Does the i485 expire?

[keysorsoze 0]

Hi guys, stupid question but does the i-485 expire if you don't get it submitted by a specific date? I am looking at the top of my filled out i-485 and it is showing OMB No. 1615-0023; Expires 12/13/2010. If I get it in by January does this mean the document is already expired?

Thanks

[HeatDeath 430]

USCIS periodically update their forms. They put an expiration date on them so that they can refuse specific older versions of the forms if they make a really important change.

Unless they have just made a major change, they will usually accept the previous version. The instructions on the USCIS website will say which versions they are currently accepting. Just make sure, right before you mail, that you are sending the most current versions you can get.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Forms don't have expiration dates pre-determined. They change when needed to comply with the law. The OMB date (Office of Budget and Management?) isn't a form expiration. The forms have to be reviewed to set the time it will take you to complete the form estimate as well as review the form to determine the form is not asking more information of you than is pertinent to the benefit you are seeking. So the forms have to be reviewed again by that date and submitted to the OMB. The form creating agency can say "we lookedat it and it's still fine" and submit that to OMB. It doesn't mean anything on the form has to change, but they have to review it. It's an internal thing. That's certainly not a perfect answer, but gives you an idea what that date at the top means. The date at the bottom is the issue date and where you would look to see if you have the most current or accepted version as stated on USCIS website.

Edited December 20, 2010 by Nich-Nick

[keysorsoze 0]

Thanks guys, I'll send them the version I have, I was going to wait until Jan to see if a newer form came out.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

According to the USCIS Forms page (scroll down to find I-485)

The latest version is dated (at the bottom of the form) 11/23/10; (11/08/10; 7/15/10; 12/03/09 editions also accepted)

That was the date of the fee change BUT they accept the 3 prior versions too.