What is Form I-485?
Last Updated: Dec 5, 2024
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is used to either register for permanent legal residence in the United States or adjust to permanent resident status. Adjusting to permanent resident status simply means obtaining a green card (i.e., permanent legal residency) without returning to your home country if you’re already in the United States.
For family-based and employment-based green card applications, Form I-485 is the second step in becoming a permanent resident, and other forms will either have already been filed or will be filed along with Form I-485.
When to file Form I-485:
When to file Form I-485 will vary depending on how the individual is eligible for the adjustment of status. Let’s look at some of the common situations SimpleCitizen helps with.
Family-Based Applications:
| Entered the US on a Fiancé(e) Visa (K Visa): | Once the couple has been married after entering on the K visa, they are eligible to file Form I-485 for K-1 visa holders and any K-2 dependents also in the US. |
| Immediate Relatives of US citizens: | If the relative is considered an immediate relative of a U.S. Citizen (spouses of citizens, unmarried children (under age 21) of citizens, and parents of citizens 21 years of age or older), they may be eligible to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, at the same time as the Form I-130. |
| Non-Immediate Relatives: | Any other eligible family-based applications will file Form I-130 and wait for the visa bulletin to indicate their priority date has been reached and that they can continue. At that point, they can file Form I-485. |
Employment-Based Applications:
Employment-based applicants will file Form I-140 and wait for the visa bulletin to indicate their priority date has been reached and that they can continue. At that point, they will be able to file the Form I-485.
Connected Forms
USCIS has several required and optional forms for Form I-485. Here are the commonly connected forms:
As mentioned above, at times, Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, will be filed at the same time as Form I-130.
Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, if you are required to submit a complete or partially completed I-693, it MUST be filed with Form I-485. It is a required form and as of Dec 2, 2024, can no longer be submitted to USCIS after submitting Form I-485.
Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, is the application to request employment authorization along with the adjustment of status application. This form is optional.
Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, is the application to request advance parole along with the adjustment of status application. This form is optional.
Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA, is the form for financial sponsorship. For family-based applications, this is a required form. For some other applications, such as DV lottery-based, employment-based, and asylum-based applications.
Form I-485 Supplement J, Confirmation of Bona Fide Job Offer or Request for Job Portability Under INA Section 204(j), is required for some employment-based applications. Below you will find additional USCIS information on the use of this supplement.
We’re happy you’re here!
| SimpleCitizen is here to help you achieve the American dream. Safely and accurately apply, submit, & stay on top of your immigration status. Let SimpleCitizen guide you through filing Form I-485 and other connected forms. With our easy-to-use platform and expert guidance, filing Form I-485 has never been simpler. Check your eligibility to Form I-485 with SimpleCitizen. Learn more about what we do, our application assistance timeline, and what customers say about SimpleCitizen’s services. Do you have a question about SimpleCitizen’s application packages? Let’s chat! |
Connected Articles:
What Evidence Must You Provide With Form I-485?
Understanding the Different Paths to Permanent Residency for Marriage-Based Applications