Prepare I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

Who this page is for

This page is for people already in the United States who want a clear, neutral overview of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. It is intended for applicants who may be eligible to request a Green Card through adjustment of status and who want to gather and organize their information before preparing the official USCIS form. The guide is also useful for anyone who wants to review the main topics covered on Form I-485 in a browser-friendly layout before printing, signing, and assembling a filing package for USCIS.

What is Form I-485?

Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) form used by certain noncitizens in the United States to apply for lawful permanent resident status. It is commonly known as the main adjustment of status application for a Green Card, as opposed to consular processing for people outside the United States. The form asks about your identity, immigration history, eligibility category, and admissibility under U.S. immigration law.

Used by certain noncitizens in the United States to apply for lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card) without having to return to their home country to complete visa processing.

People use Form I-485 in many different categories, including immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, some family-based and employment-based preference categories, and certain humanitarian categories. USCIS uses the information on Form I-485 together with other forms, evidence, background checks, and medical examinations to decide whether to approve permanent residence. This page helps you understand the structure of the current edition of Form I-485 and how to find the latest official instructions.

On this page you prepare for the official USCIS Form I-485 (Edition 04/01/24) by understanding what it covers and where to find the most recent instructions. You can then download the official PDF, review it carefully, sign where required, and follow USCIS directions for filing the application and supporting evidence.

Example situations where someone may use Form I-485

Form I-485 is used in a variety of adjustment of status situations. Illustrative examples include:

• A person in the United States who is the immediate relative of a U.S. citizen with an approved Form I-130 petition and an available visa number, and who is eligible to adjust status rather than apply for an immigrant visa abroad.
• An applicant in an employment-based immigrant category with an approved Form I-140 petition and a visa number that is current according to the Visa Bulletin, where USCIS allows filing of Form I-485.
• Certain applicants in humanitarian programs, such as some asylees or refugees, who meet the requirements to adjust status after a period of presence in the United States.
• Other noncitizens in categories that USCIS guidance lists as eligible to use Form I-485 when specific conditions are met, such as some special immigrant classifications.

These examples are general and do not confirm that any particular person is eligible to file Form I-485. Eligibility and timing depend on USCIS rules, visa availability, and individual circumstances as explained in official instructions and policy materials.

How to fill Form I-485

The official USCIS instructions for Form I-485 explain the exact structure of the form and how each part should be completed. While this page does not display the full application line-by-line, the outline below shows the kinds of sections you typically see on the current edition. You can use this overview to organize your information before you start filling out the official USCIS PDF or online form.

1. Basis of your application and eligibility category. Form I-485 asks you to indicate the immigrant category under which you are applying, such as family-based, employment-based, or humanitarian. USCIS uses this information to apply the correct eligibility rules and to match your case with any underlying petitions.
2. Information about you (the applicant). The form collects detailed biographic information, including your full name, date and place of birth, marital status, and current address history. You may also see questions about other names you have used and about your parents or other family members.
3. Immigration history and current status. USCIS asks about how and when you last entered the United States, your current and prior immigration status, and any previous applications or petitions filed on your behalf. These questions help USCIS determine whether you are eligible to adjust status and whether any bars or exceptions apply.
4. Security, admissibility, and background questions. Form I-485 contains a series of questions related to admissibility, including topics such as past immigration violations, criminal history, security-related issues, and other grounds that might affect eligibility. The official instructions provide important context for these questions and explain why USCIS asks for this information.
5. Additional information, interpreter, and preparer sections. Like many USCIS forms, Form I-485 includes spaces for additional information if you need to clarify answers, as well as sections for interpreters and preparers who help complete the form. There is also a certification section where you sign to confirm that everything is true and correct to the best of your knowledge.

After you review the USCIS instructions and gather your information, download the official Form I-485, fill it out according to the instructions, sign where required, assemble your supporting evidence, and follow USCIS guidance on how and where to file your application.

Common mistakes on Form I-485

• Leaving required biographic information blank or inconsistent across different USCIS forms in the same application package.
• Selecting the wrong eligibility category or failing to clearly indicate the basis for adjustment in the appropriate part of the form.
• Forgetting to sign and date the form in all required places, which can lead to a rejection or delay.
• Not including required initial evidence or medical examinations when USCIS guidance expects them to be submitted with the application packet.
• Providing unclear or incomplete answers in sections that ask about immigration history, entries to the United States, or prior applications and petitions.
• Not updating USCIS if an address changes after filing, which can cause important notices or biometrics appointment letters to be sent to the wrong place.
• Using an outdated edition of the form instead of the current version posted on the USCIS website.
• Sending the application to the wrong USCIS address or service center, when filing instructions specify a particular lockbox or location based on category and state of residence.

