Form I-485 Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide to Your Green Card Journey

Introduction: Your Roadmap to U.S. Green Card

Form I-485 is the key application for adjusting your status to become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) while in the United States. Understanding and correctly completing this form is essential for a successful immigration journey.

Filing this application can feel stressful and confusing. But it’s more than just government paperwork—it’s the gateway to getting your Green Card (lawful permanent residency) in the United States. For many immigrants, it represents stability, opportunity, and a secure future for their families.

It’s normal to worry that one mistake could delay your Green Card process. The good news is you don’t have to do this alone. This guide gives you clear, step-by-step Form I-485 instructions so you’ll know exactly what documents to prepare, how to fill out each section correctly, and how to avoid the common mistakes that cause problems for many applicants.

So, how do you complete Form I-485? Think of it as your roadmap—turning something complicated into a process that’s clear, simple, and achievable. Every detail you enter is not just information—it’s a meaningful step toward your dream of living permanently in the U.S. With the right guidance, filing doesn’t have to be stressful—it can be the moment you take control of your future.

Your future in the United States is too important to leave to chance. Start your I-485 application today with confidence, and move closer to the security and opportunities that permanent residency brings.

Understanding Form I-485: What You Need to Know

Form I-485, officially called the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is the form you use if you are already in the United States and want to apply for permanent residency (a Green Card). This process—known as “adjustment of status”—lets you stay in the U.S. while your Green Card application is processed.

In simple terms, Form I-485 connects your current status (such as a family visa, work visa, or refugee/asylee status) to lawful permanent residency. Once approved, you’ll receive your Green Card, which allows you to live and work in the U.S. permanently.

You may be eligible to file through family sponsorship, employment, refugee or asylee status, or certain humanitarian categories.

Keep in mind: Form I-485 is only for applicants already inside the U.S. If you live abroad, you’ll need to apply through a U.S. embassy or consulate in a process called consular processing.

By understanding what this form does and who it’s for, you’ll be better prepared to take the next step. In the following section, we’ll guide you on how to get ready before you begin filling it out.

Before You Begin – Preparing for the I-485 Form

Before you start filling out Form I-485, a little preparation can save you time, stress, and delays. Think of this stage as laying the foundation for a smooth application—when everything is in place, the process becomes much easier.

Here are the key steps to take before you begin:

• Check your eligibility: Confirm that you qualify to file Form I-485, whether through family, employment, refugee/asylee status, or another category.
• Gather your documents: Prepare key records like your birth certificate, passport, I-94, and previous immigration documents so you can complete your form smoothly.
• Understand the fees: Review the current USCIS filing fees and payment options in advance (these may change over time, so always check the USCIS website).
• Schedule your medical exam: Many applicants need Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) completed by a USCIS-approved doctor.
• Plan for accuracy: Double-check that names, dates, and personal details match your official documents. Even small mistakes can cause delays.

Preparing ahead is about more than just paperwork—it’s about giving yourself peace of mind. When you’re organized from the start, every step that follows becomes easier to manage.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Completing Form I-485

Now that you’ve prepared your documents and confirmed your eligibility, let’s begin filling out Form I-485. The form is divided into 14 parts; each part gathers specific information USCIS needs to process your application. We’ll break down each section for clarity.

Part 1: Personal Details

This part collects important details about you, the applicant. Fill out each item carefully to ensure your information matches your official documents and immigration records.

1. Your Current Legal Name

• Enter your last name (family name) exactly as on your passport or birth certificate.
• Enter your first name (given name) and middle name (if applicable).
• Do not use nicknames here.

2. Other Names You’ve Used Since Birth

• List any other names you have used, such as maiden name, previous legal names, or aliases.
• Include those names’ last, first, and middle names as applicable.
• If you have used multiple other names, list them all.

3. Date of Birth

• Provide your birthdate in MM/DD/YYYY format.
• If you have ever used other birthdates, include those as well.

4. Alien Registration Number (A-Number)

• Enter your A-Number if USCIS has assigned you one.
• If you’ve been assigned more than one, provide all numbers.
• If you don’t have an A-Number, leave this blank.

5. Sex

• Select Male or Female.

6. Place of Birth

• Provide the city or town and country where you were born.

7. Country of Citizenship or Nationality

• List the country where you hold citizenship or nationality.

8. USCIS Online Account Number

• Enter this number if you have one from previous online filings with USCIS.
• Otherwise, leave it blank.

