Form I-485, officially called the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is used by certain non-U.S. citizens already in the United States to apply for lawful permanent resident status (green card) without having to return to their home country for consular processing.
Form I-485, An Overview
Form I-485 or the Application to Register Permanent Residence of Adjust Status is used by people who are physically present in the United States to apply for lawful permanent resident status or “Green Card.” This is also called “adjustment of status.”
2,Who may apply?
Those who are physically present in the US may file for I-485 Petition. You must either be directly qualified (Principal Applicant), or a spouse or child of the principal applicant (Derivative Applicant).
By being directly qualified to file for I-485 Petition, it means that you are the principal applicant of an immigrant visa petition such as the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. You may file your Form I-485 after your petition is immigrant visa petition is approved, and your immigrant visa number becomes available. For relatives of US Citizens, I-485 may be filed concurrently with the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative.
If you are the spouse or child of the principal applicant, you may file your I-485 Petition if your immigrant visa is immediately available. You may file it (1) simultaneously with the principal applicant’s I-485; (2) while the form I-485 of the principal applicant is pending; (3) after the principal applicant’s I-485 is approved; or (4) after the principal applicant entered the US on an immigrant visa as a lawful permanent resident.
Who are not eligible to apply?
The following are some of the grounds that could disqualify a person from being eligible for green card:
1. Possible public charge
2. Medical-related, like having communicable diseases, etc.
3. Convictions or violations of certain specific crimes
4. Being a threat to the national security
5. Violation of the US Immigration Law
Steps in the I-485 Process
- Check Visa Availability
- For most applicants, a visa number must be available before filing.
- Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens do not have to wait.
2.Prepare and File Your Application
- Complete Form I-485
- Include required forms such as:
- Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) for family cases
- Form I-693 (Medical Examination)
- Submit supporting documents (passport, birth certificate, proof of legal entry, etc.)
- Pay the filing fee (currently $1,440 for most applicants — check USCIS for updates).
3.Attend Biometrics Appointment
- USCIS will take your fingerprints, photo, and signature.
4.Respond to Any RFEs
- If USCIS needs more evidence, respond quickly and completely.
5.Attend the USCIS Interview
- Bring originals of your documents and be prepared to answer questions about your eligibility.
6.Receive a Decision
- If approved, you will receive your green card in the mail.
- If denied, USCIS will provide written reasons and appeal options.
7.Processing Time
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Processing can take 8–18 months depending on:
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Your immigration category
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USCIS service center workload
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Whether an interview is required
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Tips for a Smooth I-485 Process
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Double-check all forms for accuracy
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Submit all required documents at once to avoid delays
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Keep copies of everything you send
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Stay on top of USCIS notices and deadlines
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Consider legal assistance for complex cases or past immigration violations
Important: Filing Form I-485 does not guarantee approval. Eligibility, documentation, and your immigration history will all be carefully reviewed by USCIS.
💡 Need help filing Form I-485 or preparing for your interview? Contact our immigration law team for expert guidance and personalized support.