Form I-485 for Adjustment of Status

Form I-485, officially known as the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, starts the process for obtaining a green card in the United States. The form itself asks for basic information in order to determine eligibility and does not ask for information about your sponsor or petitioner. 10 min read

What is Form I-485?

Individuals who immigrated to the United States and currently live in the country file Form I-485 in order to adjust to a permanent residence status or register for permanent residence. You must file the status adjustment form with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to adjust to permanent resident status or register for permanent residence.

According to the USCIS website, you must use the 12/23/22 version of Form I-485 if you apply on or after December 23, 2022. Failing to use the new I-485 edition date will lead to a rejected application. Prior to December 23, 2022, applicants were supposed to use the 07/15/22 edition. It’s best to refer to the USCIS website to ensure you’re completing the correct version of the form.

If the USCIS approves Form I-485, then your status will change from “non-immigrant” to “immigrant”, allowing you to live and work in the United States indefinitely. It’s possible to apply then to become a naturalized citizen.

File the status adjustment form after becoming a lawful permanent resident or green card holder through one of the following situations:

You receive a job offer
You are granted asylee status
You are granted refugee status
You are filing on behalf of reference relatives. In this process, filing I-130 and I-485 separately or concurrently is an option.
You are filing on behalf of immediate relatives. This process entails two forms— I-130 vs I-485.

What is Form I-485 used for?

How to file I-485

You can either file Form I-485 online or print out the form and mail it in. If you mail the form in, include a Form I-485 cover letter. Read carefully all information in the form to ensure that you’re filling it out correctly.

They’ll ask you to include:

Information About You - A copy of a government-issued ID, birth certificate, inspection and admission, police records, and Form I-797 may become useful in completing this section of the status adjustment form. You might also need a marriage certificate, a court order of name change, or adoption papers if you changed your name. Here’s specifically what you need to include:
- Full legal name (i.e., family name at birth, other legal names, nicknames, aliases, assumed names)
- Date of birth
- Sex
- Place of birth
- Country of birth
- Country of nationality
- Alien Registration Number (if applicable)
- USCIS Online Account Number (if applicable)
- U.S. Social Security Number (if applicable)
- Address
- Alternate address (if applicable)
- Recent immigrant history
- Place of the last arrival in the U.S. and the associated visitation details
- Current immigration status
Application Type or Filing Category
- Application type or filing category
- Information about your immigrant category
Additional Personal Information
- Address history
- Employment history
Information about Your Parents - If your parents are deceased, you’ll still have to provide answers to this section.
Information about your Marital History - Marriage history. If applicable, have a copy of a divorce decree, a death certificate of your spouse, and/or a certificate of annulment.
Information about your Children - Provide information for all the children you have, regardless of age.
Biographic Information
- Ethnicity
- Race
- Personal description (height, weight, hair color, eye color)
General Eligibility and Inadmissibility Grounds
- List of involvement with any U.S. organization or affiliation.
- Additional questions that will assess if you’re inadmissible. This is to ensure the safety of the immigration process and country.
Accommodations for Individuals With Disabilities and/or Impairments - This section is to help determine accommodations for the interview.
Applicant’s Statement, Contact Information, Declaration, Certification, and Signature - Before completing this section, read the penalties section of Form I-485. One of the last steps is signing the application.
Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature - You’re only required to fill in this information if you need assistance from an interpreter.
Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Application, if Other Than the Applicant - If you’re seeking help from a lawyer, then their information will be included in this section.
Signature at the Interview - Congratulations! You’ve made it to the end of the form I-485 interview. Now it’s time for your signature.

Review UpCounsel’s Form I-485 step by step instructions for more information.

Form I-485 requirements and eligibility

Who can file Form I-485?

