Form I-485 

What is Form I-485?

Form I-485, officially called the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is used to apply for a green card (permanent legal residency) if you’re already in the United States. This process, called “adjustment of status,” allows you to become a lawful permanent resident without needing to return to your home country.

For family-based and employment-based green card applications, filing Form I-485 is typically the second step in the process. Other forms, such as Form I-130 (for family-based applications) or Form I-140 (for employment-based applications), will either have already been submitted or will be filed alongside Form I-485.

When to File Form I-485

The timeline for filing Form I-485 depends on your eligibility for adjustment of status. Here’s a breakdown of common situations:

Family-Based Applications

1. Entered on a Fiancé(e) Visa (K Visa):
   • After marriage to the U.S. citizen petitioner, K-1 visa holders (and any K-2 dependents) are eligible to file Form I-485.
2. Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens:
   • If you are an immediate relative (spouse, unmarried child under 21, or parent of a U.S. citizen aged 21 or older), you may file Form I-485 simultaneously with Form I-130.
3. Non-Immediate Relatives:
   • Other eligible family-based applicants must file Form I-130 first and wait for their priority date to become current in the visa bulletin before filing Form I-485.

Employment-Based Applications

• Employment-based applicants must file Form I-140 first and wait for their priority date to be current in the visa bulletin. Once eligible, they can proceed with Form I-485.

Forms Often Filed with Form I-485

Several forms may be required or recommended to file alongside Form I-485, depending on your specific case:

1. Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) or Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers):
   • These forms establish your eligibility for adjustment of status and may be filed concurrently with Form I-485 in certain cases.
2. Form I-693 (Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record):
   • A completed Form I-693 must accompany Form I-485. As of December 2, 2024, this form cannot be submitted separately after Form I-485.
3. Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization):
   • This optional form allows you to apply for a work permit while your Form I-485 is being processed.
4. Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document):
   • This optional form lets you apply for Advance Parole, allowing travel outside the U.S. while your adjustment of status application is pending.
5. Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support):
   • Required for most family-based applications to demonstrate financial sponsorship. It may also apply to some other categories.
6. Form I-485 Supplement J:
   • Required for certain employment-based applications to confirm a bona fide job offer or request job portability under INA Section 204(j).

Why Choose 123 Citizen for Your Form I-485 Application?

At 123 Citizen, we make applying for a green card simple, safe, and stress-free. Our easy-to-use platform and expert guidance streamline the entire process—from filing Form I-485 to managing connected forms like Form I-693 and Form I-765.

Start Your Journey to Permanent Residency

Let 123 Citizen help you achieve your American dream. Check your eligibility for Form I-485, explore our services, and learn how we guide applicants every step of the way.

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