Instructions For Application To Register Permanent Residence Or Adjust Status (Form I-485) (Page 40 of 42) in pdf

If the DV selectee becomes a spouse or parent (whether of a natural, adopted, or stepchild) after submitting the qualifying

online DV lottery entry, the spouse and children are eligible for derivative status for immigration purposes. However, the

qualifying marriage, birth, or adoption must occur before the DV selectee becomes a lawful permanent resident. If the

qualifying marriage, birth, or adoption occurs after the DV selectee becomes a lawful permanent resident, then the DV

selectee may petition for eligible family members in an appropriate family-based category.

Evidence of Education or Work Experience

Principal applicants must provide one of the following:

1. A high school diploma or its equivalent (Successful completion of a 12-year course of elementary and secondary

education in the United States or successful completion of a formal course of elementary and secondary education in

another country that is comparable to a high school education in the United States. Only formal courses of study meet

this requirement. Correspondence programs or equivalency certificates, such as the General Equivalency Diploma

(GED), are not acceptable); or

2. Two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or

experience.

Continuous Residence in the United States Since Before January 1, 1972 (Registry)

Certain foreign nationals who entered the United States prior to January 1, 1972 and have maintained continuous U.S.

residence since then may apply to register their lawful permanent resident status.

Derivative applicants are not allowed in this category.

Evidence of Financial Support

If you are filing Form I-485 as an applicant for Registry, you do not need to submit evidence of financial support.

Additional Evidence Requirements

As a Registry applicant, you must submit evidence showing you meet certain requirements specific to this registration

category. Therefore, in addition to the evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-485

section, you must also submit:

1. Evidence you entered the United States before January 1, 1972; and

2. Evidence establishing continuous residence since entry.

Evidence of Entry Before January 1, 1972

You may show evidence of entry by submitting at least one document showing presence in the United States before

January 1, 1972. You may submit as many documents as necessary.

Evidence of Continuous Residence

You may establish continuous residence even if you have made numerous brief departures from the United States.

You may submit as many documents as necessary to establish continuous residence during the period of time since your

claimed date of entry. Examples of the types of evidence you may submit include:

1. Copy of passport pages with nonimmigrant visa, admission, or parole stamps;

2. Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record;

3. Income tax records;

4. Mortgage deeds or leases;

Form I-485 Instructions 06/26/17 N

Page 40 of 42

Instructions For Application To Register Permanent Residence Or Adjust Status (Form I-485) Page 40