Adjustment of Status: Step-by-Step Guide to Form I-485 Process

Key Takeaways

• Form I-485 is essential for Adjustment of Status to a Green Card while inside the United States.
• Applicants must check the Visa Bulletin monthly to ensure their category is current before filing.
• Missing documents, incorrect fees, or using outdated forms commonly cause delays or application denial.

Applying for Adjustment of Status (AOS) means asking the United States 🇺🇸 government for a Green Card while you are already in the country. The main form for this process is called Form I-485. This step-by-step guide explains everything you need to know about filing for Adjustment of Status, from start to finish. The process lets certain people stay in the United States 🇺🇸 and become lawful permanent residents, which means they can live and work here without worrying about their visa expiring.

This guide covers who can apply, how to check if you are eligible, what forms and documents you need, where and how to file, what to expect during the process, and tips for getting everything right. It also explains how to use the Visa Bulletin, which helps you know if you are allowed to file your Form I-485 right now. Each section shares clear steps and answers to common questions to make everything as simple as possible.

Checklist: What You Will Need to File Adjustment of Status (Form I-485)
– Proof you are in the United States 🇺🇸 with a lawful entry
– Form I-485 itself
– Supporting forms according to your case (like Form I-130 or Form I-140)
– Identity documents (passport, birth certificate)
– Passport-style photos
– Correct filing fees
– Any extra evidence (like marriage certificate, if you are applying through a spouse)
– A copy of the Visa Bulletin (or a check to see if your category is current)
– Any required supplement forms (like I-485 Supplement J for some jobs)
– Mailing address for USCIS (official immigration office)
– If applying with family, a full set of forms and documents for each person

Step 1: Check If You Are Eligible for Adjustment of Status

Before doing anything, you must make sure you can file Form I-485. Here’s how to check:

• You must be physically present inside the United States 🇺🇸. You cannot apply from another country.
• You have entered the country lawfully. This usually means you were admitted or “paroled” by an immigration officer at the airport or border.
• There must be a Green Card (immigrant visa) available in your category right now.

Some people (like spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens) do not have to wait for a visa to become available—they can file right away. Others, like most employment-based applicants or family members who are not immediate relatives, must wait until it is their “turn.” To see when you can apply, you need to use the Visa Bulletin from the U.S. State Department. The Visa Bulletin updates every month to show if your immigrant visa category is “current.” If it is “current,” you can file Form I-485.

Important: If you file when your category is not current, USCIS will reject your application. So, always check the Visa Bulletin before doing anything else.

Step 2: Gather Every Required Form and Document

Once you have checked that you are eligible, you must collect all the right papers. Missing something can delay your case or even cause a denial. Here are the forms and documents you will likely need:

• Form I-485: This is the main application. Every person applying (including your spouse or children) must have their own form.
• Proof of lawful entry: A copy of your passport showing your visa and entry stamp.
• Identity documents: Birth certificate, government ID.
• Marriage certificate or divorce papers (if applying through a spouse).
• Approval notice for the petition that supports your Green Card application: For example, Form I-130 for family, Form I-140 for employment.
• Photos: Two passport-style photos for each applicant.
• Form I-485 Supplement J: Only for some employment-based Green Card applicants if your employer is not filing with you right now.
• Optional extras:
  • Form I-765 for a work permit while your case is pending (lets you work legally).
  • Form I-131 for “advance parole” so you can travel outside of the U.S. while waiting.
  • Form G-1145 to get email or text updates about your case.

You can see the full checklist and download all updated forms straight from the USCIS website’s official I-485 page.

Tip: Never send original documents unless the instructions say to. Send clear copies instead.

Step 3: Fill Out Forms Accurately and Clearly

All forms should be the newest version from the USCIS site. Make sure you use the same edition for all pages. Read each question carefully and answer every one. Even small errors or leaving out information can result in rejection.

Write names, addresses, and other details exactly as they appear on your legal documents. If you are unsure, check the instructions or use the Form I-485 instructions.

If you do not understand a question, ask for help or check the official explanation. Do not guess.

Common mistake: Incomplete forms get rejected. Double check that every required field has an answer.

Step 4: Pay the Filing Fees

Each application has fees, which usually include:
– The Form I-485 filing fee
– The biometrics (fingerprints) service fee

How much you pay depends on your age and category. To see the current fees, always check the current chart on the official USCIS fee page. Fees can change.

Pay by personal check, money order, or credit card (using Form G-1450). If using a check, make it out to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” (write it exactly like this).

Include your fee payment in the envelope with your forms unless given different instructions for your specific case.

Caution: USCIS does not refund fees if you make a mistake or if your application is denied, so make sure payment is correct.

Step 5: Put Together and Mail Your Application Packet

Now, stack and organize all the documents and forms in the order listed in the instructions. Each applicant must send a full packet–do not combine family members’ documents.

Mail to the correct USCIS address for your eligibility category. The USCIS Direct Filing Addresses page shows which address to use. Using the wrong address may delay your case.

If you want USCIS to text or email you when they receive your package, add the completed Form G-1145 right at the top of your packet.

Tip: It’s best to use a trackable mailing service (like USPS, FedEx, or UPS) so you can see when your packet arrives.

Step 6: Biometrics Appointment and Possible Interview

After your application is received, USCIS sends you a receipt notice. This means they have your packet and will begin the review process. Keep this notice safe—it has your receipt number, which lets you check your case online.

