ALERT: If you file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, on or after Dec. 23, 2022, then you must use the 12/23/22 edition of Form I-485 or we will reject your filing. If you filed Form I-485 before Dec. 23, 2022, you must use the 07/15/22 edition of Form I-485 or we will reject your filing.
If you file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, on or after Dec. 23, 2022, you must use the 12/23/22 edition of Form I-485 or we will reject your filing. If you file Form I-485 before Dec. 23, 2022, you must use the 07/15/22 edition of Form I-485 or we will reject your filing.
On Sept. 9, 2022, DHS published thePublic Charge Ground of Inadmissibilityfinal rule to provide clarity and consistency for noncitizens on how DHS will administer the public charge ground of inadmissibility. The new final rule will go into effect on Dec. 23, 2022, and requires collection of information in the new 12/23/2022 edition of Form I-485.
Preview versions of the new 12/23/2022 edition of Form I-485 and form instructions were published on Regulations.gov on Sept. 9, 2022. Preview versions of the new Form I-485 and form instructions were also published on uscis.gov on Nov. 23, 2022.
USCIS has published the final 12/23/22 edition of Form I-485 for applicants to prepare their applications in advance of Dec. 23, 2022. DO NOT file the 12/23/22 edition of Form I-485 before Dec. 23, 2022. USCIS will reject any Form I-485 with the edition date of 12/23/22 filed before Dec. 23, 2022.
What to Know About Sending Us Your Form
- We will reject the 07/15/22 edition of Form I-485 if it is postmarked on or after Dec. 23, 2022.
- We will reject the 12/23/22 edition of Form I-485 if it is postmarked on or before Dec. 22, 2022.
*For filings sent by commercial courier (such as UPS, FedEx and DHL), the postmark date is the date reflected on the courier receipt.
ALERT: Here are ways you can help prevent an unnecessary delay in the adjudication of your Form I-485:
Here are ways you can help prevent an unnecessary delay in the adjudication of your Form I-485:
- Submit your Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, at the same time you file your Form I-485;
- File all required initial evidence and supporting documentation as described in the form instructions. You may use Checklist of Required Initial Evidence as an optional resource; and
- Use the current edition for Form I-485 (edition date 12/23/22).
Submitting all required initial evidence and supporting documentation at the same time you file Form I-485 may eliminate the need for us to issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) to obtain additional evidence and documentation.
If you are required to submit a Form I-693, we cannot approve your Form I-485 without your Form I-693. We generally consider a completed Form I-693 to remain valid for two years after the date the civil surgeon signed it.
ALERT:From Dec. 9, 2021 until March 31, 2023, we are temporarily waiving the requirement that a civil surgeon must sign your Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, no more than 60 days before you file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
From Dec. 9, 2021 until March 31, 2023, we are temporarily waiving the requirement that a civil surgeon must sign your Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, no more than 60 days before you file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This temporary waiver has been in effect since Dec. 9, 2021, and will remain in effect until March 31, 2023.
We still encourage you to undergo the immigration medical examination close to the time you file your Form I-485, because your Form I-693 is only valid for two years from the date of the civil surgeon’s signature. After the two-year time frame, you must submit a new Form I-693 if we have not adjudicated your Form I-485.
ALERT: To improve efficiency and reduce Form I-765 processing times for Form I-485 applicants, we may separate Form I-765 from Form I-131 filed at the same time.
To improve efficiency and reduce Form I-765 processing times for Form I-485 applicants, we may separate Form I-765 from Form I-131 filed at the same time. Effective Feb. 1, 2022, when possible, we will adjudicate the request for employment authorization first and, if it is approved, we will issue an Employment Authorization Document without any notation about advanced parole. We will adjudicate the Form I-131 separately and, if it is approved, we will issue an advance parole document.