9. Passport or Travel Document Information

• Include number, issuing country, and expiration date of your passport or travel document used on your last entry to the U.S.

10. Nonimmigrant Visa Information

• Enter your visa number and date of issue if you had a visa on your most recent arrival.

11. Place and Date of Last Arrival into the U.S.

• Provide the city, state, and arrival date when you last entered the U.S.

12. Recent Immigration History

• Indicate how you last entered the U.S.:
  • Admitted after inspection (list visa type).
  • Paroled (specify type).
  • Entered without inspection or parole.

13. Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record Details

• Provide your Family and Given Names exactly as on Form I-94.
• Include expiration date of authorized stay or write “D/S” if Duration of Status.
• List your immigration status on Form I-94, along with your Form I-94 number.
• Indicate if your last arrival was your first time physically present in the U.S.
• Provide your current immigration status and expiration date if it has changed since your last arrival.

14. Alien Crewman Questions

• Indicate if you have ever been issued an alien crewman visa or arrived as a crewman on a vessel or aircraft.

15. Current U.S. Physical Address

• Fill in your street address, including apartment or suite number if applicable.
• Provide city, state, ZIP code, and “In Care Of” name if mail goes to someone else.
• Enter the date you started living at this address.
• Confirm if this is also your mailing address.

16. Mailing Address (if different from above)

• If you receive mail at a different U.S. address, provide full details here.

17. Prior Addresses (if you have not lived at your current address for at least 5 years)

• List all previous addresses for the past five years with dates lived at each location, including international addresses if you lived abroad for more than one year.

18. Social Security Information

• State whether the Social Security Administration has issued you a Social Security Number (SSN).
• If yes, enter your SSN.
• Indicate if you want USCIS to request an SSN on your behalf.
• Provide consent for USCIS to disclose information to SSA for SSN purposes if applicable.

Tip: If a question doesn’t apply, write “N/A.” Double-check that all entries match your documents precisely to avoid delays.

If you need more space to answer, use Part 14: Additional Information and label your extra sheets clearly.

Part 2: Application Type or Filing Category

This part asks you to specify your eligibility category and filing status to help USCIS process your application correctly. Complete it carefully according to your immigration pathway.

1. Are you filing for adjustment of status with the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)?

• Check Yes if you are currently in removal, exclusion, rescission, or deportation proceedings and filing the application with EOIR.
• Otherwise, check No.

2. Receipt Number of Underlying Petition (if any)

• Provide the receipt number from the USCIS Form I-130, I-140, I-360, or other immigrant petition filed on your behalf, if you have one.
• If you don’t have a receipt number, leave blank.

3. Priority Date from Underlying Petition (if any)

• Enter the priority date shown on your underlying immigrant petition approval notice or receipt, if applicable.

4. Principal Applicant’s Information (If You Are a Derivative Applicant)

• Provide the full name, date of birth, and Alien Registration Number (A-Number) of the principal applicant (usually the primary person whose petition you are dependent on).

5. Filing Status

• Indicate if you are the Principal Applicant applying for adjustment based on your own petition or the Derivative Applicant (spouse or child of the principal). Select only one.

6. Select Your Eligibility Category

Choose the immigrant category that best fits your situation:

a) Family-Based Categories

• Spouse, child, parent, or other immediate relative of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
• VAWA self-petitioner
• Widow or widower of a U.S. citizen
• K-1/K-2 fiancé(e) or child of a K-1 nonimmigrant

b) Employment-Based Categories

• Alien of extraordinary ability
• Outstanding professor or researcher
• Multinational executive or manager
• Member of the professions holding an advanced degree or alien of exceptional ability
• Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers with approved Form I-140 petition

c) Special Immigrant Categories

• Special immigrant juveniles
• Afghan or Iraqi nationals employed by the U.S. government
• Certain international broadcasters
• Religious workers

d) Refugee or Asylee Categories

• Refugee status
• Granted asylum

e) Victims of Crime or Trafficking

• U visa or T visa holders and their derivatives

f) Other Categories

• Diversity Visa lottery winners
• Applicants under the Cuban Adjustment Act
• Applicants under the Amerasian Homecoming Act
• Registry applicants or those eligible under INA sections 245(i), 245(k), or other special laws

7. Provide Additional Details if Requested

• If your category requires, provide dates such as grant of asylum, refugee admission, or priority date.
• Indicate if you are applying under special laws or have waivers.

Important:

• Select only one immigrant category corresponding to your eligibility.
• If filing as a derivative, choose the category under which the principal applicant is applying.