Next, you will get a notice for a biometrics appointment. This is when USCIS takes your fingerprints, photograph, and signature. The appointment happens at a local Application Support Center. It usually takes about 20-30 minutes. You only need to bring the appointment notice, a government ID, and any other papers USCIS asked for.

Some cases will also require an interview with a USCIS officer. At the interview, the officer may ask questions about your forms, your background, and any documents you submitted. Bring both originals and copies of important papers to the interview.

Note: Not everyone needs an interview. USCIS will tell you if you do.

Step 7: Wait for a Decision and Respond to Requests from USCIS

Once the interview is complete, USCIS reviews your case. If they need something more (like a missing document), they will send you a letter called a “Request for Evidence” (RFE). Always reply by the deadline. Ignoring an RFE can cause your application to be denied.

You can track your application status with your receipt number on the USCIS case status tool.

After review is finished, you get a decision:
– If approved, you first get a notice in the mail, then receive your Green Card later by mail.
– If denied, you will get a letter that explains why. For most I-485 denials, there is no right to appeal, but you might be able to file a motion to reopen or reconsider using Form I-290B if you have new information.

Tip: Save every letter and notice you receive from USCIS. You may need these later.

Visa Bulletin: Understanding Your Wait Time

The Visa Bulletin is a chart that shows who can apply for a Green Card right now, based on your visa category and country of birth. Employment-based and some family-based applicants must check the Visa Bulletin every month. “Current” means you can apply. Anything else means you must wait.

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, parents, unmarried children under 21) do not have to wait—their category is always current.

The Visa Bulletin is updated online each month by the Department of State. Click Visa Bulletin for the latest.

Key Point: Filing your Form I-485 too early can cause a rejection. Always check the Visa Bulletin for your category and priority date before filing.

What Happens After You Get Your Green Card?

Once USCIS approves your Adjustment of Status application, you are now a lawful permanent resident. Your Green Card lets you:
– Live and work in the United States 🇺🇸
– Apply to bring certain family members to join you
– Travel in and out of the United States 🇺🇸 (with certain rules)
– Start the countdown for when you can apply to become a U.S. citizen (usually after 3-5 years, depending on your case)

For many, this is a huge step toward making their home in the United States 🇺🇸.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Sending in the wrong version of a form: Always check and use the newest edition from USCIS.
• Missing documents: Double-check with a checklist.
• Not enough fees or wrong form of payment: Check the most current fee table and ways to pay.
• Mailing to the wrong place: Match your category with the right USCIS address.
• Filing when the Visa Bulletin says you cannot: Always confirm if your priority date is current.

What If Your Application Is Denied?

Sometimes, a Green Card application through Adjustment of Status is denied. The notice you receive explains the reason. You usually cannot appeal, but you may file a motion to reopen or reconsider if you have new information or if something was misunderstood. This is done on Form I-290B (which can be found on the USCIS forms page).

If denied, some people face removal (deportation) from the United States 🇺🇸. If you are worried or receive a denial, talk to a qualified immigration lawyer right away.

Where to Get More Help

As reported by VisaVerge.com, always start with the official USCIS website for Form I-485, which has updates, instructions, forms, and answers to most questions. Official hotlines and help desks are available for questions. For cases involving criminal history or complicated immigration histories, speak with an immigration attorney for special advice.

Final Word and Useful Tips

Filing for Adjustment of Status is one of the last and most important steps to becoming a Green Card holder in the United States 🇺🇸. Take your time to read instructions, check each step, and use a checklist to make sure nothing is missing. Checking the Visa Bulletin regularly helps you know the best time to apply. Respond to every notice from USCIS quickly, and keep copies of everything you send and receive.

If you get stuck or are unsure about something, start with official information and seek legal help if your case is complicated. The path to permanent resident status is not always easy, but with care and the right information, you can be successful.

For step-by-step instructions, always use the most up-to-date sources and direct answers found on USCIS’s official web page. This keeps you safe from changes in immigration rules that can happen without much warning.

Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) – Quick Summary Table

Remember: Immigration rules can change very quickly. Always verify everything right before you file.

If you have questions about your case, need advice, or want extra help, check official government resources or reach out to an immigration attorney.

Learn Today

Adjustment of Status → A process for becoming a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) while remaining inside the United States.
Form I-485 → The main application form required by USCIS to request a Green Card through Adjustment of Status.
Visa Bulletin → A monthly chart from the U.S. Department of State that shows immigrant visa availability by category and country.
Request for Evidence (RFE) → An official request from USCIS asking for missing or additional documents to support your application.
Advance Parole → Travel permission granted to applicants so they can leave and return to the U.S. while their case is pending.

This Article in a Nutshell

Applying for Adjustment of Status with Form I-485 lets eligible individuals become Green Card holders without leaving the U.S. This process requires careful adherence to eligibility, Visa Bulletin updates, document preparation, and fee payment. Accurate applications, timely responses to USCIS, and tracking all communications are critical for a successful outcome.
— By VisaVerge.com

Read more:

• You can adjust status with I-485 on a B-2 visa if eligible
• USCIS Now Requires Form I-693 to Be Submitted with Form I-485
• USCIS Changes Form I-485, Limits Gender Options on Green Card Application
• What to Do If You Get Married While Your I-485 Is Still Pending
• Does a Pending I-129 Affect the Processing of I-485 Applications?