Fill out I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) online
Form I-485 is the application to adjust immigration status to lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) while in the United States. It is used by individuals who are eligible to become permanent residents through a family member, employer, refugee/asylee status, or other qualifying category, without having to return to their home country to obtain an immigrant visa.
How to fill out I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status)
Determine eligibility and gather documents
Confirm that a visa number is currently available for your category using the Department of State Visa Bulletin. Gather required documents: passport, birth certificate, immigration medical exam (I-693), two passport photos, evidence of lawful entry, and the approved petition receipt.
Complete applicant information
Enter your full legal name, A-Number (if any), date and country of birth, nationality, Social Security number, immigration status, most recent entry to the U.S. (date, place, status), and current address.
Answer processing and background questions
Provide your employment and address history, family information, and answer all eligibility and inadmissibility questions honestly. These include questions about criminal history, immigration violations, public charge, and security grounds.
Include additional forms if applicable
Depending on your category, include Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) for family-based cases, Form I-693 (medical examination), Form I-765 (work permit), and Form I-131 (advance parole for travel) if desired.
Sign and submit with fees
Sign and date the application. Include the filing fee and biometrics fee (check current amounts on uscis.gov). Submit the complete package to the correct USCIS lockbox. USCIS will issue a receipt notice and schedule biometrics.
About I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status)
Who needs this form
Individuals physically present in the United States who are eligible to adjust to permanent resident status, including beneficiaries of approved family-based or employment-based immigrant petitions, refugees and asylees, Diversity Visa lottery winners, and certain special immigrants. A visa number must be immediately available in your category at the time of filing.
Where to submit
Mail the completed application with all required supporting documents and fees to the USCIS lockbox address specified in the form instructions. The specific address depends on whether your case is based on a family, employment, or other category. USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment and may schedule an interview.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-24
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Filing before a visa number is available in your preference category (check the Visa Bulletin)
- Not filing concurrently with the underlying petition (I-130, I-140) when eligible to do so
- Omitting required supporting documents such as medical examination (I-693), birth certificate, or passport copies
- Not disclosing prior immigration violations, criminal history, or previous denials (nondisclosure can result in permanent denial)
Frequently asked questions
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Can I work and travel while my I-485 is pending?
You can apply for work authorization (EAD) using Form I-765 and advance parole for travel using Form I-131 concurrently with your I-485. Once approved, the EAD allows you to work for any employer, and advance parole allows you to travel and re-enter the U.S. However, traveling without advance parole while your case is pending may be considered abandonment of your application.
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