Form I-485, officially known as the "Application for Registration of Permanent Residence or Change of Status". Find out more about who is eligible to fill out Form I-485, the list of required documents, the Green Card application procedure, and other important details

All immigrants who are already in the USA and wish to change their status, that is, apply for permanent residence, must fill out Form I-485.

To receive a positive answer, you need to enter all the data correctly. This is very important, because the application is considered within 6-9 months, depending on the category.

What are the rules for submitting Form I-485? In our material, we will consider the content of Form I-485, who is entitled to submit an application and a list of documents for obtaining a permit.

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What is Form I-485?

Form I-485 is one of the documents used to adjust immigration status. That is, foreigners who have permission to temporarily reside in the USA fill out the I-485 application in order to obtain a permanent residence permit or "Green Card".

The application form has 20 pages. The questionnaire must indicate:

- personal information of the foreigner;

- work history;

- immigration history;

- the basis for obtaining a green card;

- address in the USA;

- criminal record information;

- information about the family, etc.

The main purpose of the I-485 application is to provide the state with detailed information about the foreigner and confirm his right to obtain a residence permit in the USA.

Who has the right to fill out the I-485 form?

In order to obtain the right to fill out the I-485 form, foreigners must meet 2 conditions:

1. Be in the USA - it is impossible to apply from abroad.

2. Enter the USA on the basis of an immigrant visa, which is issued for:

- family reunification (IR or F visas);

- marriage to a US citizen (initially a K-1 visa, after marriage registration – CR-1);

- highly skilled workers (EB category visas);

- investors (EB-5 visa).

Important! Foreigners who have entered the United States on nonimmigrant visas (B-1/B-2 tourist, H-1B work, or J-1/J-2 student visas) are not eligible to file an I-485 application without prior approval of the immigration petition.

List of documents for filing an I-485 application

Along with the I-485 form, the applicant must provide:

- Two passport-sized photos (in accordance with USCIS requirements);

- A valid passport or other identification document;

- Birth certificate;

- Documents confirming the immigration category (Form I-130 or I-140, or Form I-797);

- Proof of financial capacity (Form I-864);

- Medical examination and vaccination information (Form I-693). As of mid-2025, COVID-19 vaccination is not required;

- Criminal record information (except for minor offenses with a small fine);

- Proof of legal entry to the United States (Form I-94 or passport stamp).

If a document is missing, USCIS usually allows alternative evidence.

Procedure for applying for a Green Card using Form I-485

1. Apply for an immigrant visa in your country of origin.

2. Complete an immigrant petition (such as I-130 or I-140).

3. After the petition is approved and the visa is received, enter the United States.

4. While in the United States, complete and submit Form I-485 to your local USCIS office.

5. Submit biometric identification (fingerprints, photo).

6. Attend an interview if invited.

7. Receive a decision. If your application is approved, your Green Card will be mailed to you.

How much does it cost to file an I-485?

Starting April 1, 2024:

- The I-485 filing fee is $1,440 for applicants ages 14 to 78.

- For children under 14, it is $950.

- There is no additional fee for biometric services – it is already included in the filing fee.

Please note: New filing rules will be in effect starting July 22, 2025. If the incorrect amount is paid, USCIS has the right to reject your application. Please check the current fees before submitting the form.

Green Card application processing time

The processing time depends on the applicant category and state. As of mid-2025, the average duration is:

- Family categories - about 9 months;

- Employment-based - about 7 months.

In large cities, the terms may be longer.

How to immigrate to the USA with your family?

Together with the main applicant, the following can receive a Green Card:

- spouses;

- unmarried children under 21 years of age.

Each relative submits a separate I-485 form. For children under 14 years of age, the form is submitted and signed by the parents.

Additional documents for relatives:

- marriage certificate or documents confirming family ties;

- confirmation of the main applicant's status (form I-797 or copy of the Green Card - form I-551).

How to avoid delays in applying for a Green Card - tips

- Immediately add the I-693 medical form to the package of documents.

- Check the complete set of supporting documents.

- Use only the current version of the I-485 form (as of 2025 - October 2024 edition).

You can fill out the I-485 form in the USA yourself or seek help from an experienced immigration lawyer. This will help you avoid mistakes and speed up the process of obtaining a Green Card.

Let's remind you! Do you want to work in the USA? We have already talked about the most popular work visas in 2025, the requirements, the application procedure and how to legally move to America.

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