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Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
USCIS Form I-485 is the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, used by individuals who wish to become lawful permanent residents. The form has an expiration date of 10/31/2027.
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USCIS Form I-485 - Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
USCIS Form I-485 is the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, used by individuals who wish to become lawful permanent residents. The form has an expiration date of 10/31/2027.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Ensure you submit all evidence and supporting documentation listed in the Instructions section.
- 2Filing without submitting all required evidence and supporting documentation as listed in the instructions.
- 3Not indicating whether you are male or female based on birth certificate records (Item 5, Part 1).
- 4Omitting a safe mailing address when filing due to being a VAWA victim or SIJ (Part 1, Item 6).
- 5Failing to include public benefits for which the applicant is not listed as a beneficiary (Items 63.-66.).
Plain English
This form allows people who are in the U.S. legally but not yet permanent residents to apply for a green card or adjust their current legal status. By filing Form I-485, applicants formally request that USCIS grant them lawful permanent resident status, which is similar to getting a green card.
Submission Date
- Filing date: General instructions state that applicants should file the form when they need to adjust their status or register for permanent residence, but no specific filing deadline date is stated.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when a person is physically present in the United States and applies for lawful permanent resident status (a "Green Card").
- Do not use it when you are not physically present in the United States to file the application.
- Check Form G-1055 instead when seeking specific information regarding filing fees.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Your unmarried siblings under 21 years of age reside with you
This is a required piece of supporting evidence.
✓ Check if they are physically residing with you.
Your children as defined in INA section 101(b)(1) reside with you
This is a required piece of supporting evidence.
✓ Check the definition provided by INA section 101(b)(1).
You need to replace or initially obtain Form I-94
Use this form when you cannot get an electronic Form I-94 from the CBP website.
✓ Ensure you are filing Form I-102 with USCIS.
Deadline or filing window
The instructions do not state a specific trigger event deadline date. However, applicants must ensure they use the current edition of Form I-485; this version expires on 10/31/2027. Always review the Additional Instructions to confirm if any general evidence requirements do not apply to your case.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Passport page with admission or parole stamp
Passport page showing this stamp · Your passport
Passport page with nonimmigrant visa
Passport page showing the visa · Your passport
Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record
Paper copy obtained from CBP website or Form I-102 · CBP website / USCIS
Children residing with you
Proof of relationship and residency · Supporting documents
Unmarried siblings under 21 residing with you
Proof of relationship and residency · Supporting documents
Affidavit of Support
Documentation related to the Affidavit of Support · Varies (per category)
Before you submit
- 1Ensure you are physically present in the United States, as required by Form I-485.
- 2Verify that all evidence and supporting documentation listed in the Instructions have been submitted with Form I-485.
- 3Confirm your signature is on the application, ensuring it is an original handwritten ink signature (or a valid copy).
- 4Check if you need to submit additional instructions based on your category (e.g., Family-Based, Employment-Based).
- 5If applicable, ensure you have included the required Affidavit of Support under Section 213A of the INA.
- 6Verify that you have submitted evidence proving admission or parole via a passport stamp page.
- 7Confirm that your Form I-94 is attached (or proof of its existence/application for replacement).
How to file this form
- 1Complete all required sections of USCIS Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
- 2Gather and attach all necessary evidence, ensuring you include the Affidavit of Support if applicable.
- 3Sign the Form I-485 using your handwritten ink signature (or provide a valid copy).
- 4Determine the correct filing location based on where you are submitting the application.
Known limitations
- 1A person must be physically present in the United States to file Form I-485.
- 2General eligibility for adjustment of status under INA section 245(a) is barred if one or more adjustment bars in the INA apply.
- 3An individual may adjust status under INA section 245(i) even if present in the U.S. without inspection and admission or parole, or subject to an adjustment bar at INA section 245(c).
- 4Item Numbers 63.-66. on Form I-485 only ask about public benefits received in the past or currently being received where the filer was a listed beneficiary.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Part 1
5 items
Your current legal name as it appears on your passport.
All former names, maiden names, aliases.
MM/DD/YYYY as shown on your birth certificate.
Country where you were born and current citizenship.
If you have an existing Alien Registration Number.
Part 2
1 items
Select the immigrant category: family-based, employment-based, refugee/asylee, diversity visa, etc.
Part 3
1 items
All addresses for the past 5 years.
