Registry - Permanent Residence for Long-Term Residents

Registry Overview

What is Registry?

Registry is a special provision in U.S. immigration law allowing individuals who entered the United States before January 1, 1972, and have continuously resided here since that time to apply for permanent residence, regardless of their original immigration status.

Legal Authority

Section 249 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) provides registry as a pathway to permanent residence for qualifying long-term residents who meet specific criteria and demonstrate good moral character.

Eligibility Requirements

Registry Qualification Criteria

Must have entered the United States before January 1, 1972
Must have continuously resided in the United States since entry
Must be of good moral character for five years before filing
Must not be inadmissible under immigration law (with limited exceptions)
Must not be deportable under immigration law (with limited exceptions)
Must establish that removal would cause exceptional hardship to self or family

Good Moral Character Standard

Good Moral Character Requirements

No convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude
No drug-related offenses or trafficking
No prostitution or commercialized vice involvement
No false testimony to obtain immigration benefits
No illegal gambling enterprises
Payment of taxes and compliance with tax obligations
General conduct consistent with community standards

Application Process

Registry Application Steps

Document Preparation

Gather comprehensive evidence of continuous residence since before January 1, 1972, including employment records, school records, medical records, and witness affidavits.

Form I-485 Filing

Submit Form I-485 Application for Adjustment of Status with registry-specific documentation and required supporting evidence.

Biometrics Appointment

Attend USCIS biometrics services appointment for fingerprinting, photograph, and signature collection.

Interview (if required)

Attend USCIS interview if scheduled to review application, evidence of continuous residence, and good moral character.

Decision

USCIS issues decision approving permanent residence or denying application with explanation and appeal rights.

Evidence of Continuous Residence

Acceptable Evidence Types

Employment records, pay stubs, tax returns from 1972 or earlier
School enrollment records, report cards, graduation certificates
Medical records, hospital records, vaccination records
Church records, baptismal certificates, marriage certificates
Rental agreements, mortgage documents, utility bills
Bank statements, insurance policies, driver's licenses
Military service records, selective service registration
Sworn affidavits from witnesses with personal knowledge

Common Challenges and Solutions

Typical Application Challenges

Limited availability of documents from 1972 era
Witnesses may be deceased or difficult to locate
USCIS scrutiny of evidence authenticity and reliability
Gaps in documentation during early residence period
Proving continuous physical presence without departures
Establishing good moral character for five-year period
Meeting hardship standard for exceptional circumstances

Documentation Strategy

When original documents are unavailable, focus on secondary evidence and witness affidavits. USCIS may accept combination of documents that collectively establish continuous residence pattern. Consider hiring immigration attorney experienced in registry cases for complex situations.

Family Members and Derivatives

Family Inclusion Benefits

Spouse and unmarried children under 21 may be included in application
Derivative beneficiaries must also meet registry requirements
Family members need not establish separate continuous residence
Children who aged out during lengthy processing may still qualify
Approved applicants can later petition for other family members

Registry vs. Other Legalization Programs

Program	Entry Date Requirement	Status	Current Availability
Registry	Before January 1, 1972	Permanent Residence	Available
IRCA (1986)	Before January 1, 1982	Permanent Residence	Expired
NACARA	Various dates	Permanent Residence	Limited
Cuban Adjustment Act	N/A (Cuban nationals)	Permanent Residence	Available

Filing Fees and Processing

Current Filing Fees

Form I-485: $1,440 (includes biometrics fee). Additional fees may apply for work authorization (Form I-765) and travel document (Form I-131) if requested. Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants.

Processing Times

Registry cases often take 12-24 months due to extensive evidence review requirements. USCIS must verify decades of continuous residence, which requires thorough documentation analysis and potential interview scheduling.

After Approval

Permanent Resident Status

Upon approval, you become a lawful permanent resident with full green card benefits including work authorization, travel rights, and eventual citizenship eligibility.

Family Petitions

As permanent residents, registry beneficiaries can petition for spouses, unmarried children, and parents. Wait times vary by relationship and country of birth.

Path to Citizenship

May apply for naturalization after five years as permanent resident (or three years if married to U.S. citizen), provided continued good moral character and other requirements are met.

Important Considerations

Critical Points

Registry eligibility is extremely rare - only applies to entries before January 1, 1972
Burden of proof is on applicant to establish continuous residence for decades
Good moral character must be maintained throughout five years before application
Legal counsel strongly recommended due to complex evidence requirements
Appeals to Board of Immigration Appeals available if USCIS denies application

Additional Resources

USCIS Registry Information

Official USCIS guidance on registry-based permanent residence applications

Visit USCIS

Immigration Court Practice Manual

DOJ guidance on registry cases in removal proceedings

View Practice Manual