immigration reporting, inadmissibility-related denials account for approximately 10% of total I‑485 rejections in recent years.
2. INA §245(c) Eligibility Failures
To legally adjust status, applicants must meet statutory rules under INA §245, including inspected entry and maintaining lawful status until filing. Individuals who entered without inspection or violated nonimmigrant terms, unless exempt as immediate relatives, often face denial.
3. Missing or Incomplete Documentation
Failure to provide required supporting documents like marriage certificates, medical exams, certified translations, or tax returns can result in a denial for lack of evidence. In many family-based cases, missing paperwork accounts for nearly 61,696 of denials. These mistakes are avoidable when applicants carefully compile and review their paperwork with legal support.
4. Missed Biometrics or Interview
The status process includes mandatory appointments. Missing your biometrics appointment or failing to attend the adjustment interview without timely rescheduling is treated as abandonment and triggers denial. USCIS rules confirm that abandonment is the most common outcome in those cases, though it does not show up as a numeric statistic in public data.
5. Loss of Underlying Petition or Changing Circumstances
Applications rely on a valid approved immigrant petition or employment offer. If the underlying petition is revoked or a family member withdraws support (e.g. divorce), the I‑485 loses its basis. Employment-based applicants typically see denials when visa availability or job offers change before adjudication.
6. Fraud, Misrepresentation or Discretionary Denials
When USCIS suspects marriage fraud, inconsistent statements, or false documents, it can deny the adjustment and trigger enforcement. Although fraud-based denials make up a smaller share, the consequences can be severe, including permanent inadmissibility. Discretionary denials may also be issued if negative factors outweigh positives, even absent fraud.
Consequences of an I-485 Denial in 2025
Immediate Consequences & Removal Risk
When a status application is denied, the foreign national typically loses their lawful permanent resident status and may start accruing unlawful presence immediately, especially if no valid nonimmigrant status remains. This can lead to:
- Automatic termination of immigration benefits (EAD, advance parole)
- Possible initiation of removal proceedings
- Increased urgency to act within strict deadlines
📊 Since the new USCIS policy took effect in February 2025, more than 26,700 individuals have had a Notice to Appear (NTA) issued following I‑485 or other benefit denials.
This shift highlights why a timely legal response can make the difference between preserving your status or entering the daunting immigration court system.
Written Notice & Next Steps
You will receive a written notice explaining why USCIS denied your application. This notice does not pause unlawful presence or protect your rights, not even temporarily. After you receive it, here’s what typically follows:
- USCIS may issue a Notice to Appear, placing you before an immigration judge
- You’ll need to review the denial reason, common causes include missing supporting documentation or procedural legal error
- Depending on your preference category, priority date, and whether you still hold a valid nonimmigrant status, some options may remain viable
At this point, working with a seasoned immigration lawyer is crucial. They can review case files, spot any USCIS error, and advise whether to refile or shift to consular processing, all while ensuring you understand eligibility criteria and deadlines.
What to Do After Your Adjustment Is Denied
File a Motion to Reopen or Reconsider (Form I‑290B)
If USCIS made a legal error or missed critical supporting documentation, you can file Form I‑290B:
- Motion to Reopen introduces new evidence (e.g., corrected forms, new marriage certificates, or health records).
- Motion to Reconsider argues that immigration services made an error based on the current record.
- Must be filed within 30 days of the written notice of denial.
📌 Tip: Include certified translations and required documents up front to strengthen your case.
✅ This preserves your priority date, but does not stop unlawful presence from accruing while pending.
Refile a New Adjustment Application
If your denial was due to a USCIS error, incomplete forms, or missing evidence, a fresh application may be better:
- Ensure your application process includes up-to-date I‑485 forms.
- Include all supporting documents, including tax returns, affidavits, and medical exams.
- Only available if you still have a valid approved immigrant petition and meet eligibility requirements.
📌 Don’t refile unless the original issue is fixed. Otherwise, you risk wasting time and fees.
Shift to Consular Processing
For some, the better path is to obtain a green card via an immigrant visa through a consulate abroad:
- Necessary if you’re not eligible to adjust status due to prior EWI or status violations.
- Be cautious: leaving the U.S. after accrued unlawful presence (180+ days) may trigger reentry bars.
- Provisional waivers (Form I‑601A) may help overcome inadmissibility risks.
Renew in Immigration Court
If you’re placed in removal proceedings, you can resubmit your I‑485 before an immigration judge:
- This allows you to argue your case afresh, especially if new facts or updated documents help.
- Judges can grant an adjustment if your preference category and visa availability remain valid.
- You must show you’re still eligible and present any new evidence if needed.
