USCIS

Form I-485

Rev. 06/20/24

Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

Apply to become a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card) while in the United States.

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Plain English

Form I-485 is the application to adjust your immigration status to lawful permanent resident while inside the United States. Once approved, you receive a Green Card.

Quick Facts

Who: Foreign nationals already in the U.S. who are eligible to apply for a Green Card through family, employment, asylum, or other qualifying categories.
What: The application to adjust from a temporary nonimmigrant status to lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) without leaving the U.S.
When: As soon as a visa number becomes available in your category and priority date becomes current (per the Visa Bulletin).
Where: Filed with USCIS. Generally requires filing with other forms depending on the category (I-130, I-140, I-765, I-131).
Why: Adjusting status in the U.S. avoids consular processing abroad, allows you to stay during processing, and you may receive work and travel authorization in the meantime.
How: Complete extensive application with personal history, address/employment history for past 5 years, medical exam, biometrics, and supporting documents.

Common Risks & Mistakes

  • •Filing too early before visa number is available — application will be rejected or denied
  • •Accumulating unlawful presence — any period out of status before filing can bar adjustment
  • •Criminal or immigration violations — many offenses make you inadmissible to adjust status
  • •Missing medical exam (Form I-693) requirement — must be completed by USCIS civil surgeon
  • •Public charge issues — receiving certain public benefits may affect eligibility
  • •Incorrectly completing address/employment history — USCIS reviews 5-year history thoroughly

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Field-by-Field Guide

Part 1
Full Legal NameREQUIREDtext

Your current legal name as it appears on your passport.

Other Names Usedtext

All former names, maiden names, aliases.

Date of BirthREQUIREDdate

MM/DD/YYYY as shown on your birth certificate.

Country of Birth / CitizenshipREQUIREDtext

Country where you were born and current citizenship.

A-Numbertext

If you have an existing Alien Registration Number.

Part 2
Application Type / Eligibility CategoryREQUIREDselect

Select the immigrant category: family-based, employment-based, refugee/asylee, diversity visa, etc.

Part 3
Address HistoryREQUIREDtext

All addresses for the past 5 years.

Part 4
Employment HistoryREQUIREDtext

All jobs for the past 5 years (employer, address, dates, position).

Part 8
SignatureREQUIREDsignature

Certifies all answers are complete and correct under penalty of perjury.

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Form Stats

9
Fields
7
Required
5
Sections

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Disclaimer: We do not provide legal advice. We translate legal language into plain English and help you prepare for a conversation with a lawyer.