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8 min read

How to Navigate the I-485 Adjustment of Status for a US Green Card

Immigration

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Author

Jemima Owen-Jones

Last Update

July 17, 2025

Table of Contents

What is the Adjustment of Status I-485 form?

Understanding your eligibility

Including your dependents

Checking your priority

Collecting supporting documents

Undergoing background checks

Preparing for the interview with USCIS

Paying associated fees

Receiving confirmation and your Green Card

Mapping out a timeline

Stay one step ahead in the Green Card process with Deel

Key takeaways
  1. Form I-485 requires detailed documentation and accurate filing, including proof of identity, legal entry, medical exams, and sometimes affidavits of support. Missing documents can delay or derail your application.
  2. You become a permanent resident the moment your application is approved, even before your physical green card arrives. However, travel or errors during processing can still impact your status.
  3. Expert legal help can streamline the process and reduce errors. Deel’s immigration attorneys can guide you through every step, from filing to interview prep and beyond.

Applying to change your status from a temporary visa holder to a permanent US resident is a significant decision. With the Green Card, you gain the lifelong right to live, work, and study anywhere within the country.

To make this change, you need the Adjustment of Status I-485 form.

But like most US immigration processes, navigating the I-485 form can be complex. You, however, don’t have to do it all yourself.

Deel Immigration has dedicated case managers who provide personalized guidance and will guide you through your application from start to finish.

Keep reading if you still want to know what it’s like to navigate the process yourself. This guide will break down everything you need to know about navigating the I-485 Adjustment of Status for a US green card.

What is the Adjustment of Status I-485 form?

The Adjustment of Status Form I-485 is the official application you submit to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when you want to apply for a green card (lawful permanent residency) from within the United States.

Understanding your eligibility

Foreign nationals living in the US must meet specific eligibility criteria to file an I-485, also known as an Application to Adjust Status. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) outlines eight categories:

Family

You may be eligible for a green card through family if you fall into one of several categories.

The first category includes immediate relatives of US citizens. This means you can apply if you are the spouse of a US citizen, the unmarried child under 21 of a US citizen, or the parent of a US citizen who is at least 21 years old.

The family member in question must also file an I-130 form, or Petition for Alien Relative, on your behalf. The I-130 is used to establish the relationship between you and the family member petitioning for you.

Another path is through the family preference categories, which apply to other relatives of US citizens or lawful permanent residents.

If you’re related to a US citizen, you may qualify if you are their unmarried adult child (21 or older), their married child of any age, or their sibling, provided the US citizen is at least 21. If you’re related to a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you may qualify as their spouse, their unmarried child under 21, or their unmarried adult child who is 21 or older.

You can also apply if you entered the US as the fiancé(e) of a US citizen (on a K-1 visa) or as the child of a fiancé(e) (on a K-2 visa).

Widows and widowers of US citizens may also be eligible, as long as they were legally married to the US citizen at the time of their spouse’s death.

Finally, under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), you may be eligible if you are the abused spouse, child (unmarried and under 21), or parent of a US citizen or lawful permanent resident. This provision allows survivors of battery or extreme cruelty to self-petition for a green card without relying on the abuser.

Employment

You may be eligible for a green card through employment if you fall under one of several categories based on your skills, profession, or investment in the US.

Applicants in this category must file the I-140 form—a petition filed by a US employer with USCIS to request that a foreign worker be deemed eligible for a green card based on employment.

The first and most common path is as an immigrant worker, which is divided into three preference levels.

If you qualify as a first preference immigrant worker (EB-1), you must have extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics; or be an outstanding professor or researcher; or be a multinational manager or executive who meets certain criteria.

Suppose you’re a second preference worker (EB-2). In that case, you must either hold an advanced degree in your profession, demonstrate exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business, or qualify for a national interest waiver, which means your work benefits the US significantly enough that the typical job offer and labor certification requirements can be waived.

