Get the free Form I-485

Form I-485 Overview of Adjustment of Status for Employment-Based EB Immigrants What is Adjustment of Status Adjustment of status is a process that allows a person to become a Lawful Permanent Resident LPR or green card holder without leaving the United States to obtain an immigrant visa at a US Consulate or Embassy abroad* Many immigrant classifications including asylees refugees family-based employment-based EB and religious workers are eligible to apply for adjustment. Applicants file with...

How to fill out form i-485

How to fill out Form I-485

1. Obtain Form I-485 from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
2. Complete the personal information section, including your name, address, date of birth, and other identifying information.
3. Indicate your immigration status and the basis for your eligibility to adjust status.
4. Provide details regarding your family members, including spouse and children.
5. Answer questions related to your immigration history, including prior petitions and legal issues.
6. Include any necessary supporting documents, such as a copy of your passport, Form I-94, and any previous immigration applications.
7. Pay the filing fee, which varies based on your age and type of application.
8. Review the form thoroughly for accuracy and completeness.
9. Sign and date the application before submission.
10. Submit the form to the address specified in the USCIS instructions.

Who needs Form I-485?

1. Individuals who are currently in the United States and wish to apply for permanent residency (green card) based on various eligibility categories such as family sponsorship, employment, or as a refugee/asylee.

People Also Ask about

Can you file i485 on your own?

You may apply as the person who directly qualifies for an immigrant category (“principal applicant”) or, in some cases, as the spouse or the child of a principal applicant (“derivative applicant”). Whether you are a principal or derivative applicant, you must file your own Form I-485.

What is the difference between a green card and an i485?

Form I-485 is used when the person who is applying for their green card is already in the United States. If they are outside the U.S., then they may find it more convenient to apply for a green card through consular processing.

Can I file i485 without an employer?

The main thing to understand here is that you can file i-485 without an employer but the USCIS cannot approve it without a valid and current offer of employment from a US employer. This holds true for all employment-based green card queues like EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3.

Does I485 approval mean green card?

If all of the requirements are met, and an immigrant visa is allocated by the Department of State (DOS), the Form I-485 is approved. Upon approval, the applicant is mailed a Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card.

Do I need a lawyer to file an I485?

You can fill out the immigration paperwork without an attorney's help. However, many people find that the process is highly complicated, and the consequences of making a mistake are quite serious. Paying an attorney can be well worth it.

Can you file an adjustment of status by yourself?

Someone else usually must file the petition for you (often referred to as sponsoring or petitioning for you), although you may be eligible to file for yourself in some cases.

What are the new rules for I-485?

The new edition of Form I-485 features these major changes: Requires applicants who need to submit a Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, or a partial Form I-693 (such as a vaccination record), to submit the Form I-693 or partial Form I-693 with their Form I-485.

Can I file Form I-485 by myself?

You may apply as the person who directly qualifies for an immigrant category (“principal applicant”) or, in some cases, as the spouse or the child of a principal applicant (“derivative applicant”). Whether you are a principal or derivative applicant, you must file your own Form I-485.

For pdfFiller’s FAQs

What is Form I-485?

Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is a form used by individuals in the United States to apply for lawful permanent resident status (a green card).

Who is required to file Form I-485?

Individuals who are currently in the United States and wish to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident may be required to file Form I-485. This includes persons eligible based on family ties, employment, refugee or asylum status, or other special circumstances.

How to fill out Form I-485?

To fill out Form I-485, individuals should gather the necessary documentation, complete the form accurately, provide requested information such as personal details, immigration status, and criminal history, and then submit the form along with the appropriate fees to USCIS.

What is the purpose of Form I-485?

The purpose of Form I-485 is to allow individuals who are eligible for permanent residence in the U.S. to formally request adjustment of their immigration status to that of a lawful permanent resident.

What information must be reported on Form I-485?

Form I-485 requires individuals to report personal information such as name, address, date of birth, marital status, current immigration status, any prior immigration violations, and any criminal history, among other details.