DV 2026 AOS (Adjustment of Status) Process Only

[mtb]

Hi,

I am currently completing Form I-485, and I have a question regarding Part 4, Item 5: “Have you previously applied for permanent residence while in the United States?” I must answer YES, because I previously filed an I-485 based on my DV-2023 selection. The form does not ask about the status of the prior application, but I assume USCIS expects the applicant to explain why they are filing again. For that reason, I am considering adding the following explanation in the “Additional Information” section:
“I WON THE DIVERSITY VISA (DV) LOTTERY IN 2023 AND APPLIED FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCY BASED ON THAT SELECTION. HOWEVER, MY CASE NUMBER WAS VERY HIGH (2023AS0001xxxx), AND BY SEPTEMBER 2023 THE ANNUAL QUOTA OF 55,000 VISAS HAD BEEN REACHED. AS A RESULT, MY CASE COULD NOT BE PROCESSED, AND THE APPLICATION WAS NOT APPROVED.”

Before I do that, I have a few questions:

1. Should I actually write this explanation in the Additional Information section, or is it unnecessary? I am not sure whether USCIS expects clarification or whether simply answering “YES” is sufficient.​

2. Do I need to include the old receipt notice or denial notice as supporting documents?​

I can include the receipt notice if necessary. However, the denial letter is concerning because it incorrectly states that I had to leave the U.S. within 33 days. At that time I was in valid F-1 status and had never applied for the DV-based EAD. I am worried that including this denial letter could be misinterpreted by the FO, even though the information in it is not accurate.

I would appreciate your guidance on whether I am overthinking this, and what the safest approach is for answering this question.

 

[_mohkha]

Hello,

I’m currently in F-1 status. I am preparing for the process of filing, and I understand that cases are usually assigned to the local FO based on where you live. The FO in my city has very long processing times, so I wanted to ask if there is ever any flexibility for a case to be handled by a different FO within the same state. I have a close friend living in a nearby city, where the FO appears to be processing cases more quickly.
My school is located in my current city, but I am flexible and able to travel within the state for any required appointment or interview. I just wanted to ask whether something like this is ever possible.

Thank you for your time and help.

 

[Sm1smom]

Hi,

I am currently completing Form I-485, and I have a question regarding Part 4, Item 5: “Have you previously applied for permanent residence while in the United States?” I must answer YES, because I previously filed an I-485 based on my DV-2023 selection. The form does not ask about the status of the prior application, but I assume USCIS expects the applicant to explain why they are filing again. For that reason, I am considering adding the following explanation in the “Additional Information” section:
“I WON THE DIVERSITY VISA (DV) LOTTERY IN 2023 AND APPLIED FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCY BASED ON THAT SELECTION. HOWEVER, MY CASE NUMBER WAS VERY HIGH (2023AS0001xxxx), AND BY SEPTEMBER 2023 THE ANNUAL QUOTA OF 55,000 VISAS HAD BEEN REACHED. AS A RESULT, MY CASE COULD NOT BE PROCESSED, AND THE APPLICATION WAS NOT APPROVED.”

Before I do that, I have a few questions:

1. Should I actually write this explanation in the Additional Information section, or is it unnecessary? I am not sure whether USCIS expects clarification or whether simply answering “YES” is sufficient.​

2. Do I need to include the old receipt notice or denial notice as supporting documents?​

I can include the receipt notice if necessary. However, the denial letter is concerning because it incorrectly states that I had to leave the U.S. within 33 days. At that time I was in valid F-1 status and had never applied for the DV-based EAD. I am worried that including this denial letter could be misinterpreted by the FO, even though the information in it is not accurate.

I would appreciate your guidance on whether I am overthinking this, and what the safest approach is for answering this question.

1. Providing the additional explanation will not hurt.
2. There’s no need to include the denial notice. They already have access to it as it is part of your immigration file. They will contact you if additional information is required.

 

[Sm1smom]

Hello,

I’m currently in F-1 status. I am preparing for the process of filing, and I understand that cases are usually assigned to the local FO based on where you live. The FO in my city has very long processing times, so I wanted to ask if there is ever any flexibility for a case to be handled by a different FO within the same state. I have a close friend living in a nearby city, where the FO appears to be processing cases more quickly.
My school is located in my current city, but I am flexible and able to travel within the state for any required appointment or interview. I just wanted to ask whether something like this is ever possible.

Thank you for your time and help.

You are required to honestly and truthfully fill out your forms. Listing a friend’s address as your address in order to influence the FO your case adjudication falls under is not recommended. If you do that and it gets discovered, you would be deemed to have misrepresented your case and could be subsequently charged with fraudulently obtaining, or attempting to fraudulently obtain, an immigration benefit.

USCIS may on their own re-assign cases to other FOs as part of workload balancing.