The third preference category (EB-3) is for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers. Skilled workers are those whose jobs require at least two years of training or experience. Professionals must have at least a US bachelor’s degree (or foreign equivalent) and belong to the profession. Unskilled workers perform labor that requires less than two years of training or experience.

You may also qualify under the Physician National Interest Waiver if you are a medical doctor who agrees to work full-time in clinical practice in a designated underserved area for a specific period and meet other requirements.

Lastly, if you are an immigrant investor (EB-5), you may apply if you’ve invested—or are actively investing—at least $1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise in the US, or $800,000 if the business is located in a targeted employment area or infrastructure project. Your investment must also create full-time jobs for at least 10 qualifying US workers.

I trust Deel. If I meet all the requirements, I’ll go through the green card process with them, too.

—Michael Li,

AMB Digital Agency

Refugee or asylee

If you were granted asylum or admitted as a refugee at least one year ago, you may be eligible to apply for a green card.

If you are an asylee, you must have been physically present in the US for at least one year after being granted asylum status. Similarly, if you are a refugee, you must have been admitted into the US as a refugee and have maintained that status for at least one year before applying.

In both cases, you must continue to meet eligibility requirements and not have had your status revoked.

Asylum seekers must have filed an I-589 form before they begin the I-485 process.

Special immigrant

You may also be eligible for a green card through special immigrant categories if you meet certain specific conditions.

If you are a religious worker, you must be a member of a recognized religious denomination and be coming to the US to work for a nonprofit religious organization.

As a Special Immigrant Juvenile, you may qualify if you are a child who has been abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent and requires the protection of a juvenile court.

Certain Afghan or Iraqi nationals may also be eligible. This includes individuals who served as translators or interpreters for the US government, Iraqis who were employed by or for the US government in Iraq on or after 20 March 2003, for at least one year, or Afghans who were employed by the US government or the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

If you’re an international broadcaster, you must be coming to the US to work as part of the media for the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) or one of its grantees.

Lastly, you may qualify if you’re an employee of an international organization or NATO, or a qualifying family member. This includes retired officers or employees of eligible international organizations or NATO, as well as certain family members of those employees.

Crime victims

You may be eligible to apply for a green card if you are a victim of human trafficking or certain crimes and currently hold a qualifying nonimmigrant visa.

If you are a victim of human trafficking, you must have a T visa, which is granted to individuals who have been trafficked into the United States and are assisting law enforcement or meet certain humanitarian criteria.

If you are a victim of certain crimes, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, or other qualifying offenses, you must have a U visa. This visa is for individuals who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and are helping law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.

In both cases, holding a T or U visa is a key requirement for being eligible to adjust your status to permanent residency.

Abuse victims

You may be eligible to apply for a green card if you are a victim of abuse and fall into one of several protected categories under US immigration law.

If you are a VAWA self-petitioner, you may qualify if you are the abused spouse of a US citizen or lawful permanent resident, the abused child (unmarried and under 21) of a US citizen or lawful permanent resident, or the abused parent of a US citizen. VAWA allows you to apply for a green card without the abuser’s knowledge or consent.

You may also qualify as a Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) if you are a child who has been abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent and has been granted SIJ status by a juvenile court.

Under the Cuban Adjustment Act, you may be eligible if you are the abused spouse or child of a Cuban native or citizen.

Similarly, under the Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA), you may apply if you are the abused spouse or child of a lawful permanent resident who obtained their green card through HRIFA.

Each of these paths is designed to protect vulnerable individuals and provide a route to lawful permanent residency independent of their abuser.

If you’re self-petitioning, you’ll also need the I-360 form.

Registry

If you have lived continuously in the United States since before 1 January 1972, you may be eligible to register for a green card through a process known as registry. This provision allows certain long-term residents who meet specific requirements to apply for lawful permanent residency, even if they originally entered the US without proper documentation or overstayed a visa.

