Form i-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

11.A. - 11.D.

, please submit:

A. 

An explanation of why the documents are not available, including (if possible) a certificate from the custodian of 

the documents explaining why the documents are not available; 

B. 

Any secondary evidence that shows the disposition of the case; or

C. 

If secondary evidence is also not available, one or more written statements, signed under penalty of perjury under 

28 U.S.C. section 1746, by someone who has personal knowledge of the disposition.

12. Waiver of Inadmissibility

If you are inadmissible to the United States based on one or more grounds of inadmissibility outlined in INA section 

212(a), you cannot adjust status unless you qualify for a waiver of inadmissibility or other form of relief.  Whether or 

not you qualify for a waiver or other form of relief depends on the grounds of inadmissibility that apply to you and the 

specific immigrant category you are applying under.  

If USCIS (or the Immigration Court, if you are in deportation, exclusion, or removal proceedings) determines that 

none of the grounds of inadmissibility apply to you, then you are admissible to the United States and there is no need 

for you to file a waiver of inadmissibility or other form of relief.

If USCIS (or the Immigration Court, if you are in deportation, exclusion, or removal proceedings) determines that 

a ground of inadmissibility does apply to you, you may need to seek a waiver or other form of relief that would 

eliminate the inadmissibility.

You can learn more about waivers and other forms of relief by reading the Instructions for Form I-601, Application 

for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, at