Everything You Need to Know About Form I-485: Green Card Application for Spouses in the U.S.
Form I-485, officially titled the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is the final application for obtaining a green card if you are already inside the United States. For many spouses of U.S. citizens, this form can often be filed concurrently with the initial petition (Form I-130), allowing for a faster overall process.
When filing Form I-485, applicants must provide a wide range of personal information and supporting evidence, including proof of lawful entry, a medical examination (Form I-693), an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), and credible proof of their qualifying relationship. The standard filing fee for most adults is $1,440.
Eligibility is crucial—you must have a valid legal basis (such as marriage to a U.S. citizen), have lawfully entered the country, and not fall under any grounds of inadmissibility, which include criminal history, serious health issues, security concerns, or certain immigration violations.
The application must be filed by mail to the designated USCIS Lockbox facility. Once submitted, applicants will receive a receipt number to track their case online and will be scheduled for a required biometrics appointment.
Form I-485 is one of the most important steps in the green card process for spouses and other qualifying individuals applying from within the U.S. Below, we provide a step-by-step guide to help you understand eligibility, filing requirements, supporting documentation, fees, and the advantages of concurrent filing.
Avoid unnecessary delays—file with confidence by consulting an experienced immigration attorney at Green Card Link.
What is Form I-485?
Form I-485 allows eligible individuals already in the United States to apply for lawful permanent residence—commonly known as obtaining a green card. It is essentially the last and most critical stage of the adjustment of status process.
For spouses applying from abroad, the green card process instead requires consular processing through a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Eligibility Requirements for Form I-485
Not everyone is eligible to apply for adjustment of status. To qualify, applicants must meet several key requirements:
- Physical Presence in the U.S. – You must currently be inside the United States.
- Valid Legal Basis for Application – Common pathways include:
- Family-Based Green Cards
- Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, parents, unmarried children under 21).
- Other relatives of U.S. citizens or green card holders with a current priority date.
- Fiancé(e) visa holders (K-1) who married within 90 days of entry.
- Widows/widowers of U.S. citizens.
- VAWA self-petitioners (victims of abuse by U.S. citizen or LPR relatives).
- Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, parents, unmarried children under 21).
- Employment-Based Green Cards
- Individuals with an approved Form I-140 in EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, or other employment categories. In certain cases, Form I-485 can be filed concurrently with the I-140.
- Individuals with an approved Form I-140 in EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, or other employment categories. In certain cases, Form I-485 can be filed concurrently with the I-140.
- Family-Based Green Cards
- Lawful Entry Requirement – You must have entered the U.S. lawfully through an official port of entry and been inspected by a CBP officer. Entry without inspection generally makes you ineligible, with limited exceptions.
- Not Inadmissible – USCIS reviews every case for potential grounds of inadmissibility, such as:
- Criminal convictions (drug, fraud, violent crimes).
- Communicable health conditions.
- Security-related issues (espionage, terrorism).
- Immigration violations or prior deportations.
- Likelihood of becoming a public charge (financial dependency).
- Criminal convictions (drug, fraud, violent crimes).
If you are uncertain about your eligibility, an immigration attorney at Green Card Link can evaluate your case and help ensure your application is properly filed.
Concurrent Filing with Form I-485
One of the main advantages for certain applicants is the ability to file Form I-485 concurrently with an underlying immigrant petition, such as Form I-130 (for spouses of U.S. citizens) or Form I-140 (for some employment-based cases).
Those eligible for concurrent filing include:
- Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, children under 21, parents if the citizen is 21+).
- Applicants with an immigrant visa number available immediately.
- Special Immigrant Juveniles.
- VAWA self-petitioners.
- Certain members of the U.S. Armed Forces or applicants under special immigrant categories.
Concurrent filing can greatly shorten the green card timeline for eligible applicants.
Step-by-Step Guide: Completing Form I-485
Below is a section-by-section breakdown of Form I-485:
Part 1: Information About You
Provide personal details such as your full legal name, aliases, date and place of birth, citizenship, A-Number (if applicable), immigration history, passport and visa information, I-94 details, address history, and Social Security Number.
Part 2: Application Type or Filing Category
Indicate the category under which you are applying (Family-Based, Employment-Based, Special Immigrant, Asylee/Refugee, etc.).
Part 3: Affidavit of Support Exemption
If exempt from filing Form I-864, specify the reason (such as 40 qualifying quarters of U.S. work, widow(er) of a U.S. citizen, or VAWA self-petitioner).
Part 4: Additional Information About You
Provide employment and education history, prior immigration applications, and details of any previous immigrant visa filings.
Part 5: Information About Parents
List your parents’ legal names, birth details, and biographic information.
Part 6: Marital History
Provide information about your current spouse (if applicable), previous marriages, and related details.
Part 7: Information About Children
List all living children, including biological, adopted, and stepchildren.
Part 8: Biographic Information
Provide ethnicity, race, height, weight, eye color, and hair color.
Part 9: General Eligibility & Inadmissibility Grounds
Answer questions regarding memberships, immigration violations, criminal history, national security issues, public charge risks, and prior deportation/removal orders.
Part 10: Applicant’s Statement, Contact, Declaration, & Signature
Certify under penalty of perjury that all information is true. Provide contact details and sign.