ALERT: If you are an Afghan parolee with an approved Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, as an Afghan employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government or International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, or an approved Form DS-157, Petition for Special Immigrant Classification for Afghan SIV Applicants, and you did not complete Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, we encourage you to file Form I-485 as soon as possible to apply to become a lawful permanent resident and get a Green Card if eligible.
If you are an Afghan parolee with an approved Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, as an Afghan employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government or International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, and you did not complete Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, at a safe haven, we encourage you to file Form I-485 as soon as possible to apply to become a lawful permanent resident and get a Green Card. You must provide a U.S. address to file Form I-485. If your address changes, you must notify us of your new address within 10 days by submitting Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card. The fastest way to submit your Form AR-11 is online. Special filing instructions apply to those filing Form I-485 in this category. You do not have to pay the filing or biometric services fees for Form I-485 if you were paroled into the United States due to the humanitarian crisis and are applying for adjustment as an Afghan Special Immigrant.
When filing Form I-485, include evidence of an approved Form I-360 petition or a copy of the Chief of Mission approval letter which also indicates approval of your Form DS-157 petition.
Review filing instructions at ourGreen Card for an Afghan Who Was Employed by or on Behalf of the U.S. Governmentpage, and see the instructions for Form I-485 (PDF, 906.63 KB) for complete filing information.
What This Form Can Help You Do
Become a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder) Through a Job Offer
Become a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder) Through Asylee Status
Become a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder) Through Refugee Status
Green Card Eligibility
U.S. Citizen Petition for a Preference Relative to Become a Lawful Permanent Resident
U.S. Citizen Petition for an Immediate Relative to Become a Lawful Permanent Resident
Forms and Document Downloads
Form I-485 (PDF, 1023.13 KB)
Instructions for Form I-485 (PDF, 906.63 KB)
Form Details
Edition Date
12/23/22. If you file Form I-485 on or after Dec. 23, 2022, you must use the 12/23/22 edition or we will reject your filing. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.
Dates are listed in mm/dd/yy format.
If you complete and print this form to mail it in, make sure that the form edition date and page numbers are visible at the bottom of all pages and that all pages are from the same edition of the form. If any of the form’s pages are missing or are from a different edition of the form, we may reject your form.
If you need help downloading and printing forms, read our instructions.
Where to File
Where you file your Form I-485 depends on your eligibility category. Go to ourDirect Filing Addresses for Form I-485page to see where you should file your application.
If you file at a USCIS lockbox, you may not receive an A-Number on your Form I-797, Notice of Action, due to a change in our business process. In these cases, we will send your A-Number in a second notice a few days after accepting your application.
When to File
Save time by submitting all required initial evidence and supporting documentation listed under “Checklist of Required Initial Evidence” heading at the same time you file Form I-485. (Note the checklist is an optional tool to use as you prepare your form, but does not replace statutory, regulatory, and form instruction requirements). Submitting all required initial evidence and supporting documentation at the same time you file Form I-485 may eliminate the need for us to issue a Request for Evidence to obtain additional documentation and evidence. This may also help avoid adjudication delays if we decide that you do not need to be interviewed.
You may also save time by submitting Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, with your Form I-485. We generally consider a completed Form I-693 to remain valid for two years after the date the civil surgeon signed Form I-693. Effective Dec. 9, 2021, until March 31, 2023, we are temporarily waiving the requirement that the civil surgeon’s signature be dated no more than 60 days before you file your Form I-485.
Filing Fee
The filing fee varies. See the chart below for filing fees based on your category.
You may pay the fee with a money order, personal check, orpay by credit cardusingForm G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
When you send a payment, you agree to pay for a government service. Filing and biometric service fees are final and non-refundable, regardless of any action we take on your application, petition, or request, or if you withdraw your request.Use ourFee Calculatorto help determine your fee.
Pay each filing fee separately. We are transitioning to electronically processing immigration benefit requests, which requires us to use multiple systems to process your package. Because of this, you must pay each filing fee separately for any form you submit. We may reject your entire package if you submit a single, combined payment for multiple forms.