📌 Immigration court provides a second chance, but also carries the risk of deportation orders.
Explore Other Relief Options
Depending on your case, alternative relief may be available:
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS) – for nationals from designated unsafe countries.
- Asylum – if you fear returning to your home country due to harm or persecution.
- Switch to nonimmigrant visa (like F‑1, H‑1B, or U visa) if available, to maintain status.
- Stay aware of timelines – many relief options are time-sensitive.
Policy Shifts & Trends Affecting Denials in 2025
Expanded NTA Policy — February 2025
In early 2025, USCIS issued a new policy memorandum authorizing routine issuance of a Notice to Appear (NTA) when any immigration benefit request is denied and the applicant lacks lawful status or is removable. This marks a notable departure from prior practice.
New Mandatory I‑485 Form — February 10, 2025
USCIS released an updated Form I‑485, dated October 24, 2024, required for all filings received on or after February 10, 2025. The new edition mandates submission of Form I‑693 (medical exam) at the time of filing, eliminates Form I‑864W by integrating waiver data, and clarifies public charge eligibility questions. Failure to use the correct version or include the medical report has led to automatic rejections or denials.
Fraud Crackdown & NTA Enforcement Surge
Under its new leadership, USCIS has aggressively targeted fraud detection. The February policy resulted in a dramatic uptick in fraud-related enforcement activity, including issuing NTAs even when applications were denied on unrelated grounds (e.g. misrepresentation). The result: a 2,811% increase in fraud-based NTAs per month compared to earlier administrative periods.
Interview Waivers & Processing Efficiency
USCIS continues expanding interview waiver eligibility for low-risk cases, especially family-based adjustments involving spouses of U.S. citizens. While this speeds approvals for well-documented applications, it also reduces the chance for applicants to “explain at interview” when issues arise. As overall processing times improve, incomplete or ambiguous filings are resolved more swiftly, and often with a denial rather than an opportunity to clarify.
How to Avoid a Denial Before You Apply
Avoiding status denials starts with preparation. With stricter enforcement in 2025, applicants must treat the adjustment of status process with care from day one. Here are four critical steps to reduce risk and improve your chances of becoming a lawful permanent resident.
1. Front-Load Strong Supporting Documentation
Don’t wait for a Request for Evidence (RFE) to complete your file. Provide full supporting documentation with your green card application from the beginning. This includes:
- Certified translations of marriage certificates, birth certificates, and other civil documents
- Medical exam (Form I‑693), if required
- Proof of bona fide relationships or job offers
- Tax returns, affidavit of support, and financials if family-based
A complete application helps the USCIS office make faster decisions and reduces the chances of USCIS error or denial for incomplete forms.
2. Address Status Issues Before Filing
Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements under INA §245. If you’ve overstayed a nonimmigrant visa, engaged in unauthorized employment, or accrued unlawful presence, consult an immigration lawyer before filing. Some categories, like immediate relatives, are exempt from certain bars, while others require waivers or must pursue consular processing. Addressing prior immigration violations early may determine whether you can adjust status inside the U.S.
3. Use the Latest USCIS Forms
Always download the current form version from the USCIS website. As of February 10, 2025, a new Form I‑485 is mandatory. Using an outdated edition or submitting without the required medical form results in rejection. Double-check filing fees, edition dates, and instructions to avoid a setback in your application process.
4. Maintain a Valid Backup Status
If possible, retain a nonimmigrant status (such as H‑1B or L‑1) during the adjustment process. That way, if citizenship and immigration services deny your application, you won’t immediately lose lawful status. Maintaining a valid nonimmigrant visa gives you a fallback option and important protection while navigating complex immigration cases.
Don’t Let an Adjustment Denial Define Your Immigration Journey
An adjustment of status denial doesn’t mean the end of your immigration hopes. Even in 2025, many individuals still have a path forward, whether through a well-prepared motion, refiling, or pursuing immigration benefits in court or through a consulate abroad.
But timing and strategy matter more than ever. Waiting too long or using outdated forms can lead to unnecessary delays or, worse, trigger removal proceedings.
At The Chidolue Law Firm, we don’t just give advice; we build a clear plan tailored to your case. Whether you’re facing a written notice from USCIS, dealing with a legal error, or simply unsure about your next step, we help you act quickly and with confidence.
From new evidence to supporting documentation, our team knows how to strengthen your case and protect your future.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. And you don’t have to miss another opportunity.
📞 Call The Chidolue Law Firm today:
➡ 407‑995‑6567
➡ 678‑325‑1037
💬 For WhatsApp support, contact us at:
➡ 404‑333‑8751
Let us help you take the next step—prepared, informed, and fully supported.