Prior to filling out Form I-485, you can determine if you’re eligible based on the following applicant categories:

Application Categories	Requirements
Through Family
Immediate Relative of U.S. Citizen	Spouse of U.S. Citizen Unmarried child under 21 of a U.S. citizen Parent of U.S. citizen (over 21)
Relative to U.S. citizen or current green card holder	Family member of a U.S. citizen: Unmarried child (and you are old than 21) Married child Sibling who is at least 21 Family member of a permanent resident: Spouse Unmarried child under 21 Unmarried child over 21
Fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen or the fiancé(e)’s child	Fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen Child of fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen
Widower(er) of a U.S. citizen	Individual married to U.S. citizen at the time of death
Through Employment
Immigrant Worker	UpCounsel has outlined different employment-based green card processing options and times
Physician	Physicians who work full time and in under-served neighborhoods
Immigrant Investor	Immigrant investors must invest at least $1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise with 10 full-time positions, or $800,000 in targeted employment areas
As a Special Immigrant
Religious Worker	Member of a religious denomination working for a nonprofit religious organization
Juvenile	Juveniles who need protection from abuse, abandonment, or neglect
Afghanistan or Iraq National	Afghan or Iraqi translator for the U.S. government Iraqi employed by U.S. government on or after March 20, 2003 Afghan employed by the U.S. government or by International Security Assistance Force
International Broadcaster	Works for the U.S. Agency for Global Media (UGAGM) or UGAGM grantee
Employee of an International Organization or Family Member or NATO-6 Employee or Family Member	The international organization must be eligible
Through Asylee or Refugee Status
Asylee	Holds asylum status for at least a year
Refugee	Holds refugee status for at least a year
As a Human Trafficking Survivor or Victim of a Crime
Human Trafficking	Hold a T nonimmigrant visa.
Crime	Hold a U nonimmigrant visa.
Victim of Abuse
Domestic Abuse Victim	Abused spouse of U.S. citizen or green card holder Abused child that is also unmarried and under 21 of U.S. citizen or green card holder Abused parent of U.S. citizen
Abused Spouse or Child under the Cuban Adjustment Act	Abused spouse or child of a Cuban citizen
Abused Spouse or Child under Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA)	Abused spouse or child of a green card holder, who received his/her status under HRIFA

There are other unique categories in which individuals should explore on the USCIS website for green card eligibility categories. Alternatively, those that lived in the U.S. prior to January 1, 1972 may be eligible for a green card.

Who can't file Form I-485?

Not being physically present in the United States will automatically disqualify you.

You cannot file the Form I-485 if:	You may be inadmissible if:
You entered the U.S. as a crewman You entered the U.S. to travel to another country You entered the U.S. to be a witness or informant You may be deported	You have certain health conditions (i.e., disease or mental health) You are a criminal You have breached security protocols You have violated immigration laws You have a public charge You participated in other illegal practices such as polygamy, child abduction, or illegal voting

Need to consult a lawyer? Post a new job on UpCounsel to get legal help.

Form I-485 required documents

In addition to Form I-485, it’s important to review other I-485 required documents. Don’t forget to take a peek at UpCounsel’s Form I-485 checklist.

The following supporting documentation is required for immediate relatives and family preference immigrants:

Two passport-style photographs
Government-issued identification with photograph
Birth certificate
Inspection and admission, or inspection and parole documentation
Documentation of immigrant category
Form I-864, Affidavit of Support (if applicable)
Police records (if applicable)
Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility (if applicable)
Form I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal (if applicable)
Documentation regarding J-1 and J-2 exchange visitor status (Form I-612, if applicable)
Form I-508, Waiver of Diplomatic Rights, Privileges, Exemptions, and Immunities (if applicable)
Form I-566 (if applicable)

Children or spouses of U.S. citizen’s immediate relatives must file their own application.

When submitting both Form I-130 and I-485, it’s important to be patient because “I-130 approved I-485 pending” situations can occur.

The following supporting documentation is required for employment-based Form I-485 applicants:

Two passport-style photographs
Government-issued identification with photograph
Birth certificate
Inspection and admission, or inspection and parole documentation
Documentation of immigrant category
Proof you have maintained a lawful status since arriving in the United States
Confirmation of job offer (if applicable)
Confirming you are working in the occupational field specified in the Form I-140
Form I-864, Affidavit of Support (if applicable)
Police records (if applicable)
Form I-601, Waiver of Inadmissibility (if applicable)
Form I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal (if applicable)
Documentation regarding J-1 and J-2 exchange visitor status (Form I-612, if applicable);
Form I-508, Waiver of Diplomatic Rights, Privileges, Exemptions, and Immunities
Form I-566, Interagency Record of Request – A, G, or NATO Dependent Employment Authorization or Change/Adjustment to/from A, G, or NATO Status (only if you have A, G, or NATO nonimmigrant status)

If you’re the spouse or unmarried child under 21, then you’ll have to provide the information as listed above, as well as:

A marriage certificate to the principal applicant or proof of relationship as a child
Proof you ended your previous marriage (if applicable)
Documentation of the principal applicant’s immigrant category
Documentation of the principal applicant’s Form I-485 or copy of the principal applicant’s Green Card (if not filing together with the principal applicant’s Form I-485).