Read ourPaying USCIS Feespagefor more details.
If You Are… | Form Fee | Biometric | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
Under 14 and filing with the Form I-485 | $750 | $0 | $750 |
Under 14 andnotfiling with the Form I-485 application of at least one parent | $1,140 | $0 | $1,140 |
Age 14–78 | $1,140 | $85 | $1,225 |
Age 79 or older | $1,140 | $0 | $1,140 |
Filing Form I-485 based on having been admitted to the United States as a refugee | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Through Sept. 30, 2023, there is no fee to file Form I-485 to adjust status on the basis of classification as an Afghan special immigrant, or for any associated biometric services or to file an associated Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility.
Checklist of Required Initial Evidence (for informational purposes only)
View thechecklistof required initial evidence, and remember that filing your Form I-693 with Form I-485 may eliminate the need for us to issue a Request for Evidence to obtain your Form I-693.
Form Filing Tips
Filing Tips:Go to ourTips for Filing Forms by Mailpage for information on how to help ensure we will accept your application.
Don’t forget to sign your form.We will reject any unsigned form.
Special Instructions
Afghan SIV
Effective July 20, 2022, we transitioned the responsibility to adjudicate Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) petitions filed by Afghans to the U.S. Department of State. Afghans who start the SIV application process on or after July 20, 2022, will seek classification as a special immigrant with Department of State (DOS) by filing Form DS-157 with the application for Chief of Mission (COM) approval. For more information, see instructions on the DOS website on Special Immigrant Visas for Afghans – Who Were Employed by/on Behalf of the U.S. Government.
When filing Form I-485, you must supply evidence of an approved Form I-360 or a copy of the COM approval letter that also indicates approval of your Form DS-157.
INA 245(i)
If you are seeking to adjust status under the provisions of section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, seeSupplement Afor additional instructions.
Filing I-485 Supplement J
If you are filing Form I-485 together with a Form I-140 that names you as the principal beneficiary, you do not need to file Supplement J.
However, you must file Supplement J if you are filing Form I-485 based on a previously filed Form I-140 or if you are requesting job portability to a new, permanent job offer under INA section 204(j). Go to ourForm I-485, Supplement J pagefor specific instructions on when and how to file Supplement J.
Filing Forms I-765 and Form I-131 with Form I-485
If you submit Form I-485 and pay the required fee, you do not have to pay an additional fee to also file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and/or Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, for advance parole. You may submit these forms together. If you choose not to file Form I-765 and/or Form I-131 with your Form I-485, then you must submit a copy of your I-797C, Notice of Action, (also known as your receipt) as evidence that you filed Form I-485.
Which Box to Check in Part 2 of Form I-485
Before filing a Form I-485 based on a family-sponsored or employment-based preference category, check our Visa Bulletin page to see if your priority date makes you eligible to apply.
If you are the principal applicant, check the appropriate box inPart 2, Item 1.,of Form I-485 and check the appropriate box inPart 2, Item 2.a.through8.e.
If you are the derivative spouse or child of the principal applicant, check the appropriate box inPart 2, Item 1.,of Form I-485 and check the appropriate box inPart 2, Item 2.a.through8.e.
For more information on the Visa Bulletin or the charts, please go to ourVisa Availability and Priority Datespage.
Premium Processing
You may file Form I-485 and Form I-140 together at the USCIS Dallas Lockbox.
If you are requesting premium processing for Form I-140, you must also fileForm I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service. Refer to ourDirect Filing Addresses for Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers,pageif you want to file Forms I-485, I-140, and I-907 together. Do NOT file Form I-907 at a USCIS lockbox.
If you are filing Form I-485 based on a pending or approved Form I-140, go to ourDirect Filing Addresses for Form I-485pageto see where to file your application.
Read the Employment-Based Preferences chart in theDepartment of State’s Visa Bulletinpage to ensure your priority date is current before you file your application.
