How to Adjust your Status for Green Card
Adjustment of status is the process of changing from one immigration status to another. If a person adjusts their status from non-immigrant (temporary) to immigrant (permanent) they will receive a U.S. green card. Immigrant is the term used for people who have permanently settled in the U.S., also known as U.S. permanent residents. U.S. permanent residents may live and work in the U.S. permanently.
Steps to Adjust your Status for a Green Card
1. The applicant checks if there is a visa available, before they file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
- Through petition filed by family member
- Through petition filed by employer
- Through refugee or asylum status
- Through special immigrant status
2. The applicant completes Form I-485 and attaches the following documents:
- Official travel document
- Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, even if expired
- Any additional documents listed in the form instructions
3. The applicant attaches the filing fee of $985 plus an additional $85 for the biometric fee to the I-485 application.
There are certain exceptions to the biometrics fee, and they are:
- If the applicant is 79 years of age or older
- If the applicant has been admitted to the U.S. as a refugee
- If the applicant is filing as a refugee under section 209(a) of the INA
- If the applicant is under 14 years of age:
- Filing with the I-485 application of at least one parent has a fee total of $635
- Not filing with the I-485 application of at least one parent has a fee total of $985
4. The applicant submits the application package to USCIS.
The filing address depends on the category under which the applicant is filing and their residence in the U.S.
5. USCIS notifies the applicant to appear at the Application Support Center.
The applicant completes the biometrics collection that includes taking their photograph, signature and fingerprints.
6. The applicant is notified to appear for an interview at the USCIS office nearest them.
The notification will include the date, time and place of the interview. The applicant may be asked to bring originals of the documents they submitted along with the I-485 application.
USCIS notifies the applicant of the decision.
If approved, the green card is sent by mail.