Tip: Double-check your immigrant category before selecting, as it determines which supporting documents you must submit.

Part 3: Affidavit of Support Exemption Request

Select the Reason for Your Exemption Request

Choose only one of the following options that applies to you, and provide additional details or evidence as needed:

1. You have earned or can receive credit for 40 qualifying quarters (credits) of work in the United States, as defined by the Social Security Act (SSA).
   • Additional detail: Attach your SSA earnings statements as proof. Do not count quarters during which you received means-tested public benefits.
2. You are under 18 years old, unmarried, the child of a U.S. citizen, are not likely to become a public charge, and will automatically become a U.S. citizen upon admission as a lawful permanent resident.
   • Additional detail: Be prepared to provide birth certificate or other evidence to confirm your relationship to the U.S. citizen parent.
3. You are applying under the widow or widower of a U.S. citizen (Form I-360) immigrant category.
   • Additional detail: Include any supporting evidence such as the deceased spouse’s death certificate and Form I-360 petition.
4. You are applying as a VAWA self-petitioner (victim of battery or extreme cruelty).
   • Additional detail: Attach Form I-360 approval notice or other relevant evidence.
5. None of these exemptions apply, and you are required by law to submit an Affidavit of Support.

Important Notes:

• Most family-based applicants must submit Form I-864, unless specifically exempted.
• Employment-based applicants are often exempt from submitting Form I-864.
• This part replaces the older Form I-864W, integrating the exemption request directly into Form I-485, reducing paperwork.
• Carefully check your eligibility for exemption to avoid delays.
• If unsure, consult an immigration attorney for guidance.

Part 4: Additional Information About You

1. Prior Immigrant Visa Applications Abroad

Have you ever applied for an immigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside of the United States?

• If yes, please provide the city and country of the embassy or consulate where you applied.
• Also, include the outcome of that application (e.g., approved, refused, denied, or withdrawn) and the date of that decision.

2. Previous Applications for Permanent Residence in the U.S.

Have you previously applied for permanent residence while you were in the United States?

• Indicate whether you have filed an adjustment of status application before.

3. Prior Lawful Permanent Resident Status

Have you ever held lawful permanent resident status that was later rescinded under immigration law?

• Provide details if your green card was revoked or cancelled in the past.

4. Employment and Educational History (Last 5 Years)

• Provide your complete employment and education history for the past 5 years, starting with your current or most recent employer or school.
• For each entry include:
  • Name and address of employer, company, or school.
  • Your occupation or course of study (state “unemployed” or “retired” if applicable).
  • Dates of employment or attendance from and to (MM/DD/YYYY).
  • If unemployed or retired during any period, list your source of financial support.
• If your history extends beyond the space available, use Part 14: Additional Information to continue.
• Include your most recent employer or school outside the U.S., if applicable.

This part helps USCIS verify your background, continuous presence, and compliance with eligibility requirements.

Part 5: Your Parents Details

This part asks for information about your biological or adoptive parents. It is important to provide accurate details to help confirm your identity and relationship.

1. Parent 1 Information

• Provide the current legal name of your first parent, including:
  • Family name (last name)
  • Given name (first name)
  • Middle name (if any)
• If your parent’s name has changed, or is different from their birth name, provide their name at birth (last, first, middle).
• Enter your parent’s date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY). If unknown, you may write “unknown.”
• Provide your parent’s city or town of birth and country of birth.
• Indicate your parent’s sex (male or female).
• Provide your parent’s current country of residence and city or town (if living).

2. Parent 2 Information

• Repeat the same information requested for Parent 1 for your other biological or adoptive parent.

Notes

• If a parent is deceased, check the applicable box or write “deceased” where appropriate.
• If you do not know certain information (such as birth date), it is better to write “unknown” rather than incorrect details.
• This section only asks for information about your biological or legally adopted parents, not step-parents or other guardians.

If you have any concerns about what information to provide or need to explain missing details, you may add a typed or handwritten statement in Part 14: Additional Information.

Part 6: Your Marital History

This section collects information about your current and previous marriages. Accurate and detailed information here is important, especially if you are applying based on a family relationship or if you have prior marriages.

1. Current Marital Status

Select your current marital status from the following options:

• Single (never married)
• Married
• Divorced
• Widowed
• Marriage annulled
• Legally separated

2. Is Your Spouse a Member of the U.S. Armed Forces?

• If currently married, indicate whether your spouse is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces or the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Select Yes, No, or N/A if unmarried.