E-Notification: If you want to receive an email and/or text message when we accept your form at a USCIS lockbox facility, complete Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, and clip it to the first page of your application.
Attorney or Representative
You may be represented, at no expense to the U.S. government, by an attorney or other authorized representative. Your representative must submit Form G-28, Notice of Entry or Appearance as Attorney or Representative, with your Form I-485. Your representative may also submit Form G-28 at the time of your interview.
Related Links
- Card Delivery Tracking
- Immigration Benefits in EOIR Removal Proceedings
- Filing Directions to Obtain Employment Authorization and Advance Parole Card Where Adjustment of Status Application is Pending
- Form I-693,Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
- How USCIS Determines Same or Similar Occupational Classifications for Job Portability Under AC21
- USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 7, Adjustment of Status
- Public Charge
FAQs
What is application to register permanent residence or adjust status? ›
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is used by a person in the United States to apply for lawful permanent resident status. Throughout these Instructions, we will sometimes refer to Form I-485 as an application for adjustment of status or as an adjustment application.
How long does i-485 Application to Register permanent residence or Adjust Status take? ›The processing time for Form I-485 for family-based applications is currently 12-27 months. Processing times for Form I-485 vary depending on your category of adjustment and which USCIS field office is processing the application.
How long does it take to adjust status to permanent resident? ›The adjustment of status timeline is generally 8 to 14 months for family-based applications (and often longer for other application types). However, the most significant advantage to adjusting status is that the intending immigrant may remain in the United States with family during the process.
What is application for adjustment of status? ›Adjustment of status is the process that you can use to apply for lawful permanent resident status (also known as applying for a Green Card) when you are present in the United States. This means that you may get a Green Card without having to return to your home country to complete visa processing.
How much does it cost to adjust status? ›| If You Are… | Form Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Under 14 and not filing with the Form I-485 application of at least one parent | $1,140 | $1,140 |
| Age 14–78 | $1,140 | $1,225 |
| Age 79 or older | $1,140 | $1,140 |
| Filing Form I-485 based on having been admitted to the United States as a refugee | $0 | $0 |
Upon approval, the applicant is mailed a Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card. The date the Form I-485 is approved becomes the date of adjustment, which in turn determines how soon the newly adjusted Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) may apply for U.S. citizenship. Permanent Resident Cards are valid for ten years.
How can I speed up my I-485? ›You can generally request expedited processing by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) or by asking Emma after you have obtained a receipt notice. (You can access Emma by clicking on the Ask Emma icon on the top right of this page).
Is 485 approval same as green card? ›As a result of the I-485 Adjustment of Status application approval, any temporary I-766 EAD Work Permit and Advance Parole documents are no longer valid because the I-485 is no longer pending. The work authorization and travel document is the green card.
How long does it take to get green card after I-485 approval? ›After you receive the welcome notice, you should receive your Green Card in the mail sometime in the next 30 days. Altogether, that means you should receive your Green Card within 60 days of your approval for permanent resident status.
Can you be deported while waiting for adjustment of status? ›However, while you are waiting to hear if you get on the waitlist or if USCIS has made a bona fide determination, you will not have any sort of legal status or deferred action, so you could be at risk of deportation.
Can I stay in the US while waiting for adjustment of status? ›
When you apply for a green card through an adjustment of status, you don't have to go back to your home country when your visa expires. You are allowed to remain in the United States until the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes your application.
Can I work while waiting for adjustment of status? ›While consular applicants must wait until they arrive in the U.S. with permanent resident status, adjustment of status applicants may obtain an employment authorization document (EAD) and accept work while waiting for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to approve the green card.
What happens if you don't file adjustment of status? ›If you don't file your AOS before the medical expires you will need to have another medical exam. If you arrived on a K-1 visa you will not be able to get back into the U.S. should you leave the country for some reason until you have either your green card or the Advance Parole document.