Other categories

You may also qualify for a green card through two lesser-known but important paths:

First, if you’re a Liberian national who has lived continuously in the US since before 20 November 2014, or you’re their spouse or child, you may be eligible under the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF) program.

Second, if you were selected in the Diversity Visa Lottery run by the US Department of State, you can apply for a green card through that program.

Other possible routes include protections under the Cuban Adjustment Act or HRIFA, parole programs for specific nationalities, and special cases like being an American Indian born in Canada, a former diplomat, or someone born in the US to a foreign diplomat.

Are you unsure about your eligibility? Don’t fret. Deel offers a free eligibility check and personalized advice for your specific qualifications and goals.

Including your dependents

Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may be eligible to apply for a green card as your dependents by filing Form I-485. While their approval is often linked to yours, each application is assessed individually. That means USCIS could approve your I-485 but deny theirs, especially if they have missing documents, previous immigration violations, or inadmissibility issues.

If your dependents are applying at the same time as you, this is called a concurrent filing. It's usually the most efficient route, but all supporting documents must be accurate and complete to avoid delays.

If they’re not currently in the US, they’ll need to apply through consular processing instead. This involves submitting their application at a US embassy or consulate abroad, which can add time and complexity to the process.

Importantly, if you’re engaged but not married, your partner cannot apply as a dependent. In this case, your best option may be the K-1 fiancé(e) visa, which allows them to enter the US to marry you within 90 days, after which they can apply for a green card.

Also, consider the timing of your marriage. If you marry after you’ve already received your green card, your spouse will typically fall under a family preference category, which can have longer wait times than if you were married beforehand.

Finally, make sure each dependent has their own medical exam, biometrics appointment, and supporting documentation.

Checking your priority

Before you can submit Form I-485, you need to confirm that a green card is actually available for your eligibility category. Some categories—like immediate relatives of US citizens or refugees/asylees—have immediate visa availability. But others may need to wait in line due to annual limits.

That wait is due to the US immigration law capping the number of green cards issued each year. For example, family-based green cards are capped at around 226,000, and employment-based ones at 140,000.

USCIS uses a preference system within each category. For employment-based green cards, applicants with extraordinary abilities (like top scientists, artists, or executives) get first preference. Those with advanced degrees come next, followed by skilled and unskilled workers.

To determine your category’s current status, refer to the Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the US Department of State. It shows whether a visa is currently available to you and when you can file your I-485. If a visa isn’t available yet, you’ll receive a priority date, which tells you when you might become eligible.

Your priority date is like your place in line. Once it becomes current (meaning your turn is up), you can move forward. You’ll also get your A-number (Alien Registration Number), which is used to track your application throughout the process.

Want help reading the Visa Bulletin? Check out our guide to understanding priority dates and cutoff charts.

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Collecting supporting documents

When submitting Form I-485, you must include documents that prove your eligibility for a green card. The exact paperwork depends on which of the eight eligibility categories you fall under (family-based, employment-based, asylum, etc.). However, most applicants will need to submit the following:

  • Government-issued photo ID: A valid passport (even if expired) is the best option. Alternatively, a driver’s license or military ID may be accepted
  • Passport-style photos: You must provide two 2x2-inch (50mm x 50mm) color photos with a white background, printed on thin, glossy photo paper
  • Proof of legal entry: This can include your visa, I-94 form, or stamped passport page showing your lawful admission or parole into the US
  • Address history for the last 5 years: USCIS requires a complete record of your addresses, starting from your current address and working backward. Be prepared to explain any gaps or inconsistencies
  • Employment history for the last 5 years: List all jobs you’ve held in the past five years, including part-time roles and unpaid internships. Include the employer’s name, your job title, and start/end dates
  • Marriage and birth certificates: These confirm your identity, age, and relationship to a US citizen or lawful permanent resident if applying through family
  • Medical exam (Form I-693): You’ll need to visit a USCIS-approved civil surgeon for a medical exam and vaccinations. The clinic will complete and sign Form I-693, which must be submitted in a sealed envelope
  • Sponsorship or Affidavit of Support: Many applicants (especially family-based) must submit Form I-864, which shows a US sponsor has the financial means to support you
  • Police clearance certificate (if requested): In some cases, USCIS may ask for police records from countries you’ve lived in to check for any criminal history

Be sure to double-check the checklist for your specific category—missing or outdated documents are a common reason for delays.

