Adjustment of Status (I-485)

Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) allows a person physically present in the United States to obtain lawful permanent resident status without leaving the country.

Eligibility Requirements

• An approved immigrant petition (I-130, I-140, etc.)
• A current priority date (check the Visa Bulletin)
• Physical presence in the United States
• Lawful entry into the United States (inspection and admission) — with exceptions

Exception for Immediate Relatives

Spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens may file I-485 even if they have violated their status, provided they entered the country lawfully.

A package of additional forms is typically filed together with I-485.

Core Package

• I-485 — the primary application to adjust status
• I-765 — Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• I-131 — travel document (Advance Parole)
• I-864 — Affidavit of Support (for family-based petitions)
• I-693 — medical examination

Filing Fees

The total filing fee for I-485 is $1,440 (for adults), which includes I-765 and I-131. For children under 14, the fee is $950.

After filing, USCIS will schedule you for biometrics and, in some cases, an interview.

Biometrics

Fingerprinting and photographing take place at the nearest Application Support Center, typically 3–6 weeks after filing.

Interview

Not all categories require an interview. For family-based petitions, an interview is mandatory. For employment-based cases, it is often waived.

Bring to Your Interview

• Originals of all documents
• Passport and I-94
• EAD and Advance Parole (if already received)
• Appointment notice
• Supporting evidence (for family-based cases — photos, joint financial documents, etc.)

Once approved, you will receive your green card by mail.

Conditional vs. Permanent Green Card

• Conditional (2 years) — issued if the marriage is less than 2 years old. You must file I-751 within the 90-day window before it expires.
• Permanent (10 years) — issued if the marriage is more than 2 years old or the petition is employment-based.

Your Rights as a Permanent Resident

• Work for any employer
• Travel freely (with a valid green card)
• Begin the path to citizenship (after 3–5 years)