How to File Form I-485
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is the application for a U.S. green card for people living in the U.S. on a valid visa. Applicants must be eligible for U.S. permanent residence to apply. People eligible for permanent residence living outside of the U.S. should apply for an immigrant visa to get a green card.
Steps to File Form I-485
1. The applicant completes Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
2. The applicant collects required documentation to be included with the application package.
All applicants, regardless of their eligibility category, must include the following documents with their application:
- Criminal history
- Birth certificate
- Copy of passport page with nonimmigrant visa
- Two passport-style photographs
- Biometrics (make an appointment with USCIS)
- Medical examination (make an appointment with a USCIS-approved doctor)
- Form G-325A, Biographic Information Sheet
Applicants also must submit evidence of their eligibility for permanent residence, such as an immigrant petition.
3. The applicant includes the filing fee of $985 and biometrics fee of $85 (total $1070) with the I-485 application.
The applicant may not be required to pay the entire $1070 fee:
- Applicants aged 79 years and older are not required to pay the biometrics fee.
- If admitted to the U.S. as a refugee, the applicant is not required to pay a fee.
- If the applicant is under age 14 and filing with at least one parent, the fee is $635.
- If the applicant is under age 14 and not filing with a parent, the fee is $985.
4. The applicant submits the I-485 application with fee(s) and required documents to the appropriate USCIS office.
The address depends on the applicant’s reason for filing (eligibility category).
5. The applicant waits to hear from from USCIS.
If the applicant has attached a completed Form G-1145, Notification of Acceptance of Application/Petition, with the application, they will receive an email or text message when their application has been accepted. Applicants will also be issued a receipt number, which can be used to track their application.
If the I-485 application is approved, the applicant will be scheduled for a interview at a USCIS office. After the interview, USCIS will decide whether or not to give the applicant a green card.
