If your Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status) was denied, you are not alone. Many green card applicants receive a denial each year—even people who believe their case was strong.
An I-485 denial can feel overwhelming. You may worry about your immigration status, your job, or whether you must leave the United States.
The good news: an I-485 denial does not always mean your case is over. In many situations, you still have legal options.
This guide explains what an I-485 denial means, why USCIS denies applications, and what you can do next, in clear and simple language. It also explains when and how an immigration lawyer can help.
What Does It Mean If My I-485 Is Denied?
If your I-485 is denied, USCIS has decided you are not eligible for a green card at this time. You may still have options such as filing a motion, reapplying, or defending your case in immigration court.
Understanding an I-485 Denial
What Does an I-485 Denial Mean?
An I-485 denial means USCIS did not approve your green card application after reviewing your case. USCIS believes you did not meet one or more legal requirements under U.S. immigration law.
This is different from:
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A rejection, which usually happens because of missing fees or signatures
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A Request for Evidence (RFE), which gives you a chance to fix problems before a decision
Once denied, your I-485 case is closed unless you take action.
How Will USCIS Notify You of the Denial?
USCIS sends a written denial notice by mail. This notice explains:
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The reasons for denial
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The law USCIS relied on
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Whether you can file a motion or appeal
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Important deadlines
This notice is critical. Every next step depends on what it says.
If you never received your I-485 receipt notice, a missed USCIS letter may have affected your case. Learn what to do if your Form I-485 receipt notice was not received.
Common Reasons Why USCIS Denies I-485 Applications
Understanding why your I-485 was denied helps determine your next move.
Inadmissibility Issues
USCIS may decide you are inadmissible, meaning immigration law does not allow approval. Common reasons include:
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Criminal history
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Immigration fraud or misrepresentation
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Unlawful presence in the U.S.
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Certain medical conditions
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Public charge concerns
Some inadmissibility issues can be solved with a waiver, but others cannot.
Failure to Maintain Status or Adjustment Bars
Some applicants are barred from adjusting status because they:
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Worked without authorization
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Overstayed a visa (in certain categories)
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Violated visa conditions
These are known as INA 245(c) bars. However, many family-based applicants are exempt, and USCIS sometimes makes mistakes here.
Missing or Incomplete Documents
This is one of the most common reasons for denial. Examples include:
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Missing or expired Form I-693 (medical exam)
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Missing translations
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Weak proof of a real marriage
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Incomplete Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support)
Even small document issues can result in denial.
Problems With the Underlying Petition
If your Form I-130 or I-140 was:
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Denied
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Withdrawn
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Approved incorrectly
USCIS may deny your I-485 as a result.
Discretionary Denials or USCIS Errors
In some cases:
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Evidence is ignored
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Facts are misunderstood
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USCIS makes legal or clerical errors
These cases may qualify for a motion to reopen or reconsider.
Immediate Consequences of an I-485 Denial
Can I Stay in the U.S. If My I-485 Is Denied?
You may stay in the U.S. only if you have another valid immigration status. If your I-485 was your only status, you may begin accruing unlawful presence after denial.
What Happens to My Work Permit and Travel Document?
If your EAD (work permit) or Advance Parole was based on the pending I-485:
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It usually becomes invalid after denial
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Working or traveling may be risky
Always confirm your status before taking action.
What Should I Do First If My I-485 Is Denied?
The first thing you should do is carefully read your USCIS denial notice. It explains why your I-485 was denied, whether you can appeal or file a motion, and how much time you have to respond.
Deadlines are strict. Missing one can permanently limit your options.
Your Legal Options After an I-485 Denial
Administrative Remedies With USCIS
Motion to Reopen (Form I-290B)
A motion to reopen is used when:
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New evidence exists
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The evidence was not available earlier
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The evidence could change the decision
Examples:
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Updated medical exam
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New marriage evidence
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Corrected documents
Deadline: Usually 30 days from the denial date
Motion to Reconsider (Form I-290B)
A motion to reconsider argues that:
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USCIS applied the law incorrectly
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USCIS misunderstood facts already submitted
This motion focuses on legal errors, not new evidence.
Deadline: Usually 30 days
How Long Do I Have to Respond After an I-485 Denial?
In most cases, you have 30 days from the denial date to file a motion to reopen or reconsider. Missing the deadline may eliminate your options.
Appeal to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO)
In limited cases, USCIS allows an appeal to the AAO. An appeal asks a higher authority to review whether USCIS made a legal mistake.
Not all I-485 denials can be appealed.
What Is the Difference Between a Motion to Reopen and a Motion to Reconsider?
| Motion Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Motion to Reopen | New or missing evidence |
| Motion to Reconsider | USCIS legal or factual error |
Filing a New I-485 Application
Can I Reapply After My I-485 Is Denied?
Yes. You may reapply if:
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The problem can be fixed
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You are still eligible
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No permanent bar applies
Refiling is often faster for document-based denials.
What Should Be Fixed Before Refiling?
Before reapplying:
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Correct all past mistakes
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Strengthen weak evidence
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Include required waivers
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Confirm eligibility carefully
Fees and Timing
A new application usually requires:
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New filing fees
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A new medical exam
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Updated forms
Timing is important, especially if you are out of status.
Other Legal Paths If I-485 Is Not an Option
Consular Processing Outside the U.S.
Some applicants must leave the U.S. and apply through a U.S. consulate. This may trigger 3-year or 10-year bars.
Immigration Court and Removal Proceedings
If USCIS issues a Notice to Appear (NTA), you may:
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Renew your I-485 before an Immigration Judge
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Present new evidence
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Defend your case in court
Waivers of Inadmissibility (Form I-601 / I-601A)
Certain denials can be overcome with a waiver, such as:
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Unlawful presence
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Misrepresentation
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Certain criminal issues
Approval requires showing extreme hardship to a qualifying relative.
Other Immigration Options
Depending on your situation, you may qualify for:
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Asylum
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VAWA
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U visa
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Other humanitarian relief
Federal Court Review (Rare Cases)
In limited situations, a USCIS denial may be challenged in federal court. This is complex and requires experienced legal counsel.
Why Legal Advice Matters After an I-485 Denial
Immigration law is complicated, and mistakes after a denial can cause:
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Long-term unlawful presence
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Permanent immigration bars
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Loss of future benefits
An immigration lawyer can:
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Identify all available options
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Choose the strongest strategy
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Prepare motions or refiling correctly
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Represent you in court if needed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does an I-485 denial mean deportation?
No. Some people are placed in removal proceedings, while others are not.
Will USCIS cancel my work permit after denial?
Yes, if your work permit was based on a pending I-485.
Is it better to appeal or refile?
It depends on why your case was denied. Refiling is often faster for missing documents, while motions are better for legal errors.
Can an immigration judge approve my I-485?
Yes. In removal proceedings, an immigration judge may approve an I-485 in some cases.
Conclusion: Take the Right Next Step After an I-485 Denial
An I-485 denial is serious, but it does not always mean your immigration journey is over. Many denials happen because of missing documents, legal misunderstandings, or issues that can be fixed with the right strategy.
What matters most is what you do next. Immigration deadlines are strict, and the wrong step can lead to unlawful presence, removal proceedings, or permanent bars.
Consult an Immigration Lawyer Before Taking Action
Every I-485 denial is different. An experienced immigration lawyer can:
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Review your USCIS denial notice in detail
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Explain why your application was denied
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Identify whether you should file a motion, reapply, or pursue another legal option
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Help protect your status and future immigration benefits
Before filing anything or making travel or work decisions, consult an immigration lawyer. Getting legal guidance early can make the difference between another denial and a successful outcome.