It’s worth noting that you don’t have to file any forms in your home country during the I-485. Only applicants living outside the United States are required to undergo consular processing.

I’ve never come across a team that moves so quickly, responds to questions in almost real-time and yet is so detail-oriented. After working with them, I wouldn’t consider working with anyone else for my immigration needs. They’re simply spectacular.

—Mohak Nahta,

Founder and CEO, Atlys

Undergoing background checks

All applicants filing Form I-485 must undergo a background check before USCIS can approve their green card. This process includes collecting your biometrics—fingerprints, photograph, and digital signature—and running security screenings through the FBI and other agencies.

Shortly after you file, USCIS will send you a notice scheduling your biometric services appointment at a nearby Application Support Center (ASC). You’ll need to bring a valid photo ID and the appointment notice. If you fail to attend without notifying USCIS, your application may be considered abandoned.

At the appointment, ASC staff will collect your biometrics, which USCIS uses to verify your identity and run background checks. The FBI conducts a criminal background check and a name check through its National Name Check Program (NNCP).

These checks look for any criminal, security, or immigration-related issues. The results may indicate no record, a positive match with an existing file, or unreadable fingerprints (in which case, you may be asked to reappear for another scan). Fingerprints are valid for 15 months from the date the FBI processes them.

In rare cases where a permanent medical condition prevents fingerprinting, USCIS may grant a fingerprint waiver—but only after an in-person attempt to collect your prints. If approved, you’ll need to submit police clearance letters from each place you’ve lived during the required good moral character period. Temporary conditions or having fewer than 10 fingers don’t qualify, and waiver denials cannot be appealed.

USCIS offers accommodations for applicants with disabilities or health issues. If you’re homebound or hospitalized, you can request a mobile biometrics appointment by submitting medical documentation and your appointment notice to your local field office.

ASC can provide support for different languages. You may need to contact the center ahead of time with your specific request.

Preparing for the interview with USCIS

Most adjustment of status applicants are required to attend an in-person interview at a USCIS office. The purpose of the interview is to verify your identity, review your application, and confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements for a green card. In some cases—such as when you’ve already been interviewed through a related family-based visa application—USCIS may waive the interview. However, waivers are rare and granted on a case-by-case basis.

During the interview, a USCIS officer will ask questions based on your immigration category. For example, if you’re applying through marriage, you should be prepared to answer detailed questions about your relationship to ensure it’s genuine and not solely for immigration purposes. Officers are trained to detect inconsistencies and signs of fraud, so honesty and preparation are essential.

If you or any of your dependents need language support, you can bring an interpreter, but they must be an impartial third party. Friends, family members, or anyone with a personal interest in your case are not allowed to interpret.

It’s important to review your entire application beforehand, bring original copies of all required documents, and arrive early with your interview notice and valid photo ID. A calm, well-prepared approach can make all the difference.

Paying associated fees

Most applicants are required to pay a fee to file Form I-485 for adjustment of status. The total cost depends on your age and filing circumstances.

For adults over 14, the fee is $1,140.

Children under 14 filing without a parent also pay $1,140, while those filing with at least one parent pay a reduced fee of $950.

Refugees and asylum seekers are exempt from these fees.

In addition, applicants between the ages of 14 and 78 must pay an $85 biometric services fee, which covers fingerprinting and identity verification.

You can pay by credit card, by mail, or in person at a USCIS office when submitting your forms. Please note that all fees are non-refundable, even if your application is withdrawn or denied.

