Adjustment of Status: I-485 Green Card Application
File Form I-485 to adjust your status to permanent resident while inside the United States. Covers eligibility, required forms, medical exam, biometrics, interview preparation, and EAD/advance parole benefits.
Confirm you are eligible to adjust status inside the US
You can adjust status if you have an approved immigrant petition (I-130, I-140, or self-petition) with a current priority date, were inspected and admitted or paroled into the US, and have an immediately available immigrant visa. Family-based applicants file when their priority date is current per the Visa Bulletin. Employment-based applicants file when the Visa Bulletin shows their priority date is current.
Check for bars to adjustment that might apply to you
Certain situations bar adjustment: unauthorized employment, failure to maintain status (with exceptions for immediate relatives), entry without inspection (with exceptions under INA 245(i)), and certain criminal convictions. Immediate relatives of US citizens (spouse, parent, child under 21) are exempt from most bars. Non-immediate-relative applicants should consult an attorney if they have any status violations.
Time your filing using the Visa Bulletin Dates for Filing chart
The Visa Bulletin publishes two charts: Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing. USCIS announces monthly which chart to use. When your priority date is earlier than the date shown on the applicable chart for your category and country, you can file I-485. Monitor the bulletin monthly at travel.state.gov. Filing early allows you to obtain an EAD and advance parole sooner.
Preparing the Application Package
Complete Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence
Form I-485 is the main application. It requires detailed personal information, immigration history, employment history, and questions about criminal history, health, and inadmissibility grounds. Answer every question truthfully. Leaving questions blank or providing inaccurate information can result in denial or future revocation of the green card.
Complete Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (Advance Parole)
Form I-131 allows you to travel internationally while the I-485 is pending. Without advance parole, leaving the US abandons your I-485 application (unless you have H1B/L1 status or are otherwise exempt). File I-131 concurrently with I-485. The advance parole document takes 3-6 months to arrive. No additional fee when filed with I-485.
Complete Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (EAD)
Form I-765 with category (c)(9) provides work authorization while the I-485 is pending. File concurrently with I-485. The EAD typically arrives 3-8 months after filing. No additional fee when filed with I-485. If you have valid H1B or L1 status, you can continue working on that status and use the EAD as a backup.
Complete the medical examination with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon
The medical exam (Form I-693) must be completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. Find one at uscis.gov/tools/find-a-civil-surgeon. The exam includes a physical examination, blood tests, TB test, and verification of required vaccinations. Cost ranges from 200-500 USD (not covered by most insurance). The I-693 is valid for 2 years from the date of the exam. Complete it within 60 days before filing I-485.
Gather all required supporting documents
Required documents include: birth certificate with English translation, passport and I-94, 2 passport photos, marriage certificate (if applicable), divorce decrees for prior marriages, police clearances from countries lived in for 1+ year after age 16, evidence of the underlying petition (I-130, I-140 approval), financial support evidence (Form I-864 affidavit of support for family-based), and the sealed I-693 medical exam.
Filing and Fees
Pay the I-485 filing fee
The I-485 filing fee is 1,140 USD for applicants age 14 and older, which includes biometrics. Children under 14 filing with a parent pay 750 USD. The fee includes the I-131 and I-765 when filed concurrently. Payment by check, money order, or credit card (G-1450). Fee waivers are available for applicants meeting income requirements.
File the complete package at the correct USCIS address
The filing address depends on your underlying petition category and state of residence. Check the I-485 instructions for the correct address. Employment-based cases and family-based cases may have different filing locations. Online filing is available for some categories. Mail filing should use tracked delivery. Keep copies of every document submitted.
Receive the filing receipt within 2-4 weeks
The receipt notice (I-797C) confirms USCIS received your application and provides receipt numbers for the I-485, I-765, and I-131. You are authorized to remain in the US while the I-485 is pending. Receipt notices for EAD and advance parole may arrive separately over the following weeks.
Biometrics and Interview
Attend the biometrics appointment at your local ASC
USCIS schedules a biometrics appointment at an Application Support Center (ASC) near you, typically 4-8 weeks after filing. Bring the appointment notice, valid photo ID, and your passport. The appointment takes 15-20 minutes for fingerprints, photo, and signature. Missing the appointment without rescheduling delays your case.
Prepare for the adjustment interview at your local USCIS office
Most I-485 applicants are scheduled for an in-person interview at their local USCIS field office. Family-based cases almost always require interviews. Some employment-based cases have interviews waived. Bring originals of all documents submitted with your application, plus any new documents. The interview typically lasts 15-45 minutes.
Bring your spouse to the interview for marriage-based cases
Both spouses must attend marriage-based green card interviews. The officer asks questions about your relationship, how you met, living arrangements, and shared finances. Bring evidence of a bona fide marriage: joint bank statements, lease or mortgage in both names, photos together over time, and joint tax returns. Answer questions honestly and consistently.
After Approval
Receive your green card by mail within 2-4 weeks of approval
The green card (Form I-551) arrives by mail after approval. Check that your name, photo, and category are correct. The initial green card is valid for 10 years (unconditional) or 2 years (conditional, for marriage-based cases married less than 2 years at the time of approval). Report any errors immediately to USCIS.
Apply for a Social Security Number if you do not have one
If you did not request an SSN during the I-485 process, visit your local Social Security Administration office with your green card and passport. Processing takes 2-4 weeks. An SSN is required for employment, tax filing, and most financial services.
File Form I-751 to remove conditions if applicable
If you received a conditional green card (2-year validity, marriage-based), file Form I-751 within the 90-day window before the card expires. File jointly with your spouse. If divorced, you can file alone with a waiver. Failure to file I-751 on time results in loss of permanent resident status. This guide is informational only, not legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does adjustment of status take?
Processing times range from 8-24 months depending on the category, USCIS field office, and current workload. Family-based cases at busy offices (New York, Los Angeles) tend to take longer. Employment-based cases without interview waivers also take longer. Filing concurrently for EAD and advance parole provides work authorization and travel ability while waiting.
Can I work while my I-485 is pending?
If you file Form I-765 concurrently with I-485, you receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) typically within 3-8 months. The EAD allows you to work for any employer. If you have valid H1B or L1 status, you can continue working on that status without waiting for the EAD. The combo card (EAD + advance parole) provides both work authorization and travel ability.
Can I travel while my I-485 is pending?
Only if you have advance parole (I-131) approved, or if you have valid H1B, H4, L1, L2, or K status. Leaving the US without advance parole or a dual-intent visa abandons your I-485 application. The advance parole document typically takes 3-6 months to arrive after filing. Do not travel internationally until you have the physical advance parole document in hand.
What is the difference between adjustment of status and consular processing?
Adjustment of status (I-485) processes your green card while you remain in the US. Consular processing completes the green card at a US embassy abroad. If you are in the US in valid status, adjustment is usually preferred because you can obtain EAD and advance parole while waiting. If you are outside the US or have status issues that bar adjustment, consular processing is the path. You choose one path when the priority date becomes current.