U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has removed the “Another Gender Identity” option from key immigration forms, including Form I-485 (application to adjust status). Applicants can now only select “Female” or “Male.”
The “Another Gender Identity” option was first introduced in 2023 under the Biden administration to make forms more inclusive for nonbinary and transgender applicants. Its removal aligns with recent policy changes under the Trump administration, including the State Department’s decision to eliminate the “X” gender marker on passports.
Along with removing the gender identity option, USCIS has also reinstated the term “alien,” replacing “noncitizen” and “foreign national” in multiple sections, including those related to public charge determinations and military service exemptions.
These changes apply to several key forms, including:
- Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status)
- Form I-918 (Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status)
- Form I-485 Supplement J (Confirmation of Valid Job Offer or Request for Job Portability)
- Form I-485 Supplement A (Adjustment of Status Under Section 245(i))
- Form G-325A (Biographic Information for Deferred Action)
- Form I-134 (Declaration of Financial Support)
- Form I-192 (Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant)
What This Means for Applicants
USCIS has not publicly commented on the removal of the gender identity option. However, the change could make the immigration process more difficult for nonbinary and transgender applicants. Limiting gender options on government forms may create legal and bureaucratic hurdles for individuals whose gender identity does not match their other official documents.
Applicants who do not identify as male or female may need to select the option that best matches their other legal documents to avoid complications. Leaving the field blank could lead to processing delays or a rejected application. It’s a good idea to consult an immigration attorney if this change affects your application.