I-698 Explained: Adjusting From Temporary to Permanent Resident Under 245A

If you hold temporary resident status under Section 245A and want a green card, you likely need Form I-698, Application to Adjust Status from Temporary to Permanent Resident. Below is a clear guide to help you quickly see if you qualify, what documents and deadlines apply, what can cause denial, and what to do if you’re not eligible yet.

Who qualifies right now

• You do qualify if all are true:
  • You were granted temporary resident status under Section 245A of the INA through the IRCA program.
  • You’re within the allowed filing window set by USCIS after your temporary status was granted.
  • You’ve maintained continuous residence and remain admissible (no bar that prevents getting a green card).
  • You will use the correct form edition (January 20, 2025 edition is required starting May 28, 2025).
• You do not qualify if any are true:
  • You never received temporary resident status under Section 245A.
  • You missed the filing deadline tied to your temporary resident grant and don’t qualify for any allowed late filing period.
  • You’re inadmissible and don’t have a required waiver.
  • You try to use Form I-698 for a different path (family, employment, asylum, etc.). Those use other processes.

Key definitions in simple words

• Section 245A: A law from IRCA (1986) that let certain people who lived in the U.S. since before January 1, 1982 first apply for temporary resident status, then later for a green card.
• Temporary resident status: A step under Section 245A. It is not a green card. After a period (often about 18 months), you can apply for permanent residence with I-698.
• Admissible: Legally allowed to become a permanent resident. Certain crimes, fraud, or public health issues can block you unless a waiver applies.

Exact form you need and where to get it

• Form: I-698, Application to Adjust Status from Temporary to Permanent Resident.
  • Use the edition dated January 20, 2025 (required starting May 28, 2025).
  • Find the current version and instructions on the official USCIS I-698 page: https://www.uscis.gov/i-698
• Alerts: Add Form G-1145 to get email/text notifications when USCIS accepts your package. See https://www.uscis.gov/g-1145

What changed in 2025 and why it matters

• The January 20, 2025 edition mainly changed wording: “gender” → “sex”, and “they/their” → “he or she/his or her.”
• There was no change to who qualifies, deadlines, or core steps.
• Always check the edition date on the bottom of the form. USCIS can reject older editions.

Filing window and timing rules

• Typical window: USCIS historically expects filing within about one year after temporary resident status—often framed around 19 months from grant. Always check your approval notice and the I-698 instructions for your exact deadline.
• Missed deadlines: Filing late without a valid regulatory reason can lead to denial. Late filing is one of the most common problems.

Processing times

• USCIS doesn’t always list I-698 times separately. Similar adjustment categories often range around 7 to 8.7 months.
• Historically, I-698 could take up to six months, but times vary by workload and case details.
• Expect possible delays if USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE).

What you must show

• Proof you were granted temporary resident status under Section 245A (copy of your approval notice or temporary resident card).
• Proof of continuous residence since you became a temporary resident and that you still live in the United States.
• Proof of admissibility under the law. If you have potential grounds of inadmissibility, consult a qualified attorney about waivers.

Step-by-step filing guide

1. Get the correct form
   • Download I-698 and instructions from USCIS. Confirm the edition date is January 20, 2025. Do not use an old form.
2. Fill out every part
   • Enter personal details, immigration history, and all items the form asks.
   • If a question doesn’t apply, follow the form instructions for marking it.
   • Ensure names, dates of entry, and A-number match previous records.
3. Gather documents
   • Copy of your temporary resident approval and card.
   • Proof of residence since becoming a temporary resident (rental records, bills, pay stubs, school records, medical records).
   • Any court records for arrests/charges, even if dismissed.
   • Medical/vaccination records if required in instructions.
4. Include the fee
   • Check the USCIS I-698 page for the current filing fee and any biometrics fee. Fees can change.
5. Add Form G-1145 (optional)
   • If you want email/text alerts, attach G-1145 to the front of your packet.
6. Mail to the right address
   • Use the USCIS address listed in the I-698 instructions. USCIS updates lockbox addresses occasionally.
7. Biometrics
   • USCIS may schedule fingerprints and photo. Don’t miss this appointment—reschedule in advance if needed.
8. Requests for more evidence
   • If you receive an RFE, respond by the deadline with exactly what USCIS requests.
9. Decision
   • If approved: you become a lawful permanent resident; the green card is mailed to you.
   • If denied: you’ll get a notice explaining why and whether you can appeal or file a motion.

