I-485

Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

Agency
USCIS
Revision
Edition 09/18/26
Fillable fields
730
Pages
24
Official source
USCIS form page
Checked
October 14, 2026
Fill I-485 online
Page 1 of form I-485

Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

Form I-485 is the application a person already in the United States files to become a lawful permanent resident, often called getting a Green Card. USCIS calls the process adjustment of status. You must be physically present in the United States to file.

Most applicants file because a family member, employer or special program has opened a path to a Green Card, and an immigrant visa is available in their category. Many family and employment cases start with a petition such as Form I-130 or I-140. In general you file the I-485 only after the petition is approved and a visa number is immediately available, though some categories allow concurrent filing.

USCIS published a new 09/18/26 edition, and its form page says it rejects the 01/20/25 and 09/04/26 editions if postmarked or submitted on or after Sept. 18, 2026.

The title area of Form I-485 (edition 09/18/26) with the form name, agency and OMB number

What's on Form I-485

Part 1: Information about you

Name, other names used, A-Number, birth details, mailing and physical address, and entry information. This also replaces the old Form G-325A biographic data.

Part 2: Application type or filing category

You pick your immigrant category and say whether you are the principal or a derivative applicant.

Part 3: Exemption for the Affidavit of Support

Used to request an exemption from the intending immigrant's affidavit of support when one applies.

Part 4: Additional information about you

Further biographic details, including information that used to appear on Form G-325A.

Part 9: Eligibility and inadmissibility grounds, public charge

Yes and no questions about conduct and background. Item 56 asks whether you fall under an exempt category for the public charge ground, and if not, Items 57 to 64 ask about family status, income, assets and liabilities.

Part 10 to Part 12: Signatures

Your contact information, certification and signature, then the interpreter's and preparer's sections if someone helped.

Part 14: Additional information

Extra space for longer answers.

How to fill out Form I-485

  1. 1

    Make sure you have the 09/18/26 edition

    Look at the bottom of every page. All pages must come from the same edition or USCIS may reject the form.

    The bottom of a Form I-485 page showing the edition date 09/18/26 and page number
  2. 2

    Pick your category in Part 2

    Check the box for your immigrant category in Item 2 and the filing basis in Items 3.a. to 3.g. Derivative applicants also give the principal applicant's information. Check the Visa Bulletin first to see if your priority date is current.

    The category selection in Part 2 of Form I-485 with the Spouse of a U.S. Citizen box checked
  3. 3

    Complete Parts 1 and 4

    Use your legal name and the address where you want mail. Give a valid Social Security number if you have one.

    Items 1 and 2 of Part 1 of Form I-485 with a sample current legal name and another name entered
  4. 4

    Answer Part 9 carefully

    Read each question in full. If you select that you are not in an exempt category for public charge, complete Items 57 to 64 about your household size, income, assets and liabilities.

    Part 9 Item 56 of Form I-485 with the box for not being in an exempt category checked
  5. 5

    Gather the medical report and evidence

    You generally must submit Form I-693 from a civil surgeon in its sealed envelope, along with proof of your category, identity, entry, and certified police and court records for any arrests or convictions.

    The USCIS use only block on page 1 of Form I-485 with the line for the date Form I-693 was signed by the civil surgeon
  6. 6

    Sign Part 10

    A stamped or typed name is not accepted. You may use this page to fill the form online free, then print it for your handwritten signature.

    The applicant signature and date lines in Part 10 of Form I-485 with a sample signature entered

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Where to file, timing and fees

When to file

Generally only when an immigrant visa is immediately available in your category. USCIS has exceptions, such as concurrent filing with a petition that would make a visa available.

Where to file

By mail to the lockbox for your category, or online for certain applicants. USCIS changed the I-485 filing location on Oct. 7, 2026 and allows a grace period to Nov. 9, 2026. Use its direct filing addresses page.

Fee

The filing fee is on the USCIS Fee Schedule page. Forms I-765 and I-131 filed with it carry their own fees, listed there.

Form I-693 medical exam

Submit it with the I-485. USCIS says the form may be rejected without it. If you file online, open the sealed envelope and upload the form, and keep the original.

Traveling while it is pending

Leaving the United States can make USCIS treat the application as abandoned unless an exception applies, such as having Advance Parole first through Form I-131.

Related filings

Many applicants also file an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), an employment authorization application (Form I-765) and a travel document request (Form I-131).

Related forms

Who needs to fill out Form I-485?

  • Principal applicants

    A person who directly qualifies for an immigrant category, such as through a family petition, an employment petition, a special immigrant category, asylum or refugee status, or a special adjustment program.

  • Derivative applicants

    The spouse or child of a principal applicant. Each person files their own Form I-485, whether principal or derivative.

  • People using INA 245(i)

    Someone who entered without inspection or faces certain adjustment bars may still adjust under section 245(i), which uses Supplement A and its own instructions.

  • Who may not be eligible

    USCIS says adjustment bars in the INA and grounds of inadmissibility can block approval. Some applicants can apply for a waiver or another form of relief.

Official sources and the blank

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Questions about Form I-485

Can I file Form I-485 if I am outside the United States?

No. USCIS says you must be physically present in the United States to file.

Do I need a medical exam?

Applicants are generally required to submit Form I-693 signed by a civil surgeon with the I-485. Without it, the application may be rejected.

Can I file Form I-765 and Form I-131 at the same time?

Yes, they can be filed concurrently. They have their own fees. If you request advance parole with the I-485, select only item 5.A. in Part 1 of Form I-131.

What happens if I travel while my case is pending?

Departing the U.S. can lead USCIS to treat an adjustment application as abandoned, unless you hold Advance Parole or fit another listed exception.

Do I need Form G-325A?

No. USCIS says it is no longer required, because Parts 1 and 4 of the I-485 collect that information.