Who pays for adjustment of status? ›Typically the U.S. relative pays the fee for the petition. But your relative may expect you to pay for it. USCIS has a reduced fee for a child (under 14) if the application is filed with the I-485 of at least one parent.
Is Adjustment of Status difficult? ›There are many challenges when it comes to applying for a green card through an adjustment of status. Most of the time, mistakes occur because petitioners and even applicants file the wrong forms, provide incorrect info, or lack additional supporting documents.
Do I need a lawyer for I 485? ›You can fill out the immigration paperwork without an attorney's help. However, many people find that the process is highly complicated, and the consequences of making a mistake are quite serious. Paying an attorney can be well worth it.
Who Cannot adjust status in US? ›Inadmissible Aliens
Individuals, who have been convicted of certain crimes (such as crimes of moral turpitude), have been detained, or have been in removal proceedings are generally inadmissible and cannot adjust status within the United States.
Usually, the immigrant officer brings the decision right at the end of the interview. If the application has been approved, he or she will put the stamp in the immigrant passport, which is valid for 30 days as a green card. The green card will arrive by mail in the next 60 days.
How long is adjustment of status interview? ›The typical adjustment of status interview lasts about 20 minutes. However, you might (depending on the latest COVID health and safety protocols) wait in the waiting room much longer than that before the USCIS officer calls you in.
Do you need a sponsor for adjustment of status? ›Who has to have an affidavit of support in order to immigrate? Anyone applying to be a permanent resident through a family member must have a financial sponsor. A sponsor is also required for a family member coming to work for a relative, or for a company in which a relative owns 5 percent or more of the company.
Can you move while I-485 is pending? ›
Can you travel during this period? Generally speaking, adjustment applications will need to obtain an advance parole document in order to travel outside the U.S. while their Form I-485 (the application for a Green Card, or adjustment of status) is pending.
Which green card approval is fastest? ›The adjudication process starts as soon as the I-130 petition is received by the USCIS. Once it is approved, the green card will immediately become available. Complete Your Green Card Application in just 90 minutes.
Which is the fastest USCIS service center? ›- EAC or VSC: Vermont Service Center – 13 months on average.
- LIN or NSC: Nebraska Service Center – 6 months on average.
- SRC or TSC: Texas Service Center – 11 months on average.
- WAC or CSC: California Service Center – 8 months on average.
After your adjustment of status (I-485) petition is approved, you (and your dependents who applied with you) need to go to the nearby U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) local office to get your passport stamped.
Can I travel once my i-485 is approved? ›Returning from Overseas Trip After I-485 Approved
This process normally is the same as it would have been if the I-485 were still pending. For instance, if the person has a valid AP document, the airline typically will accept this as a valid document for immigration purposes.
Approximately 2 to 4 Weeks After Filing
If you properly file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, USCIS will initially respond by mailing you a receipt notice that confirms receipt of your application.
Some statistics suggest that as many as 11% of Form I-485 applications are rejected. A poorly prepared application can also delay the approval process and even create significant immigration problems.
How long does it take to get I-485 after biometrics 2023? ›The date, time, and place will be included in the Appointment Notice. The I-485 processing time after biometrics is 11 to 22 months.
Can marriage save you from deportation? ›The short answer is no. Marriage alone won't stop deportation or prevent you from being deported in the future. But, marriage to a US citizen can make it easier to establish your legal status in the United States.
Can I get a green card if I overstayed my visa? ›If you overstay your visa for less than 180 days, you may leave the US and apply for a green card through consular processing. If your overstay is more than 180 days, your only option is for your spouse to file USCIS Form N-400 to become a US citizen.
What happens if permanent residency is denied? ›
If your green card application isn't approved, you can refile or appeal it with Form I-290B to either appeal to the AAO or file a motion to reopen or reconsider your case. There is a required $675 filing fee for this form. You must file your green card application appeal within 30 days of receiving your denial notice.
