Form I-485: Adjustment of Status
Apply for Your Green Card Without Leaving the United States
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is the official application that allows certain foreign nationals already in the United States to apply for lawful permanent resident status (a green card) without having to leave the country.
The Adjustment of Status (AOS) process is the final step for many family-based, employment-based, humanitarian, and other eligible immigrant visa categories — giving you the legal right to live and work permanently in the United States.
✅ Who Can File Form I-485?
You may be eligible to adjust your status if:
✅ You are physically present in the United States.
✅ You have an approved immigrant petition (e.g., I-130, I-140, I-360) and an immigrant visa is immediately available in your category.
✅ You entered the U.S. lawfully and meet all eligibility requirements for your specific green card category.
Common eligible applicants include:
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, parents, unmarried children under 21).
Beneficiaries of employment-based immigrant petitions.
Diversity Visa lottery winners already in the U.S.
Refugees or asylees eligible to adjust after one year of continuous residence.
Certain other special immigrant categories
.
✅ Key Requirements
To adjust status successfully, you must:
Maintain lawful immigration status while in the U.S. (with some exceptions for immediate relatives).
Be admissible to the United States (no disqualifying criminal or immigration history, or secure a waiver if needed).
Pass background and security checks.
Complete a medical examination with a USCIS-approved civil surgeon, if required.
✅ What Does Form I-485 Do?
When approved, your I-485 grants you lawful permanent residence, allowing you to:
✅ Live and work permanently anywhere in the United States.
✅ Travel in and out of the U.S. more freely.
✅ Sponsor certain family members for green cards in the future.
✅ Apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting the required residency period (typically 5 years for most categories, or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).
✅ Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing
Adjustment of Status allows you to complete your green card process while staying in the U.S., avoiding the need to return to your home country for a visa interview.
Consular Processing requires you to complete the immigrant visa process through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
Your eligibility for AOS vs. consular processing depends on your situation, entry history, and the category under which you are applying.
✅ Documents Required
A complete I-485 application typically includes:
📄 Completed Form I-485
📄 Proof of lawful entry (I-94 record, visa stamp)
📄 Approved immigrant petition notice (I-130, I-140, etc.)
📄 Birth certificate and passport copies
📄 Medical exam report (Form I-693)
📄 Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) if required
📄 Applicable filing fees and photos
You may also file for Employment Authorization (Form I-765) and Advance Parole (Form I-131) along with your I-485, allowing you to work and travel while your green card application is pending.
How USCIS Expert Helps
Filing for adjustment of status is a detailed, document-heavy process that must be done correctly the first time. At USCIS Expert, we:
✅ Evaluate your eligibility and confirm if AOS is your best option.
✅ Gather and organize all supporting documents to meet USCIS requirements.
✅ Prepare and submit your Form I-485, along with work permit and travel document applications if needed.
✅ Monitor your case status and prepare you for the USCIS interview.
✅ Guide you every step of the way until your green card is approved.
Start Your Green Card Journey Without Leaving the U.S.
Adjustment of status is the bridge to your life as a U.S. permanent resident. Whether you’re applying through family, work, or another pathway, USCIS Expert is here to make sure your I-485 is complete, accurate, and positioned for success.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you apply for your green card and build your future in the United States — right where you are.