Form I-485 Processing Time and Application Timeline (2025 Update)

Start to Finish: How Long the Form I-485 Process Takes

If you’re applying for a green card from within the United States, understanding the Form I-485 processing timeline is crucial. This process—called adjustment of status—includes several key steps, from submitting your application to receiving your green card.

On average, Form I-485 takes 8 to 14 months to process. However, your actual timeline may vary depending on your eligibility category, the USCIS field office handling your case, and whether any additional requests (like biometrics or an interview) are required. In this section, we walk you through each phase—so you’ll know what to expect and how to stay on track.

Why Knowing the Timeline Matters

Understanding how long the I-485 process takes is important because it helps you:

• Plan for key milestones, like your biometrics appointment or interview,
• Prepare for work or travel if you’re waiting on a work permit (EAD) or advance parole,
• Avoid unnecessary delays by knowing when a case is outside normal processing time.

Since USCIS updates processing times regularly—and they vary by location—it’s critical to stay informed and track your case closely throughout the process. For an in-depth walkthrough—including eligibility, filing process, required forms, fees, and step-by-step instructions—check out our Guide: “Form I‑485 Adjustment of Status”.

Quick‑Glance on Form I-485 Timeline

Check Your Eligibility

Before sending Form I‑485, confirm that a visa is immediately available in your category and that you meet all statutory and admissibility requirements. See our I‑485 Eligibility Checklist for a line‑by‑line walkthrough.

Below is a more detailed explanation of each stage shown in the Quick-Glance Timeline, including what to expect at every point in the I-485 process.

Form I-485 Timeline & Process Steps

After submitting Form I-485 to USCIS, your adjustment of status application will go through several key stages. Below is a breakdown of what typically happens at each step, based on standard processing timelines. These steps correspond with the summary shown in the Quick-Glance Timeline above.

1. Receipt Notice (Form I-797C)

Timeline: 2–4 weeks after filing
USCIS will send you a Receipt Notice confirming that they have received your Form I-485. This notice includes a receipt number you can use to track your case status online.

2. Biometric Services Appointment Notice

Timeline: 5–8 weeks after filing
Next, you’ll receive an appointment notice for biometrics. This is your fingerprinting appointment, typically held at an Application Support Center (ASC).

3. Biometrics Appointment

Timeline: Usually occurs within 1–2 weeks of the notice
At the appointment, USCIS will collect your fingerprints, photograph, and signature. These are used to run background checks with the FBI and DHS. Check our guide on how to prepare for a biometric appointment.

4. Employment Authorization Document (EAD) & Advance Parole (AP)

Timeline: 14–20 weeks after filing
If you applied for a work permit (Form I-765) or travel permit (Form I-131) with your I-485, you may receive a combo EAD/AP card. This allows you to work and re-enter the U.S. while your I-485 is pending.

5. Interview Notice

Timeline: 4–10 months after filing
If an interview is required, USCIS will send you a notice with the date, time, and location. Be sure to bring updated documentation, your original civil documents, and a copy of your application.

6. Adjustment of Status Interview

Timeline: Typically scheduled within 1–2 months of notice
During the interview, a USCIS officer will review your application and verify your eligibility. Not all applicants are interviewed—some may receive a waiver if their case is low-risk and well-documented. Check our detailed guide on the green card interview.

7. Receive Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

Timeline: 8–14 months after filing
If your interview is successful (or waived), USCIS will approve your application and mail your green card. Congratulations! You are now a lawful permanent resident.

Note: The process steps and timeline mentioned above may vary depending on various factors such as your application status, individual circumstances, filing office, and workload of the USCIS.

Average Processing Times by Category (USCIS FY 2025 Q2)

Detailed USCIS Field Office Tables

Below you can find the complete categories, service centers, and their processing time for the form I-485. Immigration Direct updates this information monthly based on USCIS data. It is updated on August 01, 2025.

Employment-Based Form I-485 Processing Time

Family-Based Form I-485 Processing Time

Under the Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA) Form I-485 Processing Time

Asylum-Based (More than 1 year) Form I-485 Processing Time

Refugee-Based (More than 1 year) Form I-485 Processing Time

Based on an approved T Visa Form I-485 Processing Time

Based on an approved U Visa Form I-485 Processing Time

Historical Processing Times: I‑485 Form (FY 2014–2025)

Understanding how long it took to process I‑485 applications in the past helps applicants assess whether current wait times are typical or unusually delayed. The median time indicates how long it took for half of the applications to be completed each fiscal year.

Here are the official median processing times (by USCIS) for Form I‑485:

Source: Check USCIS historical processing times for all other forms.

How to Check Your Case Status

• Locate your 13‑digit receipt number (e.g., MSC2190…).
• Visit the USCIS Case Status Tool to track your application with your receipt number. You can also check average timelines by category and office using the USCIS Processing Times page. For a full explanation of how USCIS calculates and updates these timelines, read our USCIS Processing Times Explained article.
• Sign up for automatic text/email alerts.
• If your case is outside the normal range displayed, submit an e‑Request or call the USCIS Contact Center.

Reasons for Form I-485 Application Delays

There are several reasons for the delay in processing your I-485 application form. The most common reasons are:

• You have received a Request for Evidence (RFE), which is asking for additional information to support your submission of Form I-485.
• The appointment for your biometrics has been rescheduled.
• Your case has been transferred to a different USCIS Service Center.
• There have been processing errors related to your Form I-485.
• The USCIS may conduct additional checks and investigations related to your case.
• You have changed your address, and it’s important to update it with USCIS.

What to Do When Your I‑485 Is Outside Normal Processing Time

1. Submit a “Outside Normal Processing Time” e‑Request (online).
   If you’re unsure whether your case is delayed, our guide on USCIS Processing Times Explained can help you interpret the published timelines more accurately.
2. Call USCIS at 800‑375‑5283 (have your receipt number ready).
3. Ask your congressional representative for assistance if the delay is extreme.
4. Consider an Ombudsman inquiry for systemic issues.
5. If urgent travel or job loss is at stake, discuss mandamus or writ of habeas actions with an immigration attorney.

FAQs on I-485 Processing Time

Let Us Help You Finish Your I-485 Application Successfully

If you take the extra time and care to complete your Form I-485, you can minimize the processing time for your application. ImmigrationDirect helps optimize your I-485 Form processing time with our best approach. We aim to help you prepare an application, including the I-485 Supplement B, that meets all eligibility requirements and is thoroughly documented, thereby reducing the likelihood of receiving Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or denials.

Our streamlined online system and attorney consultation service help you submit a complete, accurate Form I-485 that meets USCIS requirements—reducing RFEs and speeding up your path to a green card.