3. Number of Marriages

• Indicate how many times you have been married in total (including current marriage, previous marriages abroad, annulments, and marriages to the same person). Note: This includes all marriages, not just previous ones.

4. Information About Your Current Marriage (if married or legally separated)

Provide the following details about your current spouse:

• Full legal name (family name, given name, middle name if any)
• Alien Registration Number (A-Number), if any
• Date of birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
• Country and city/town of birth
• Current physical address (including street, apartment, city, state, zip code, country)
• Place of marriage (city, state, country)
• Date of marriage (mm/dd/yyyy)
• Indicate whether your spouse is applying with you on this application (Yes/No)

5. Information About Prior Marriages

For each prior marriage, provide:

• Full name of prior spouse (family name, given name, middle name if any)
• Date of birth of prior spouse
• Country of birth of prior spouse
• Date and place of marriage
• Date and place where the prior marriage ended (e.g., divorce, annulment, death)
• How the marriage ended (divorce, annulment, spouse deceased, other – explain)
• If you have had more than one prior marriage, provide information for all previous spouses. Use additional sheets in Part 14 if needed.

Important Tips

• Provide documentary evidence to prove the termination of any prior marriages (divorce decrees, annulments, death certificates).
• If your spouse or prior spouse has an Alien Registration Number (A-Number), include it even if they are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Answer all questions truthfully to avoid delays or issues in processing.

Part 7: Your Children Details

This part asks for details about all your living children, regardless of age, location, or whether they are applying with you.

1. Total Number of Children

• Enter the total number of living children you have worldwide.
• Include all biological children, adopted children, and stepchildren—whether they live with you or not, are minors or adults, married or unmarried, and whether living in the United States or abroad.

2. Details for Each Child

• For each child, provide the following information:
  • Family Name (Last Name)
  • Given Name (First Name)
  • Middle Name (if any)
  • The child’s current legal name (if different from above)
  • The child’s Alien Registration Number (A-Number), if any
  • Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY)
  • Country of Birth
  • Whether this child is applying for adjustment of status on a separate Form I-485 (Yes or No)

3. More Space for Additional Children

• If you have more children than the form space allows (usually two or three), use Part 14, Additional Information to list the others.
• Include the same details as above for each additional child.

Important Notes

• Be thorough and accurate; omitting children or giving conflicting information could delay the process or cause questions about your eligibility.
• Stepchildren must also be included here, especially if your spouse’s children are part of your application.
• “Child” includes those defined under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) if applicable.

Part 8: Biographic Information

This section gathers basic physical and demographic characteristics to help USCIS confirm your identity.

1. Ethnicity

Select one ethnicity that best describes you:

• Hispanic or Latino
• Not Hispanic or Latino

2. Race

Select appropriate race or races from the list below:

• Asian
• White
• Black or African American
• American Indian or Alaska Native
• Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

3. Height

• Enter your height in feet and inches.

4. Weight

• Enter your weight in pounds.

5. Eye Color

Choose the eye color that closely matches yours from the following options:

• Blue, Black, Brown, Gray, Green, Hazel, Maroon, Pink, Unknown/Other

6. Hair Color

Select the best match for your hair color:

• Bald (No hair), Black, Blond, Brown, Gray, Red, Sandy, White, Unknown/Other

Tips:

• Provide genuine and accurate information.
• If unsure about your classification in ethnicity or race, select the option that best fits or select “Unknown/Other.”
• This information assists USCIS in identification and in completing background checks properly.

Part 9: General Eligibility and Inadmissibility Grounds

This part asks important questions related to your eligibility for adjustment of status and helps USCIS determine if any grounds of inadmissibility apply to you.

1. Membership in Organizations

• Have you ever been a member of, involved in, or associated with any organization, association, fund, party, club, or similar group in the U.S. or abroad?
• If yes, you will need to provide detailed information in Part 14 about these organizations, including names, locations, dates of membership, and your role.

2. Criminal History and Violations

• You must disclose any arrests, charges, convictions, or participation in any diversion programs, even if your record was later expunged or sealed.
• Include information for offenses in any country, not just the U.S.
• Provide an explanation in Part 14 for each “yes” response, including circumstances and outcomes.

3. Immigration Violations

Disclose whether you have:

• Worked in the U.S. without authorization,
• Been denied a visa or admission,
• Violated terms of any nonimmigrant status,
• Been placed in removal or deportation proceedings,
• Previously been removed or deported,
• Failed to depart after being granted voluntary departure.

4. Security and Terrorism-Related Issues

• Answer questions about involvement in espionage, sabotage, terrorism, membership in terrorist organizations, or participation in military or paramilitary groups.
• Indicate if you have trained with weapons or been involved in violent actions or groups.
• Any positive answers require detailed explanations in Part 14.

5. Public Charge Grounds

• You will need to indicate your household size, income, assets, and liabilities.
• Certain categories are exempt from the public charge ground and should select the exemption box if you qualify.

6. Other Questions

• Additional questions cover topics such as trafficking, prostitution, money laundering, false claims to U.S. citizenship, and other grounds that may affect admissibility.

Important Notes:

• Be truthful and thorough—failure to disclose required information may lead to denial of your application.
• If any question applies to you, provide detailed explanations and documents as needed in Part 14: Additional Information.
• Consider consulting an immigration attorney if you have concerns about your answers.

Part 10: Applicant’s Details

1. Read Carefully: Before completing this section, read the penalties and declaration statements carefully.
2. Interpreter Declaration:
   • If an interpreter helped you understand and complete this form, indicate this and ensure the interpreter completes Part 11.
3. Applicant Certification:
   • By signing here, you certify under penalty of perjury that all the information given in your application and supporting documents is true, complete, and correct to the best of your knowledge.
4. Provide Contact Information:
   • Enter your daytime telephone number, mobile phone number (if any), and email address (optional but recommended).
5. Signature:
   • Sign the form in ink, not with a stamp or typed name.
   • Provide the date of signature (MM/DD/YYYY).
   • If you are under 14 years old, your parent or legal guardian may sign for you here.

Part 11: Interpreter’s Details

1. If you used an interpreter to assist with this application:
   • The interpreter must provide their full name, mailing address, contact phone numbers, email (optional), and indicate the language of interpretation.
2. Certification:
   • The interpreter must certify that they read each question and instruction to you in a language you understand and that your answers were correctly recorded.
3. Signature:
   • The interpreter signs and dates the form here.

Part 12: Form Preparer Details

1. If someone else (lawyer, representative, family member, etc.) prepared the application for you:
   • That person must fill out their full name, mailing address, contact phone numbers, and email (optional).
2. Certification:
   • They certify that they prepared the form at your request and to the best of their knowledge the information is correct.
3. Signature:
   • The preparer signs and dates the form here.
   • A stamped or typed name is not valid as a signature.

Part 13: Signature at Interview

• Do NOT fill out this section.
• This is reserved for USCIS officers to have you sign when you attend your immigration interview.

Part 14: Additional Information

• Use this section or attach extra sheets if you need more space to fully answer any question on the form.
• Include your full name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number) on each additional page.
• Specify the part and question number your additional information relates to.
• Write clearly and provide all necessary details to avoid delays.

I-485 Filing Checklist: Before & After Submission

Filing Form I-485 requires careful preparation to ensure your application is complete and accurate. Use this checklist to review essential documents and steps before and after submitting your application to avoid delays. If you require a more detailed checklist, please refer to our comprehensive “I-485 Filing Checklist” article.

Stage	Checklist Items
Before Submission	– Complete Form I-485 accurately – Pay correct filing and biometrics fees – Include approved immigrant petition or proof of eligibility – Attach two passport-style photos – Provide birth certificate or equivalent – Include passport ID page and Form I-94 – Submit Form I-693 medical exam sealed by USCIS-approved civil surgeon – Provide proof of relationship (if family-based) – Submit Form I-864 Affidavit of Support, unless exempt – Include police and court records if applicable – Add any additional required forms (e.g., I-765, I-131)
After Submission	– Receive USCIS receipt notice – Attend a biometrics appointment – Respond promptly to Requests for Evidence (RFE) – Prepare for and attend USCIS interview if scheduled – Monitor case status online – Notify USCIS of any address changes – Receive final decision and green card if approved

To understand what happens after you file and typical wait times, visit our “Form I-485 Processing Time and Timeline Guide.”

FAQs on Form I-485 Instructions

Conclusion: Your Green Card Dream Is Within Reach

Navigating Form I-485 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This guide has provided a comprehensive roadmap designed to demystify the application process and help you avoid common pitfalls. Your careful preparation and understanding of the requirements will empower you to take control of your immigration journey.

ImmigrationDirect will support you throughout your immigration journey to obtain your Green Card by providing lawyer consultations, thorough application reviews, and helping you submit an error-free application—saving you time, money, and unnecessary stress.