Common mistakes that lead to denial

• Using an outdated form edition or sending it to the wrong address.
• Missing the filing deadline linked to temporary resident status.
• Failing to prove continuous residence.
• Ignoring an RFE or sending incomplete responses.
• Admitting to facts on the form that show inadmissibility without addressing waivers.

Examples to make it clear

• Eligible example: Maria got Section 245A temporary status. She files I-698 within the required timeframe using the January 20, 2025 edition, includes lease records and pay stubs, completes biometrics, and USCIS approves her green card.
• Not-eligible example: Luis never received Section 245A temporary status. He tries to file I-698 anyway. USCIS will reject it; he needs a different path (e.g., family sponsorship with Form I-485).

Disqualifying factors to watch

• Certain criminal convictions.
• Fraud or willful misrepresentation to obtain immigration benefits.
• Public health grounds (missing required vaccines/exams).
• Security or immigration violations that trigger inadmissibility.

If you’re not eligible, what are your options?

• Consider other green card routes: family-based, employment-based, special immigrant, or asylum-based adjustments (these generally use Form I-485, not I-698).
• If you believe you had Section 245A status but lack records, request your file (FOIA) and consult a lawyer.
• If inadmissible, ask a qualified attorney if a waiver might apply. Waiver availability varies by ground.

How to make your case stronger

• File on time with the correct edition and fee.
• Keep evidence simple and organized: a timeline of addresses, jobs, and supporting documents for each year since you became a temporary resident.
• Make copies of everything you send.
• Keep your address updated with USCIS using the official change of address tool: https://www.uscis.gov/ar-11
• For past arrests that were dismissed, include certified court dispositions. Clear records help prevent delays.

What approval gives you

• Lawful permanent resident status in the United States, the right to live and work permanently, and a path to apply for citizenship later (if eligible).
• A physical green card mailed after approval.

Recent updates and what to expect

• The 2025 changes were wording updates only; no new eligibility limits for Section 245A applicants using I-698.
• USCIS may keep refining form language. Always check the USCIS I-698 page right before you file for the current edition and fees.
• Processing varies—plan for several months and respond promptly to any USCIS notice.

Important: Always check the edition date on the form and confirm current fees and addresses on the official USCIS I-698 page before you file.

Official resource you should bookmark

• USCIS I-698 page: https://www.uscis.gov/i-698
• For policy/background on adjustment of status topics: https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-7

Important practical tip

• Set reminder alerts on your phone for 30, 60, and 90 days before your filing window closes. Late filings are often fatal to these cases.

Professional perspective

• Lawyers emphasize careful, early filing and clear proof of residence. USCIS officers focus on timing and admissibility. Small errors—like an outdated form—can lead to rejection.
• As reported by VisaVerge.com, staying current with edition dates and fee changes prevents avoidable setbacks.

Next steps checklist

• Confirm you truly have Section 245A temporary resident status.
• Check your deadline and the current I-698 edition date (January 20, 2025) and fee.
• Gather proof of continuous residence and any court records.
• Complete Form I-698 and, if desired, add G-1145.
• Mail to the correct USCIS address and attend biometrics.
• Reply promptly to any RFE.
• Watch your mail for the decision and your green card if approved.

If you still have questions, consider a short consultation with a licensed immigration attorney experienced in IRCA-era Section 245A cases. These cases are very deadline-focused, and a quick review can catch issues before you file.