Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

Form I-485 is used by individuals in the United States to apply for lawful permanent resident status, also known as a green card. It allows eligible applicants to adjust their immigration status without leaving the country.

Who Can File Form I-485

Applicants may file Form I-485 if they:

Are physically present in the U.S.
Have an approved or concurrently filed immigrant petition (Form I-130, I-140, I-360, etc.)
Have a current priority date, if in a visa-limited category
Were lawfully admitted or paroled into the U.S.
Are not inadmissible or qualify for a waiver

Common Categories Eligible for Adjustment

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens
- Spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents
Family-based preference categories
- Subject to annual visa limits
Employment-based categories
- EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 after I-140 approval or concurrent filing
Other categories
- Asylees and refugees (after one year)
- Diversity visa lottery winners
- Special immigrants (VAWA, U or T visa holders, Afghan or Iraqi nationals)

Required Forms and Documents

Form I-485
Form I-693 (Medical exam)
Form I-765 (Optional work permit)
Form I-131 (Optional travel permit)
Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support, if required)
Passport, I-94, birth certificate, visa, immigration status proof
Two passport-style photos

Filing Fee (2025)

Standard fee: $1,140
Biometrics: $85 (if required)
No fee for certain refugees and minors

Processing Steps

Submit I-485 package to USCIS
Receive receipt notice
Attend biometrics appointment
Optional work/travel permits issued
Interview (if required)
Receive green card upon approval

Key Points to Remember

Visa must be available at time of filing (check the monthly Visa Bulletin)
Employment-based applicants must usually maintain valid non-immigrant status
Travel abroad without advance parole may cancel your application
Work and travel permits are available while I-485 is pending
Interviews are common for family-based and some employment-based cases

How Immigration Fleet Can Help

At Immigration Fleet, we help individuals and employers navigate the green card process with precision and care. Whether you are applying through a job, family, or humanitarian path, our team provides: