Receiving an I-485 denial for your Adjustment of Status (AOS) application can feel devastating, especially after months or years of waiting. But a denial doesn’t always mean the end of your green card journey.
Common Reasons USCIS Denies I-485 Applications
- Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
- Failure to maintain lawful status or unauthorized employment
- Criminal or immigration violations
- Marriage or relationship doubts in family-based cases
- Public charge or inadmissibility findings under INA §212(a)
Each denial reason requires a specific legal response and acting quickly can make all the difference.
What You Can Do After I-485 Denial
- File a Motion to Reopen or Reconsider (MTR) – If USCIS made an error or overlooked evidence.
- Refile Your I-485 – Sometimes, a stronger, corrected application is the best solution.
- Appeal the Decision – In certain cases, you can take the case to the AAO (Administrative Appeals Office).
- Explore Waivers or New Eligibility Options – Especially if denied under sections like INA §212(a)(6)(C)(i) or INA §212(a)(9)(B).
Real Case Success Stories
Case 1: Marriage-Based I-485 Denial Reversed
A client’s marriage based green card was denied after USCIS questioned the legitimacy of the relationship. We provided evidence along with strong legal brief. The case was reopened and approved within 45 days.
Case 2: Employment-Based I-485 Denied for Status Violation
A foreign professional’s I-485 was denied because USCIS claimed he worked without authorization during a pending H-1B change and found him inadmissible under INA §212(a)(9)(B). We filed motion to reopen and the client received his green card within 3 months.
Case 3: I-485 Denial Due to Misrepresentation (INA §212(a)(6)(C)(i))
USCIS alleged false statements in a prior visa application. We filed an I-601 waiver supported by hardship evidence for his US citizen spouse. We obtained approvals for both the waiver and I-485 and the client became a permanent resident.
At Messersmith Law Firm, we have extensive experience in helping clients overturn I-485 denials, reopen denied cases, and correct inadmissibility findings that block green card approvals.
Contact us today 305-515-0613 or info@messersmithlaw.com for a same-day consultation to review your denial and determine the best legal strategy.