Supporting documentation required for special immigrant juveniles:

Two passport-style photographs
Government-issued identification with photograph
Birth certificate
Documentation of immigrant category
Criminal record
Form I-601, Waiver of Inadmissibility (if applicable)
Documentation regarding J-1 and J-2 exchange visitor status (if applicable)
Form I-508, Waiver of Diplomatic Rights, Privileges, Exemptions, and Immunities (if applicable)

Form I-485 filing address

There are different filing addresses based on eligibility categories. Visit the USCIS website on Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status to determine the correct address.

Failure to send Form I-485 to the correct address will delay approval.

Form I-485 processing time

The form I-485 processing time is 26 to 42 months. Approval takes approximately 8 to 14 months to receive your green card by mail.

When is the best time to file Form I-485?

There is no best time to file Form I-485. However, in order to file this form, you must meet the following criteria:

Be a part of the eligibility categories
Be physically present in the United States
Have entered the United States legally
Hold an immigrant visa

Is premium processing available for Form I-485?

I-485 premium processing is not available. However, you can connect with the USCIS Contact Center to request expedited processing. You’ll have to provide your 13-digit Form I-485 receipt number.

You can file Form I-485 and Form I-140 together at the USCIS Dallas Lockbox.

Form I-485 filing fees

I-485 fees vary based on category.

You can pay the fees by money order, personal check, or cashier’s check. Checks are to be addressed to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. You may also pay by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.

For more information on the cost of I-485 filings, visit USCIS official fees section for more information.

Form I-485 attorney fee

Filing Form I-485 is complicated, but working with an immigration attorney can help make the process less stressful. UpCounsel has dedicated lawyers that are more affordable than traditional law firms.

Concurrent filing for Form I-130 and Form I-485

Form I-130 vs Form I-485

I-130 and I-485 concurrent filing makes the process easier—simply file Form I-130 (petition for alien relatives) before I-485. These forms can be filed together, if you’re the spouse or unmarried child under 21.

Others who can file these forms concurrently are most employment-based applicants and their immediate family members, special juveniles, self-petitioning battered spouses or children, certain members of the armed forces applying for special immigrant visas, and special immigrant international employees.

Concurrent filing I-130 and I-485 fees

Concurrent filing I-130 and 1 485 fees are determined by location. Visit USCIS official fees section for more information.

Can I file Form I-485 after Form I-130 is approved?

To make the process more simple, many people ask: can I file I-485 after I-130 is approved? The answer is no. Typically, an individual will have Form I-130 approved prior to filing I-485.

FAQs

Where to file I-485?

You can file Form I-485 online or by mail.

Where to send Form I-485?

If you choose to file by mail, you can find where to file I-485 forms by visiting the USCIS website on Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status to determine the correct address.

How to file an I-485 for spouses?

You cannot file an I-485 for spouses on behalf of your partner. They must be physically present in the United States.

Can Form I-485 be filed online?

I-485 online filing is available. You can also file by mail. To submit online, create a MyUSCIS account. Through this medium, you can receive all updates on your application through your alien registration number (a-number).

Can I file Form I-485 from outside the U.S.?

No, you must be physically present in the United States.

Can I travel while my I-485 is pending?

Typically, you wouldn’t be allowed to travel outside of the United States while your I-485 form is pending; however, you may be eligible to file out Form I-131 (an application for travel document).

How to check the status of my Form I-485 application?

Check your I-485 online status or call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283.

Can I work after filling Form I-485?

You’ll need a work permit if you want to hold employment while your Form I-485 is pending.

What happens if you want to change jobs? Form I-485J

You can only change employment if your Form I-485 has been pending for over 180 days. This request can be made using Form I-485, Supplement J, Confirmation of Bona Fide Job Offer or Request for Job Portability Under INA Section 204(j).

What is the difference between Form I-485 and consular processing?

Where filing Form I-485 requires you to be physically present in the United States, consular processing does not.