Simon Craven
Created Aug 22, 2024USCIS Form I-485 Guide
Form I-485, or the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is an application for Permanent Resident status in the U.S. (a "green card").
This walkthrough will take you through the I-485 form so you know how to completely and correctly fill out the application and get your green card.
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COMPLETING THE I-485 FORM
Part 1. Information About You
Here, you will provide some basic biographic information about you, the applicant.
This includes your name, date and place of birth.
It's important to include ALL names you have ever used here, including on all documentation related to you (e.g.: maiden name) and any nicknames.
Most people on temporary visas do not yet have an A#, through some F-1 students may
Part 1 (Pg. 2, Cont.)
Place of Birth and A#
Safe Mailing Address
If eligible, provide an alternate address here:
Social Security
Confirm social security information here. If you do not already have a Social Security card, you can request one as part of the application.
This is only for applicants in the specific categories mentioned.
Last Arrival
Complete the information from your most recent arrival in the US here
Last Arrival (cont.)
Application Category
Here, you confirm the basis for your green card (family, employment, etc.)
Tip: You can find your latest I-94 arrival record here: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home
Application Category (cont.)
If you (or your relative) have already filed a petition making you eligible for a green card (e.g. : I-130, I-140), enter information about that petition here
§245(i) is a special section of immigration law that provides certain undocumented immigrants an opportunity to adjust to receive a green card from within the United States. Generally, to qualify for Section 245(i) adjustment, individuals must have had an immigrant visa petition or labor certification application filed on their behalf on or before April 30, 2001. Most people will check "no' here.
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Address and Employment History
Provide a full 5 years of address and employment history here (along with the last foreign address for over one year if applicable).
Information about your parents:
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Marriage History
Current Marriage
Prior Marriages
Children
Biographic Info.
Security Questions
It is important to answer all questions honestly. You can explain any of your answers in an addendum. If you are not sure, consult with a qualified immigration attorney for assistance.
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Membership in Organizations
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Public Charge Cont. (financial info.)
Eligibility/Inadmissibility
Additional questions to confirm your eligibility for a green card
Certifications and Accomodation
Q61: Most applicants are subject to the public charge grounds of inadmissibility. You can find more information here.
Certification and Signature
This certification is to confirm that you have read every part of your application and are being truthful, among other declarations. It is very important to make sure to sign the form.
Interpreter
If you used an interpreter for the application, they will complete this section as well:
Preparers
If someone helped you with the application, like an attorney, these sections would be filled out with their information.
TIP: The form must have an original signature in ink. USCIS will accept a scanned copy of an originally signed document as well. Electronic signatures are not accepted.
Part 13 is only to be completed at the interview
Addendum (Additional information)
This is where you would include any information that did not fit into the form fields or additional details and explanations as needed.
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FILING THE I-485 APPLICATION
What to include?
USCIS provides an unofficial list of evidence to include based on your eligibility category. Most applications require a copy of your passport, birth certificate, proof of your eligibility, a medical exam, and passport-style photos, for example: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/checklist-of-required-initial-evidence-for-form-i-485-for-informational-purposes-only
Where to file the I-485 application?
Where to file the application depends on your eligibility category and how your are filing (e.g.: with another petition? Premium Processing?). You can find the filing addresses here:https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/direct-filing-addresses-for-form-i-485-application-to-register-permanent-residence-or-adjust-status
Processing
Processing times can vary widely depending on the type of application and USCIS workload. Usually the whole process takes about 1-2 years, but could take longer.
You can find details on estimated processing times here: https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/
Case tracking
Once filed, you can track your I-485 case status online using the receipt number issued by USCIS as confirmation. This can be done here: https://egov.uscis.gov/
Decision
The government may request additional information to process the case (an "RFE"). Once they have everything they need, they will make a decision. The notice will come in the mail. If your case is approved, you will get your green card in the mail as well!