Parts 11–12: Interpreter & Preparer Information
If an interpreter or preparer assisted you, their details and certification must be included.
Parts 13–14: USCIS Interview & Additional Information
Leave the signature blank until your USCIS interview. Use Part 14 for additional explanations or details that did not fit earlier.
Document Checklist for Spouses: I-485 Adjustment of Status Filing
When applying for a marriage-based green card or other family-based immigration benefits, submitting the correct supporting documents is essential. Below is a comprehensive checklist of required evidence for immediate relatives and family-based preference applicants.
Core Required Forms and Evidence
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
This is the primary application form. It must be completed, signed, and submitted with all required documentation. - Form I-864, Affidavit of Support
Most family-based applicants must include this form to demonstrate that the sponsor has sufficient financial means to prevent the applicant from becoming a public charge. - Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
A USCIS-designated Civil Surgeon must complete and sign this form. The I-485 application requires you to list the date the I-693 was signed. - Two Passport-Style Photographs
Photos must meet official U.S. government requirements regarding size, format, and quality. - Government-Issued Photo ID
Provide a copy of a passport biographical page, driver’s license, or another valid government-issued ID. - Birth Certificate
Submit a copy of your birth certificate. If it is not in English, you must include a certified English translation. - Proof of Legal Entry
Show evidence that you were lawfully admitted or paroled into the U.S. (such as Form I-94 or an entry stamp in your passport). - Proof of Underlying Petition
Include evidence of a family petition filed on your behalf, typically Form I-797, Notice of Action, for your approved Form I-130. - Evidence of a Bona Fide Marriage (if applying through a spouse)
Provide documentation to prove your marriage is genuine, such as joint financial accounts, leases or mortgages with both names, photographs together, and birth certificates of shared children. - Marriage Certificate
Submit a certified copy of your official marriage certificate. - Filing Fees
Your application will be rejected if you do not include the correct payment amount. - Certified Police and Court Records
If you were ever arrested, charged, or convicted of a crime, provide certified copies of all related records, regardless of the outcome. - Proof of U.S. Citizenship of Petitioner (Spouse)
Provide a copy of the sponsoring spouse’s U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Certificate of Naturalization.
Optional but Recommended Forms
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization – Request a work permit while your I-485 is pending.
- Form I-131, Application for Travel Document – Request advance parole if you need to travel internationally while your case is pending.
Step 1: File the DS-261 (Choice of Address and Agent)
- Termination of Prior Marriages – Divorce decrees, annulment orders, or death certificates.
- Form I-601 – Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility.
- Form I-212 – Permission to Reapply for Admission after deportation or removal.
- J-1/J-2 Waiver Documents – If subject to the two-year foreign residency requirement.
- Form I-508 – Waiver of diplomatic rights, privileges, exemptions, and immunities.
- Form I-566 – Interagency record of request for those under certain visa categories.
- Form I-485 Supplement A – Required for adjustment under Section 245(i).
I-485 Processing Time in 2025
According to USCIS data, the average processing time for Form I-485 in 2025 is 6–12 months. Timelines vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the field office handling the case.
After submission, USCIS issues a Receipt Notice confirming your application. This notice includes a 10-digit receipt number, which you can use on the USCIS website to track your case status.
I-485 Filing Fees
- General filing fee: $1,440
- Applicants under 14 filing concurrently with a parent: $950
- Exemptions and reduced fees may apply in specific categories. Review the USCIS fee schedule for details.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form I-485
Can Form I-485 be filed online?
No. Form I-485 must be submitted by mail to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox address. Forms typically filed with it, such as Form I-765 and Form I-131, must also be mailed in the same package.
How can I get notifications about my filing?
Include Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance to receive text or email updates when USCIS accepts your filing. USCIS may also provide you with an Online Access Code to link your paper case to your USCIS online account.
Who can prepare Form I-485?
- You, the applicant – You are responsible for the accuracy of all information provided.
- Immigration attorney at Green Card Link – A legal representative can prepare and submit your application on your behalf.
- Other preparers – Friends or family may assist, but they cannot provide legal advice. Translators must complete the interpreter certification section.
Where do I file my I-485 application?
The mailing address depends on your state of residence and the mailing service used (USPS vs. FedEx/UPS/DHL). The correct addresses are listed on the official USCIS website.
What is the difference between Form I-130 and Form I-485?
- Form I-130 establishes a qualifying relationship between the U.S. sponsor and the foreign relative.
- Form I-485 allows the foreign relative to apply for permanent residency based on that approved petition.
Think of it as an invitation and RSVP: I-130 is the invitation to the immigration “party,” while I-485 is the RSVP confirming attendance and eligibility.
What happens if I-485 is filed incorrectly?
USCIS may reject your application or issue a Request for Evidence (RFE). Incorrect filings often result in delays or rejection without refund of fees.
What does it mean when I-485 is approved?
Approval means you are officially granted lawful permanent resident status (a green card holder). You may then work legally and enjoy the benefits of permanent residency.
How long does I-485 approval take?
Average processing times range from 8 to 14 months, depending on case type and field office.
What if my I-485 is denied?
You should consult with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link to explore next steps. Options may include filing a motion to reopen, appeal, or submitting a new application.