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🇺🇸 United States

I-485 Green Card

Green Card Application (Adjustment of Status)

Hard ~90 min Green CardImmigrationPermanent Residence

/ What is this form?

Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) allows people already in the United States to apply for a green card without having to leave for consular processing. It is only available when a visa number is immediately available.

Filing I-485 allows you to simultaneously request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Advance Parole (travel document) without additional fees. These allow you to work legally and travel while your application is pending.

After approval, you receive a conditional or permanent green card by mail. Conditional green cards (2-year) are issued to spouses married less than 2 years; they require filing Form I-751 to remove the condition.

/ Who needs this form?

  • Spouses of US citizens already in the US with an immediately available visa number
  • Employment-based applicants with an approved I-140 and available visa number
  • Diversity Visa lottery winners already in the US
  • Asylees and refugees eligible to adjust status

/ What you need before you start

Approved immigrant petition (I-130 or I-140) or qualifying basis
Birth certificate (with translation if not in English)
Passport
USCIS medical examination (Form I-693) from designated civil surgeon
Filing fee: $1,440 (adults), $950 (under 14)

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Confirm Eligibility
Must have an approved immigrant petition (I-130, I-140, or DV lottery selection) and a currently available visa number.
2 Get a Medical Exam
Complete USCIS medical examination (Form I-693) from a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. Valid for 2 years.
3 Complete Form I-485
Fill in immigration history, travel history, all US entries, and background/criminal history questions.
4 File Package
Submit I-485 with I-130 approval notice, birth certificate, passport, medical exam, and $1,440 filing fee.
5 Biometrics, Interview, Decision
Attend biometrics appointment, then USCIS interview (waived in some cases). Receive green card by mail after approval.

/ Key fields explained

Field What to enter Common mistake
Immigration history All entries to the US with dates, visa types, and port of entry. Include any overstays or violations. Omitting a prior entry or visa violation — USCIS has electronic records of all admissions.
Criminal history All arrests, charges, and convictions — even if dismissed, expunged, or from abroad. Not disclosing dismissed or expunged records — these must still be disclosed and USCIS will check.

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Traveling outside the US without Advance Parole — this abandons the I-485 application.
Not disclosing prior visa violations or criminal history.
Filing before a visa number is available — USCIS will reject the application.
Not filing for EAD at the same time — this is free with I-485 and allows you to work while waiting.

/ Frequently asked questions

Can I work while the I-485 is pending?

Yes, once you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Apply for EAD concurrently with I-485 at no extra cost.