Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status

What Form I-485 is for

USCIS says to use Form I-485 to apply for lawful permanent resident status if you are in the United States. The process is called adjustment of status. A person who is outside the United States cannot use it and must obtain a visa through consular processing instead.^{[1], [2]}

Who may file

The I-485 page mentions several categories under which people may file, including family-sponsored and employment-based preference categories, the Afghan Special Immigrant classification, and applicants relying on INA section 245(i). Eligibility within each category has its own requirements, which USCIS describes on category-specific pages.^{[1], [2]}

When you can file

USCIS says that, in general, you may not file Form I-485 until an immigrant visa is immediately available in your category. For immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, visas are unlimited and always available. For preference categories, availability depends on your priority date and the Visa Bulletin.^{[1], [4], [6]}

For preference categories USCIS says a visa must be immediately available both when you file and when it makes a final decision. Which chart in the Visa Bulletin applies is announced by USCIS each month, so check its filing charts page.^{[8], [7]}

How it is filed

You can file by mail on paper or online through a USCIS account, depending on your eligibility category. Where a paper application goes also depends on the category.^[1]

Initial evidence USCIS lists

• Two passport-style photographs
• A copy of a government-issued identity document with a photograph
• A copy of your birth certificate, or an acceptable alternative if it is unavailable
• Documentation of inspection and admission or parole
• Documentation of your immigrant category, such as an approval or receipt notice
• The medical examination on Form I-693
• The Affidavit of Support on Form I-864 or I-864EZ, if required
• Criminal records documentation, if applicable

Sources:^[3]

For an immediate relative, USCIS also expects evidence of the approved Form I-130 or proof that it was filed concurrently. USCIS says not to send original documents unless it specifically requests them.^[3]

After you file

USCIS issues a receipt notice. Applicants who file through a lockbox may not see an A-Number on the first notice; USCIS says it arrives separately a few days later. You may file Form I-765 for employment authorization and Form I-131 for a travel document together with Form I-485. This guide does not cover travel while the application is pending, which can raise separate issues; read the USCIS guidance on that topic before you travel.^[1]

Fees and common mistakes

USCIS says to pay the correct filing fee for each form unless you are exempt or eligible for a fee waiver, and it points to its fee schedule for current amounts. Fees can change.^{[4], [1], [9]}

• Filing before a visa is immediately available in your category
• Relying on a Visa Bulletin chart other than the one USCIS designates for the month
• Leaving out the medical examination or a required Affidavit of Support
• Sending original documents that were not requested

Sources:^{[1], [7], [3]}

Forms mentioned

• I-485
• I-130
• I-693
• I-864
• I-765
• I-131

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

• Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative — Form I-130
• How to Read the Visa Bulletin — How to read the Visa Bulletin
• Green Card Through Marriage to a U.S. Citizen — Green card through marriage
• Getting a Green Card: Routes, Forms and Visa Availability — Green card

Sources checked

Official sources this page was written from, in order of authority. See our sources policy.

1. [1] I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

   USCIS · Official source · Checked October 3, 2026 · Source last updated September 18, 2026

   Supports: purpose, categories, visa-availability rule, filing methods, receipt notice and A-Number, I-765 and I-131, fees

2. [2] Adjustment of Status

   USCIS · Official source · Checked October 3, 2026 · Source last updated July 24, 2026

   Supports: adjustment of status is for people inside the United States; outside the U.S. requires consular processing

3. [3] Checklist of Required Initial Evidence for Form I-485 (for informational purposes only)

   USCIS · Official source · Checked October 3, 2026 · Source last updated July 8, 2025

   Supports: initial evidence list; I-130 evidence for immediate relatives; do not send originals

4. [4] Green Card for Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizen

   USCIS · Official source · Checked October 3, 2026 · Source last updated January 30, 2026

   Supports: unlimited visas for immediate relatives; concurrent or sequential filing; fee statement

5. [5] Form I-130/I-130A, Instructions for Petition for Alien Relative

   USCIS · Official source · Checked October 3, 2026 · Source last updated May 19, 2026

   Supports: concurrent filing of I-130 and I-485 for immediate relatives

6. [6] Visa Availability and Priority Dates

   USCIS · Official source · Checked October 3, 2026 · Source last updated January 24, 2025

   Supports: priority dates; Final Action Dates chart unless USCIS indicates otherwise

7. [7] Adjustment of Status Filing Charts from the Visa Bulletin

   USCIS · Official source · Checked October 3, 2026 · Source last updated October 1, 2026

   Supports: USCIS designates the chart each month

8. [8] Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants

   USCIS · Official source · Checked October 3, 2026 · Source last updated July 8, 2025

   Supports: visa must be available at filing and at final decision

9. [9] G-1055, Fee Schedule

   USCIS · Official source · Checked October 3, 2026 · Source last updated October 1, 2026

   Supports: fees can change; fee schedule