Part 4
1 items
All jobs for the past 5 years (employer, address, dates, position).
Part 8
1 items
Certifies all answers are complete and correct under penalty of perjury.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of USCIS Form I-485 has a revision date of 01/20/25, and the instructions are noted as being in draft form dated 02/18/2025. The source does not specify any changes from previous editions.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the instructions read 01/20/25.
- Fee — refer to Form G-1055 for specific fee amounts applicable to this form.
- Mailing address — Not stated in the official source (check on the agency site).
- Signature — confirm that a photocopy, fax, or scan is of the original document containing the handwritten ink signature.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the completed Form I-485.
- 2If you do not completely fill out the application or fail to submit required documents, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may reject or deny your application.
- 3The USCIS Contact Center can be called at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) for additional information after filing.
- 4If you need to request a disability accommodation/modification, follow instructions on your appointment notice or visit www.uscis.gov/accommodationsinfo.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.2 — Form I-485 is for a person in the United States to apply for lawful permanent resident status.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — You must be physically present in the United States to file Form I-485.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — Additional eligibility requirements may vary depending on the immigrant category when filing Form I-485.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — Under INA section 245(a), general ineligibility occurs if one or more adjustment bars apply.
- SRCInstructions p.7 — Items 63.-66. ask about public benefits received in the past or currently being received where you were a listed beneficiary.
- SRCForm p.1 — If required documents are missing or the application is incomplete, USCIS may reject or deny Form I-485.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — If your receipt number does not begin with IOE, you do not have an OAN (Other Alien Number).
- SRCInstructions p.2 — For more information on adjustment of status eligibility, visit the U.S. website (specific link not provided in excerpt).
Common confusion points
Who can file Form I-485?
You must be physically present in the United States to file this application.
→ Confirm you are currently inside the U.S.
What is an OAN if my receipt number doesn't start with IOE?
If your receipt number does not begin with IOE, you do not have an OAN (Other Alien Number).
→ Check that the required field for OAN is filled correctly based on the receipt type.
Are all benefits counted for Item Numbers 63.-66.?
No; these items only ask about public benefits (cash assistance or long-term institutionalization at government expense) where you are a listed beneficiary.
→ Double-check that you are listed as a beneficiary, even if you helped with the application.
What is the difference between an A-Number and an OAN?
The OAN is not the same as an A-Number.
→ Ensure you have correctly identified which number type is required for the specific field on Form I-485.
When should I file Form I-485?
You must be physically present in the United States to file this application, but additional eligibility requirements may vary by immigrant category.
→ Check your specific immigration category's instructions for precise filing timing.
Do all names need to be listed on Part 1?
Yes; provide your current legal name (without a nickname), family name, given name, and middle name (if applicable).
→ Ensure you list every other name ever used, including birth name, aliases, and assumed names.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- USCIS Contact Center (www.uscis.gov/contactcenter) for general inquiries.
Questions about USCIS Form I-485
What is USCIS Form I-485 used for?
This form allows people who are in the U.S. legally but not yet permanent residents to apply for a green card or adjust their current legal status. By filing Form I-485, applicants formally request that USCIS grant them lawful permanent resident status, which is similar to getting a green card.
Who must file USCIS Form I-485?
Individuals who are U nonimmigrants, asylees, refugees, or derivatives of those statuses may file Form I-485 with USCIS.
What information does USCIS Form I-485 require?
The form collects personal details in Part 1 (Information About You) and supplementary data in Part 4 (Additional Information About You). It also gathers information about public benefits received under Item Numbers 63.-66. in Part 1.
When is USCIS Form I-485 due?
General instructions state that applicants should file the form when they need to adjust their status or register for permanent residence, but no specific filing deadline date is stated.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-485?
Applicants can find information on where to file through the USCIS Contact Center at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter, as the instructions do not specify a single location.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-485?
Applicants must complete Part 1 (Information About You) and Part 4 (Additional Information About You). The instructions note that these parts collect biographical information formerly needed on Form G-325A. A photocopied, faxed, or scanned copy of an original handwritten signature is considered valid for filing.
What happens if USCIS Form I-485 is filed incorrectly?
While the source does not list a specific penalty for errors, filing incorrect documentation or failing to submit all required evidence may result in the application being rejected or delayed.
Who can file Form I-485?
You must be physically present in the United States to file this application. Confirm you are currently inside the U.S.
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