What is Form I-485?
Form I-485, officially known as the “Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status,” is a form used by foreign nationals in the United States to apply for lawful permanent resident status, commonly known as a green card. This form is typically filed by individuals who are already in the U.S. and wish to change their immigration status from a non-immigrant category (such as a P visa) to that of a permanent resident.
Here are some key points about Form I-485:
Purpose of Form I-485: Form I-485 is used to apply for adjustment of status, which is the process through which eligible individuals can transition from a temporary non-immigrant status to lawful permanent resident status. This allows them to permanently reside and work in the United States.
Eligibility for Form I-485: The eligibility criteria for filing Form I-485 can vary depending on the individual’s circumstances, the green card category they are applying under, and their compliance with U.S. immigration laws. Common categories include family-sponsored, employment-based, refugee/asylee, and other special programs.
Filing Process: When applying for adjustment of status using Form I-485, applicants typically file the form along with supporting documentation directly with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The form requires detailed information about the applicant’s background, immigration history, biographic information, and eligibility category.
Biometrics Appointment: After submitting Form I-485, applicants are usually scheduled for a biometrics appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center. During this appointment, fingerprints, photographs, and other biographical information are collected for background checks.
Interview Requirement: In many cases, applicants for adjustment of status are required to attend an in-person interview with a USCIS officer. The purpose of the interview is to verify the information provided in the application and to assess the applicant’s eligibility for permanent resident status.
Processing Time: Processing times for Form I-485 can vary significantly depending on factors such as the applicant’s category, USCIS workload, and the applicant’s location. USCIS provides estimated processing times on their official website.
Issuance of Green Card: If the application is approved, the applicant will be granted lawful permanent resident status, and a physical green card will be mailed to them as evidence of their new status. The green card typically allows the individual to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely.
Immigration policies and procedures can change over time, so it’s recommended to consult the official USCIS website or seek advice from an immigration attorney for the most up-to-date and accurate information before proceeding with any immigration application.
Form I-485 filing fees
The filing fees for Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, can vary based on the applicant’s age, immigration category, and other factors. The fees mentioned here are subject to change, so I recommend checking the official USCIS website for the most up-to-date fee information before submitting your application. Keep in mind that there might be additional fees or fee exemptions based on specific circumstances.
Here are the general filing fees for Form I-485 as of my last update:
Form I-485 Filing Fee for Most Applicants:
- For applicants aged 14 through 78: $1,140 (includes biometric services fee)
- For applicants under 14 and 79 or older: $750 (includes biometric services fee)
Form I-485 Supplement A Filing Fee:
- Some applicants may need to file Form I-485 Supplement A (for the Adjustment of Status under Section 245(i)) along with Form I-485.
- The filing fee for Form I-485 Supplement A is $1,000.
Please note that these fees are general guidelines, and your specific circumstances may impact the fee amounts you need to pay. Additionally, USCIS may periodically update fee amounts, so it’s essential to verify the current fees on the official USCIS website or by consulting with an immigration attorney before submitting your application.
Certain applicants might also be eligible for fee waivers or fee exemptions based on financial hardship or other qualifying criteria. It’s important to review the USCIS guidelines for fee waivers and exemptions to determine if you are eligible.
Form I-485 checklist of required documents
When applying for a green card through Form I-485, you’ll need to provide a variety of supporting documents to establish your eligibility and demonstrate your qualifications. While the specific documents required can vary based on your individual circumstances and the category you’re applying under, here’s a general checklist of documents you might need for your Form I-485 application:
Identity and Eligibility Documents:
- Passport: Copy of your valid passport, including all pages with stamps and visas.
- Birth Certificate: Copy of your birth certificate.
- Passport Photos: USCIS-compliant passport-sized photos.
Form I-485 Application Package:
- Completed and signed Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
- Filing Fee: Check or money order for the appropriate filing fee, payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” Include any required fee exemptions or waivers.
Supporting Documentation:
- Immigration History: Copies of all previous U.S. visas, approval notices (Form I-797), and I-94 Arrival/Departure Records.
- Form I-94: Copies of your current I-94, if applicable.
- Visa Bulletin: Printout of the Visa Bulletin showing your priority date and current visa availability (if applicable).
Biometrics Appointment:
- Biometrics Appointment Notice: Copy of the notice for your biometrics appointment.
Medical Examination:
- Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (Form I-693) if required. The medical examination must be completed by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon.
Financial and Employment Documents:
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD): Copy of your valid EAD card (if applicable).
- Job Offer Letter: If applying based on employment, a letter from your employer confirming your job offer and details of your position.
- Pay Stubs: Copies of recent pay stubs to demonstrate continuous employment (if applicable).
- Tax Returns: Copies of your federal tax returns for the most recent tax year.
- Financial Support Documents: Evidence of financial stability, such as bank statements, assets, and financial affidavits (if required).
Supporting Evidence for Eligibility:
- Category-Specific Documents: Depending on your eligibility category (family-sponsored, employment-based, etc.), provide the required documents, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, evidence of relationship, etc.
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864): Required for family-sponsored applicants. If applicable, include the affidavit of support along with supporting financial documents from the sponsor.
Other Documents:
- Police Certificates: Certificates from every country where you’ve lived for a certain period (if required).
- Military Records: If applicable, provide military records from your home country.
- Legal Documents: Copies of any court documents, including arrest records or court dispositions (if applicable).
Keep in mind that this checklist is a general guide, and the documents you need might differ based on your specific situation and green card category. Always refer to the official USCIS website for the most up-to-date information and consult with an immigration attorney if you have any doubts about the required documents for your Form I-485 application.
Form I-485 processing time
Form I-485 processing times can vary significantly based on several factors, including the applicant’s category, USCIS workload, and the specific USCIS service center processing the application. Processing times for Form I-485 could range from several months to over a year.
To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on Form I-485 processing times, I recommend visiting the official USCIS website. USCIS provides an online tool called the “Check Processing Times” page where you can select the specific USCIS service center that is handling your application and see the estimated processing time for various types of cases, including Form I-485.
Here’s how you can check the processing time for Form I-485:
- Visit the USCIS “Check Processing Times” page
- Select the appropriate form: Choose “Form I-485” from the dropdown menu.
- Choose the USCIS service center: Enter the specific USCIS service center that is processing your case. This information can be found on your receipt notice or other correspondence from USCIS.
- Click “Get Processing Time”: Once you’ve entered the required information, click the “Get Processing Time” button to see the estimated processing time for Form I-485 cases at that particular service center.
Please note that processing times can change over time due to various factors, so it’s recommended to check the USCIS website periodically for the most current information. If you have concerns about delays or need more information about your specific case, you can also consider reaching out to USCIS directly or consulting with an immigration attorney for guidance.
