Form I-485 Adjustment of Status

Overview

Form I-485 is the application to adjust status to lawful permanent resident — used by foreign nationals already in the U.S. who become eligible for green cards (e.g., approved I-140 with current priority date, immediate relative petition, or asylum). It allows recipients to stay in the U.S. during processing and obtain work authorization (EAD) and travel permission (Advance Parole).

Eligibility Requirements

Approved or concurrently filed underlying immigrant petition (I-140, I-130, etc.); priority date current (per Visa Bulletin); applicant in the U.S. and admissible; and not subject to bars (e.g., unauthorized employment for 245(i) ineligibility, certain criminal grounds).

Application Process

File Form I-485 with supporting evidence. Concurrent filing now allowed for current priority dates with I-140. Biometrics appointment required. Employment authorization (Form I-765) and Advance Parole (Form I-131) typically filed concurrently.

Required Documentation

Required: approved or concurrently filed I-140; medical examination (Form I-693); birth certificate with translation; passport; supporting tax returns; affidavit of support (if applicable); and proof of lawful status maintenance.

Government Filing Fees

I-485 filing fee; Biometrics fee; I-765 EAD (if applicable); I-131 Advance Parole (if applicable).

Processing Timeline

I-485 currently 8–14 months for most categories; EAD 3–8 months; Advance Parole 3–8 months.

Why Choose Our Firm

We manage thousands of I-485 cases including: complex 245(i) eligibility, criminal admissibility issues, prior visa overstays, and multi-derivative family applications.