Form I-485 Adjustment of Status Guide
Last updated: January 15, 2025
Adjustment vs. Consular Processing
I-485 adjustment of status allows eligible individuals to obtain permanent residence without leaving the U.S. Not all individuals are eligible - some must complete consular processing abroad.
I-485 Filing Fees (2025)
Current USCIS Fees
- I-485 Filing Fee (14+ years old)$1,440
- I-485 Filing Fee (under 14, parent filing)$950
- I-485 Filing Fee (under 14, not with parent)$1,440
- Biometrics Services Fee$85
- I-765 Work Authorization (if filing concurrently)No fee
- I-131 Travel Document (if filing concurrently)No fee
Adjustment Eligibility Categories
You may be eligible for adjustment of status if you qualify under:
- Family-based immigration (approved I-130 petition with current priority date)
- Employment-based immigration (approved I-140 petition with current priority date)
- Diversity visa lottery winners (DV program selectees)
- Asylum/refugee adjustment (1+ year after asylum grant or refugee admission)
- Special immigrant categories (religious workers, international organization employees)
- Registry cases (continuous residence since before January 1, 1972)
- Other special programs (T visa, U visa, VAWA self-petitioners after approval)
Common Ineligibility Bars
Unlawful Entry Without Inspection
Entered U.S. without inspection (with limited exceptions for immediate relatives)
Waiver Options: May require consular processing or specific waiver eligibility
Criminal Inadmissibility
Criminal convictions that trigger inadmissibility under INA 212(a)(2)
Waiver Options: I-601 waiver may be available depending on conviction type
Immigration Violations
Fraud, misrepresentation, or other immigration violations
Waiver Options: I-601 waiver required for most inadmissibility grounds
Out of Status
Failed to maintain lawful status (with exceptions for immediate relatives)
Waiver Options: INA 245(k) provides limited protection for brief status violations
Required Supporting Documents
Essential documents for complete I-485 application:
- Form I-485 application completed and signed
- Copy of government-issued photo identification
- Copy of birth certificate with certified English translation
- Two passport-style photographs taken within 30 days
- Copy of passport pages showing identity and admission stamps
- Copy of I-94 arrival/departure record
- Evidence of current lawful status (I-20, EAD, H-1B approval, etc.)
- Copy of approved underlying petition (I-130, I-140, etc.)
- Civil documents (marriage certificates, divorce decrees, if applicable)
- Court records for any arrests or criminal history
- Medical examination report (Form I-693) in sealed envelope
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) if required for family-based cases
Medical Examination (Form I-693)
Complete medical examination includes:
- Vaccination record review and administration of required vaccines
- Physical examination by USCIS-designated civil surgeon
- Blood tests for syphilis and HIV (15+ years old)
- Chest X-ray to screen for tuberculosis (2+ years old)
- Mental health evaluation if history of mental disorders
- Treatment for any Class A medical conditions
- Form I-693 completed by civil surgeon in sealed envelope
- Medical exam must be current when filed (within 60 days if filed separately)
Civil Surgeon Requirements
Medical exam must be completed by USCIS-designated civil surgeon. Find authorized civil surgeons at uscis.gov/civil-surgeons. Exam costs $200-$500+ depending on location and required vaccines.
I-485 Application Process
1
Determine Eligibility
Confirm you meet eligibility requirements and have current priority date for adjustment
2
Complete Medical Examination
Schedule and complete required medical exam with USCIS-designated civil surgeon
3
File I-485 Application
Submit complete I-485 package with supporting documents and fees to USCIS lockbox
4
Biometrics Appointment
Attend scheduled biometrics appointment at USCIS Application Support Center
5
Work/Travel Authorization
Receive EAD and/or advance parole documents if requested (concurrent filing)
6
USCIS Interview (if required)
Attend adjustment interview at local USCIS field office with spouse (if applicable)
7
Decision and Status
USCIS approves or denies adjustment application - approved applicants become LPRs
8
Green Card Receipt
Physical green card (I-551) mailed within 120 days of approval
Concurrent Filing Benefits
File Together for Maximum Protection
- I-485 (adjustment of status application)
- I-765 (work authorization - Employment Authorization Document)
- I-131 (travel document - advance parole)
- I-693 (medical examination report - can file separately within 1 year)
- Supporting documents for underlying petition eligibility
Work and Travel Authorization
Concurrent I-765/I-131 applications provide work authorization and travel documents while I-485 is pending, typically approved within 8-12 months.
Interview Preparation
Critical preparation steps for USCIS adjustment interview:
- Review entire I-485 application and be prepared to explain any inconsistencies
- Bring original versions of all documents submitted with application
- For marriage-based cases: extensive evidence of bona fide marriage
- Be prepared to answer questions about background, travel, employment history
- Address any criminal history honestly with court records and rehabilitation evidence
- Understand the basis for your eligibility and underlying petition
- Practice English language skills if interviewed in English
- Arrive early with spouse (if applicable) and all requested documents
Processing Times and Expectations
Current Processing Time
I-485 processing times range from 13-33 months depending on USCIS field office and case complexity. Employment-based cases often process faster than family-based.
Interview Requirements
Most family-based I-485 applications require interviews. Some employment-based cases may be approved without interview based on case characteristics.
After I-485 Approval
I-551 Stamp in Passport
USCIS stamps passport showing temporary evidence of permanent residence
Physical Green Card Production
USCIS produces and mails physical green card within 120 days of approval
Social Security Update
Update status with Social Security Administration to remove work restrictions
Travel Considerations
Can travel with I-551 stamp/green card - no advance parole needed
Conditional vs. Permanent
2-year conditional status if married less than 2 years at approval - must file I-751
Conditional Permanent Residence
2-Year Conditional Status
- Applies to marriage-based cases where marriage is less than 2 years old at approval
- Must file Form I-751 to remove conditions within 90 days of 2nd anniversary
- I-751 requires evidence that marriage was entered in good faith, not for immigration
- Failure to file I-751 results in automatic termination of residence status
Common Denial Reasons
Eligibility Issues
Failure to maintain eligibility throughout processing, priority date retrogression, or underlying petition denial can result in I-485 denial.
Inadmissibility
Criminal history, immigration violations, health issues, or public charge grounds can lead to denial without appropriate waivers.
Documentation Problems
Incomplete medical exams, missing civil documents, or insufficient evidence of relationship authenticity frequently cause denials.
I-485 Denials and Options
Motion to Reopen/Reconsider
- • File within 30 days of denial decision
- • Address specific reasons for denial with new evidence
- • Limited to procedural or legal errors in decision
- • Success rates vary based on denial reasons
Alternative Options
- • Consular processing if eligible and admissible
- • New I-485 application if underlying petition remains valid
- • Immigration court proceedings if in removal proceedings
- • Waiver applications for inadmissibility grounds
Strategic Filing Considerations
Maximize Success with Proper Planning
- Time filing strategically with priority date movement and retrogression
- Address inadmissibility issues proactively with appropriate waivers
- Maintain status and eligibility throughout entire processing period
- Consider concurrent filing benefits for work and travel authorization
- Prepare comprehensively for potential interview with strong supporting evidence