What is the 90 day rule for adjustment of status? ›The 90-day rule applies a presumption that a nonimmigrant visa holder made a misrepresentation at the time of admission or application for a nonimmigrant visa when that nonimmigrant enters the United States and within 90 days engages in conduct inconsistent with his or her nonimmigrant status.
What should I bring to my adjustment status interview? ›- Government-Issued Photo ID. ...
- Appointment notice (I-797C, Notice of Action) for your I-485 interview.
- A complete copy of your adjustment of status application packet. ...
- Originals of any supporting documents that you submitted to USCIS with the adjustment of status application.
If you are eligible, file Form I-485 - Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status with USCIS, including all supporting documents and fees. USCIS will review your application and schedule an interview with you. Once issued, your Green Card will be valid for 10 years.
Who should I include on my permanent residence application? ›- spouse or partner.
- dependent children.
- dependent children of dependent children (grandchildren)
- Fill out the online form.
- Scan and upload the documents.
- Pay your fees.
- Submit your complete application.
- After you apply.
- Check your application status.
Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) is the system used for obtaining Labor Certification and is the first step for certain foreign nationals in obtaining an employment-based immigrant visa (Green Card). This is also known as PERM Labor Certification.
How long does it take to process permanent residence application USA? ›It may take up to 90 days from the date you entered to receive your permanent resident card. You entered the U.S. using your immigrant visa, You paid the immigrant visa fee AFTER you entered, It may take up to 90 days from the date you made your payment to receive your permanent resident card.
What happens after permanent residency approval? ›Once you become a permanent resident, we'll make an e-COPR available to you in the portal to provide proof of your new status in Canada. In this portal, we'll also ask you to provide a photo so we can start the process of issuing your first PR card. You don't need to apply for your first PR card.
What is the difference between residence permit and permanent residence permit? ›A residence permit is a temporary residence permit issued to a foreigner for a specified period of usually one to two years. It needs to be renewed regularly. Permanent residence is a permanent residence permit. You can get it only after a residence permit, if you have lived in the country for at least five years.
When should I apply for my permanent resident card? ›
When do I need to renew my Permanent Resident Card? You should renew your Permanent Resident Card if you were issued a card valid for 10 years that has either expired or will expire within the next 6 months. If your Permanent Resident Card is valid for only 2 years, you are a conditional resident.
What is proof of permanent residence status? ›A Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 OR IMM 5688), which is often abbreviated COPR, is a document that new Permanent Residents receive from Immigration Refuges and Citizenship Canada either before they travel to Canada or when they land in Canada.
How much does it cost to apply for a permanent resident card in the US? ›$455. (see Special Instructions for exceptions). A biometric services fee of $85 may also be required. Refer also to Special Instructions below for the table "Filing Fees by Application Reason".
How much does it cost to become a US permanent resident? ›How much does it cost to apply for a green card? The government filing fees for getting a family-based green card is $1760 for an applicant living in the United States or $1200 for an applicant living outside the United States.
What documents do I need to get a permanent resident card? ›Most people who apply for a Green Card will need to complete at least two forms—an immigrant petition and a Green Card application (Form I-485). Someone else usually must file the petition for you (often referred to as sponsoring or petitioning for you), although you may be eligible to file for yourself in some cases.
How long does it take to get a green card after PERM approval? ›We usually begin preparation of I-140 petition in advance to have it ready to file as soon as PERM is certified. I-140 processing is currently taking about 6-8 months. USCIS “premium processing” is available to reduce the initial processing time to about 2 weeks.
How long after PERM is approved? ›Once a PERM application is certified (approved) by DOL the employer must file an I-140 Immigrant Worker Petition with the USCIS within six months of the approval date of the PERM application.
How much does green card PERM cost? ›There is no government filing fee for the PERM petition. The USCIS fee for the I-140 filing is $700. PERM Attorney Fee ($4,995) and Advertising Fees (ranges from $1,000 to $4,000 based on market and size of ad) must be paid by the employer.