What is Form I-485?
Form I-485 is the application to "adjust status" to lawful permanent resident (get a green card) from inside the United States. If you're outside the U.S. or ineligible to adjust, you generally use consular processing instead, handled by the U.S. Department of State.
Adjustment vs. consular processing: Adjustment uses Form I-485 with USCIS (you stay in the U.S.). Consular processing uses the DS-260 with the National Visa Center (you interview at a U.S. consulate).
At a Glance
- What it does: Lets certain people already in the U.S. apply for a green card without leaving the country
- Who uses it: Family-based applicants, employment-based applicants, certain humanitarian categories
- Can you file online? No — USCIS only accepts I-485 by mail
- Key companion forms: I-693 (medical exam), I-864 (affidavit of support), I-765 (work permit), I-131 (travel document)
Who Can File I-485?
You must have:
- An approved or pending immigrant petition (e.g., I-130 for family or I-140 for employment)
- A visa number that's available for your category (unless you're an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen)
- Been inspected and admitted or paroled into the U.S.
- Physical presence in the U.S. when filing
- No bars to adjustment (with important exceptions)
Important Exceptions
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, parents) are exempt from certain bars related to:
- Unlawful status
- Unauthorized work
Employment-based applicants may use INA 245(k) to forgive limited status violations (≤180 days).
When Can You File? (Visa Timing)
Most applicants can file only when a green card number is "immediately available."
- Check the monthly Visa Bulletin and USCIS Adjustment of Status Filing Charts
- Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are always current (no wait)
- Concurrent filing allowed when visa is available (petition + I-485 together)
2025 Government Fees
Filing Fees
Online Filing: Not Available Online Paper Filing: $1,440 (age 14+)
Complete Fee Structure
I-485 Application (includes biometrics):
- $1,440 for most applicants age 14+
- $950 if under 14 filing with a parent
Optional Work & Travel Documents:
- I-765 (Work Permit): $520 paper / $470 online
- Discounted to $260 if I-485 filed on/after April 1, 2024 and still pending
- I-131 (Travel Document): $630 paper / $580 online
Note: Work and travel documents are no longer bundled free with I-485 — these require separate fees.
Required Documents (Family-Based)
Required Documents
- ✓ Form I-485 (signed with ink signature)
- ✓ Form I-693 (Medical Exam) in sealed envelope - REQUIRED at filing
- ✓ Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) from sponsor
- ✓ Proof of lawful admission/parole (I-94, entry stamp, or parole document)
- ✓ Government-issued ID (passport, birth certificate with translation)
- ✓ Relationship evidence (marriage certificate, joint documents for spouses)
- ✓ Form G-1145 for text/email receipt notifications (optional but recommended)
- ✓ Check or money order for correct fees
For Employment-Based Cases
- May need Supplement J if filing based on previously approved I-140
- Employment verification letter
- Recent pay stubs
Medical Exam (I-693) Requirements
What Changed in 2023-2024
- Must submit with I-485 — USCIS may reject applications without it
- Exams signed on/after November 1, 2023 are valid only while the application is pending
- If application is denied/withdrawn, the I-693 is no longer valid
- Never open the sealed envelope
Steps to Complete
1. Find a Civil Surgeon Use USCIS 'Find a Civil Surgeon' tool to locate authorized doctor
2. Schedule Exam Bring vaccination records and photo ID to appointment
3. Receive Sealed Envelope Doctor provides sealed I-693 - keep a copy for yourself
4. Submit with I-485 Include sealed envelope in your application packet
Where and How to File
Filing Instructions
- Determine correct address: Use USCIS Direct Filing Addresses chart based on your category and state
- Assemble packet: Place G-1145 on top for notifications
- Include proper fees: Check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security"
- Mail via trackable method: USPS Priority Mail or courier service recommended
- Keep copies: Maintain complete copies of everything you send
Important: USCIS does not accept I-485 online. You must file by mail to the lockbox address.
After Filing: What to Expect
Timeline of Events
-
Receipt Notice (2-4 weeks)
- 13-character receipt number for tracking
- Use Case Status Online to monitor
-
Biometrics Appointment (4-8 weeks)
- Fingerprints, photo, and signature
- Included in I-485 fee
-
Work Authorization (if filed)
- I-765 typically processed in 2-5 months
- Allows lawful employment while waiting
-
Travel Document (if filed)
- I-131 processed in 3-6 months
- Required for travel outside U.S.
-
Interview
- Most applicants are interviewed
- USCIS may waive for some cases
-
Decision
- Approval: Green card mailed to you
- RFE: Request for additional evidence
- Denial: Written explanation provided
Work & Travel While Pending
Working While I-485 is Pending
- Need EAD (Employment Authorization Document) from approved I-765
- Cannot work based on pending I-485 alone
- Some statuses (H-1B, L-1) may continue working without EAD
Travel Cautions
DO NOT leave the U.S. without Advance Parole unless you have:
- Valid H-1B/H-4 or L-1/L-2 status
- Other dual-intent visa status
Without proper documentation, leaving the U.S. will abandon your I-485!
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Top Mistakes That Cause Delays or Rejections
- Missing medical exam — Now required WITH application
- Wrong fees — Always verify current amounts before filing
- Old form editions — Use only current versions from USCIS.gov
- Unsigned forms — Must have original ink signature (scanned is OK)
- Wrong filing address — Double-check lockbox for your category
- Not updating address — Report changes within 10 days using AR-11
Pro Tips for Success
- Use certified mail with tracking
- Include table of contents for complex packets
- Organize documents with tabs or dividers
- Keep complete copies of everything
- Follow up if no receipt within 30 days
Special Considerations
Employment-Based Applicants
If filing based on employment (I-140), you may need:
- Supplement J for job portability or to confirm job offer
- Evidence of maintaining valid nonimmigrant status
- Employment verification letter
Immediate Relatives vs. Preference Categories
Immediate Relatives (spouse, unmarried child <21, parent of USC 21+):
- Always current for visa numbers
- Can file I-130 and I-485 concurrently
- Exempt from certain inadmissibility grounds
Preference Categories:
- Must wait for priority date to be current
- Subject to annual visa limits
- More restrictions on status violations