When Form I-485 is usually not used

Form I-485 is an adjustment of status application for people in the United States. Other processes and forms are generally used in situations such as:

• People who are outside the United States and applying for an immigrant visa through a U.S. consulate, where consular processing is the usual route instead of filing Form I-485 with USCIS.
• Certain categories that do not provide a basis for adjustment of status, where other USCIS or Department of State processes apply.
• Situations where there is no current immigrant visa number available, and USCIS guidance indicates that the applicant usually cannot yet file Form I-485.
• Applicants whose circumstances place them under separate processes or specialized forms, as explained in USCIS policy and instructions.

These are broad distinctions based on how USCIS and the Department of State describe their processes. They are not legal advice, and only official instructions or qualified legal guidance can address a specific person's situation.

Where to find the official USCIS instructions for Form I-485

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services publishes the latest edition of Form I-485 and its official instructions on the USCIS website. There you can find information about eligibility categories, required fees, where to file, and which supporting documents are typically expected. You can read these materials on the official USCIS Form I-485 page. This page is only a helper for understanding the form and does not replace the USCIS instructions or any legal advice.

Before you submit your application, it is important to verify that you are using the correct edition of the form and that you have followed the most current filing guidance available on the USCIS site for your category and location.

Where to get a blank or replacement Form I-485

If you need a blank application, you can download the current official Form I-485 PDF directly from USCIS. This page points you to that official PDF so you can print, sign, and include it in a filing package that meets USCIS requirements. USCIS may also provide online filing options for certain I-485 categories, which are explained on the official form page.

If you realize that you made an error after preparing or filing an application, USCIS instructions and notices explain how corrections or updates may be handled. Keeping a copy of your final signed I-485 and supporting documents can make it easier to understand what USCIS has on file and to prepare any future filings or responses.

Glossary of key terms on Form I-485

Adjustment of status

Adjustment of status is the process used by certain noncitizens in the United States to apply for lawful permanent resident status without having to leave the country for consular processing. Form I-485 is the application used for this process when eligibility requirements are met.

Lawful permanent resident

A lawful permanent resident is a noncitizen who has been granted permission to live and work permanently in the United States, often evidenced by a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). Form I-485 is the application used to request this status for eligible applicants in the U.S.

Immigrant category

An immigrant category refers to the specific legal basis that allows a person to apply for permanent residence, such as a family-based, employment-based, or humanitarian category. Form I-485 asks applicants to identify the category under which they are seeking adjustment of status.

Priority date

A priority date is generally the date when a relevant immigrant petition or labor certification was filed, which can determine when an immigrant visa number becomes available in certain categories. For many I-485 applicants, the Visa Bulletin and their priority date help indicate when they may be able to file for adjustment of status.

Security best practices when handling Form I-485

An I-485 application includes sensitive personal information, including identity details, addresses, immigration history, and sometimes financial and medical information. Because of this, it is helpful to think about how you handle both the digital and paper versions of your form. Many applicants choose to keep electronic copies in secure locations and treat physical copies like other important legal documents.

• Store digital copies of your completed form and supporting evidence on devices or services that you control and that have reasonable security protections.
• Be cautious when emailing full application packets or sensitive documents, especially if the connection is not encrypted or the recipient has not requested electronic submission.
• Keep printed copies in a safe place and bring them to any USCIS interviews or meetings if you are instructed to do so.
• Confirm that any person or organization helping you with the form is legitimate and, if they provide representation, that they are authorized to do so under USCIS rules.

These are general security considerations. Always follow the specific instructions you receive from USCIS, attorneys, accredited representatives, or other trusted sources when handling your completed application.

Common questions people also ask about Form I-485

• Can I travel while my I-485 is pending? Many applicants ask about travel during the adjustment process. USCIS materials explain when advance parole (Form I-131) may be needed and what risks travel can pose to a pending application.
• Will I have an interview for my I-485? In many categories, USCIS schedules an in-person interview for adjustment of status cases, although there can be exceptions. Whether an interview is required depends on USCIS policies and the specifics of the case.
• Can I check the status of my I-485 online? USCIS provides online case status tools where you can enter your receipt number to see updates on many types of applications, including Form I-485. The case status page shows basic milestones but does not replace official notices sent by mail or secure messages from USCIS.

FAQ about Form I-485

Important disclaimer

This site is not a law firm and is not affiliated with USCIS, the Department of Homeland Security, or any other government agency. It provides a private, third-party resource to help you understand and prepare for the official Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The information on this page is general and does not replace the official USCIS instructions or professional legal advice. Always review your completed form and follow the directions from USCIS and any qualified representative assisting with your case.