Receiving confirmation and your Green Card

After you submit Form I-485, your green card application enters the USCIS system for processing. While you wait, there are a few important things to keep in mind.

You can track your case status online using your USCIS receipt number on the Case Status Online page. This tool displays updates, such as when your biometrics are scheduled, if additional documents are required, or when a final decision has been made. If you believe your case is outside the normal timeline, you can also submit a case inquiry or call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY: 800-767-1833).

It’s also important to update your address within 10 days of moving. USCIS does not automatically update your address if you change it with USPS, and missing a notice could delay your case. To update your address, use the USCIS Change of Address page.

If you’re curious about how long your case might take, you can check estimated processing times for your local field office on the USCIS Processing Time page. Employment-based applicants can find additional insights on the Pending Employment-Based I-485 Inventory page.

If you need to travel outside the US while your I-485 is pending, you must apply for Advance Parole using Form I-131. Leaving the US without this document could be considered abandoning your application, which may lead to denial. See the Travel Documents page for details.

Once your application is approved, you become a lawful permanent resident immediately—even if your physical green card hasn’t arrived. You’ll receive a notification via your USCIS account, and soon after, a USPS tracking number to monitor the delivery of your green card.

Mapping out a timeline

Adjusting your status requires keeping track of multiple deadlines, forms, and appointments. Missing even one step can delay your case—or worse, lead to rejection. To help you stay organized, here’s a general timeline of the I-485 process:

  1. Arrange a sponsor, if required for your category (e.g., family- or employment-based).
  2. File your immigrant petition (such as Form I-130 or I-140).
  3. Check your priority date on the Visa Bulletin to ensure a visa is available.
  4. Wait for USCIS to approve your petition.
  5. Prepare supporting documents, including birth certificates, IDs, and proof of legal entry.
  6. Book a medical exam and complete Form I-693.
  7. Complete Form I-485 and submit it with the required fees and supporting documents.
  8. Receive your receipt notice confirming USCIS has accepted your application.
  9. Attend your biometric appointment when scheduled.
  10. Respond promptly to any requests for additional evidence (RFE).
  11. Attend your USCIS interview, unless waived.
  12. Receive a decision—if approved, you’ll get a notification and later your green card by mail.

Processing times vary by case type and USCIS field office but typically range from 8 to 14 months, not weeks. You can check current timelines on the USCIS Processing Time page.

If your visa category has immediate availability, you may be eligible to file your immigrant petition and Form I-485 concurrently. This can speed up the process, but it carries risks—if your petition is denied, you’ll lose the I-485 filing fee and any progress made.

Applicants seeking to work while their green card application is pending can apply for a work permit (EAD) by filing Form I-765. You can submit this online and track progress through your USCIS account.

If you plan to travel internationally while your I-485 is pending, you must apply for Advance Parole using Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document). Leaving the US without it may cause USCIS to treat your application as abandoned.

Stay one step ahead in the Green Card process with Deel

Applying for a green card through Form I-485 is a major milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between strict documentation requirements, background checks, and shifting timelines, it’s easy to make mistakes that delay or complicate your journey to permanent residency.

That’s where expert legal guidance comes in. With the right support, you can confidently navigate each step, ensuring your eligibility, completing your application accurately, and submitting all required documents on time.

Deel’s experienced immigration attorneys are here to help. Whether you’re applying for a green card, work authorization, or travel documents, our team can guide you through the process from start to finish.

Ready to take the next step? Book a free consultation with Deel Immigration today to explore your options and move forward with confidence.

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About the author

Jemima is a nomadic writer, journalist, and digital marketer with a decade of experience crafting compelling B2B content for a global audience. She is a strong advocate for equal opportunities and is dedicated to shaping the future of work. At Deel, she specializes in thought-leadership content covering global mobility, cross-border compliance, and workplace culture topics.

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