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Form I-485 Supplement J: Confirmation of Valid Job Offer or Request for Job Portability Under INA Section 204(j)
Form I-485 Supplement J confirms a valid job offer or requests job portability for employment-based immigrants with an approved I-140 petition. It's used when changing employers before the adjustment of status is approved to maintain the priority date.
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USCIS Form I-485 Supplement J - Confirmation of Valid Job Offer or Request for Job Portability Under INA Section 204(j)
Form I-485 Supplement J confirms a valid job offer or requests job portability for employment-based immigrants with an approved I-140 petition. It's used when changing employers before the adjustment of status is approved to maintain the priority date.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Using an outdated form edition will result in rejection.
- 2Incorrect job classification or occupation description
- 3Missing employer documentation or signatures
- 4Failure to demonstrate same/similar occupation requirements
- 5Incomplete or inconsistent information between forms
Plain English
This form helps workers with approved employment-based green card petitions keep their place in line when switching jobs. It's for people who already have an approved I-140 but want to work for a different employer while waiting for their green card.
Submission Date
- Filing date: This form should be filed when changing employers after an I-140 approval but before the I-485 adjustment of status is adjudicated, to preserve the priority date.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when changing employers after I-140 approval but before I-485 is adjudicated
- Do not use this form for initial I-485 filing or for family-based petitions
- Check Form I-485 instructions for other required supplements based on your situation
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Changing employers after I-485 is pending
Preserves priority date
✓ Verify I-140 is approved
Initial adjustment of status
Establishes permanent residency
✓ Check which supplements apply to your case
Employment-based visa with consular processing
Alternative to adjustment of status
✓ Confirm which process applies to your situation
Deadline or filing window
There is no specific filing deadline for Form I-485 Supplement J, but it should be submitted as soon as possible after changing employers to maintain continuity in the green card process. Filing delays may result in requests for evidence or additional scrutiny.
- —Prevailing wage | New salary ÷ Prevailing wage × 100 | Percentage of prevailing wage | Must meet at least 100% for EB-2/EB-3
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Petitioner Information
Employer tax ID, business license, annual report · Company records
Beneficiary Information
Valid passport, I-94, I-797 approval notice · Personal records
Job Description
Detailed description of duties and requirements · Company website, position description
Same/Similar Occupation Evidence
SOC codes, position descriptions, expert opinion · Industry standards
Financial Documentation
Pay stubs, tax returns, employment verification · Financial records
Before you submit
- 1Verify form edition is current (10/26/2021 or newer)
- 2Ensure all sections are completed with consistent information
- 3Include signatures from both petitioner and beneficiary
- 4Submit correct fee with acceptable payment method
- 5Include evidence of same/similar occupation
- 6Verify correct mailing address for your category
- 7Make copies of entire submission before mailing
- 8Consider using trackable mail service
How to file this form
- 1Complete Form I-485 Supplement J with accurate information about both employers
- 2Gather supporting documentation including evidence of same/similar occupation
- 3Prepare payment for the required filing fee
- 4Submit to the correct USCIS address based on your category
- 5Keep a copy of the entire submission for your records
- 6Monitor receipt notice processing through USCIS online account
- 7Respond promptly to any requests for evidence
Known limitations
- 1Does not apply to family-based adjustment of status petitions
- 2May not be available for certain visa categories or special programs
- 3Does not guarantee approval of the I-485 petition
- 4Cannot be used to extend beyond the six-month portability window
- 5May require additional documentation based on individual circumstances
- 6Processing times vary significantly by service center
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Petitioner Info
3 items
Your current legal name as it appears on your Green Card or U.S. passport.
Your date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY).
Your Green Card number (A-Number) if a permanent resident, or USCIS online account number.
Beneficiary Info
3 items
Full legal name of the relative you are petitioning for.
Date of birth of the relative (MM/DD/YYYY).
Alien Registration Number of the beneficiary if previously assigned.
Relationship
1 items
Select the qualifying relationship: spouse, unmarried child under 21, unmarried child over 21, married child, parent, or sibling.
Evidence
1 items
List of documents establishing the qualifying relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
Signatures
2 items
Your signature certifying all information is correct under penalty of perjury.
Date you signed the form (MM/DD/YYYY).
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of Form I-485 Supplement J is dated 10/26/2021. Check the USCIS website for the most recent version before filing.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date: Must be 10/26/2021 or newer
- Fee: Check current USCIS fee schedule; subject to change
- Mailing address: Varies by applicant category; verify in current instructions
- Signature: Required from both petitioner and beneficiary
- Supporting documents: Must include evidence of same/similar occupation
- Processing times: Vary by service center; check current USCIS processing times
Quick Facts
After you file
- 1Keep all original documents and copies of filed materials
- 2Monitor USCIS online account for case updates and notices
- 3Respond to any requests for evidence within the specified timeframe
- 4Maintain continuous employment in the same or similar occupation
- 5Notify USCIS of any address changes using Form AR-11
- 6Keep track of case receipt number for all future inquiries
- 7Consult with immigration attorney if you receive any unfavorable decisions
Sources
- SRCForm title: Confirmation of Valid Job Offer or Request for Job Portability Under INA Section 204(j)
- SRCPurpose: To confirm valid job offer or request job portability
- SRCFiling requirement: For employment-based immigrants with approved I-140
- SRCLegal basis: INA Section 204(j)
- SRCProcessing location: Varies by applicant category
- SRCCurrent edition: 10/26/2021
- SRCFee amount: Not found in provided source
- SRCProcessing time: Not found in provided source
- SRCSupporting documents: Evidence of same/similar occupation required
- SRCSignature requirements: Both petitioner and beneficiary must sign
Common confusion points
Same vs. similar occupation
Different interpretations of regulatory requirements
→ Compare SOC codes and job duties carefully
Portability timing window
Strict six-month limit from I-140 approval or revocation
→ File immediately after job change
Fee payment methods
USCIS accepts specific payment types only
→ Check current fee payment instructions
Signature requirements
Both petitioner and beneficiary must sign
→ Ensure proper signatures before submission
Evidence of ability to pay
Employer financial documentation may be required
→ Include recent tax returns and financial statements
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
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