Introduction to Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-485
Direct Filing Address for I-485 Form is a specific mailing address where applicants can submit I-485 applications directly to the USCIS. The address varies depending on the applicant’s eligibility category, such as family-based, employment-based, or humanitarian-based, and location.
It is important to correctly determine the appropriate direct filing address based on the eligibility category to ensure a smooth and efficient submission process. Submitting applications to an incorrect address can cause processing delays (See the processing time for I-485 Form). By following the provided direct filing address, applicants can confidently submit their Form I-485 applications and take a step closer to their immigration goals.
What are the Reasons for Submitting Form I-485?
Form I-485, also known as the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is filed by individuals for various reasons. The primary purpose of filing Form I-485 is to apply for lawful permanent resident status in the United States. The most common reasons to file I-485 are:
- If you are the spouse, parent, or unmarried son or daughter (under age 21) of a U.S. citizen, you can either have an approved Form I-130 or file Form I-485 together with Form I-130 (Concurrent filing).
- Approved Form I-130 beneficiary, filed by a qualifying relative.
- Spouse or child of an immigrant applying for or granted adjustment of status or lawful permanent residence through a family-sponsored visa with derivative status for spouses and children.
- The individual is a K-1 fiancé(e) (or K-2 dependent) filing Form I-485 based on an approved Form I-129F.
- The applicant is filing Form I-485 under the registry provision, demonstrating continuous residence in the U.S. since before January 1, 1972.
- The individual, as a diversity lottery winner, is eligible to file Form I-485.
- Beneficiary of approved Form I-360: Amerasian, widow(er) of deceased U.S. citizen (within 2 years), Special Immigrant Juvenile, or special immigrant armed forces member.
- The individual filing Form I-485 is a public interest parolee from specific former Soviet and Southeast Asian countries, applying under Pub. L. 101-167, also known as the “Lautenberg Amendment.”
- Eligible applicant under the Cuban Adjustment Act of Nov. 2, 1966. Select first box in Form I-485, Part 2, 1.f. Do not select second box unless abused spouse/child.
- An applicant filing Form I-485 as a registry applicant based on being born in the U.S. to a foreign diplomat officer.
- A former diplomat filing Form I-485 under section 13 of the Immigration Act of 1957.
- An applicant who is a beneficiary of a private bill filing Form I-485.
RELATED ARTICLE: Complete guide about the I-485 Form Checklist
Differentiating Direct Filing Addresses Based on Eligibility Categories
Whether it’s family-based, employment-based, humanitarian-based, or other categories, understanding the specific address ensures the efficient processing of applications. Each category has its designated address, streamlining the submission process and facilitating progress towards immigration goals.
Category#1: U Nonimmigrants
With immediate effect, the filing location for U nonimmigrant-based Form I-485 is accepted only by the Nebraska Service Center. However, we will still accept applications filed at the Vermont Service Center until April 12, 2023. All the applications will be rejected if submitted to the Vermont Service Center after this date.
USCIS Nebraska Service Center
| U.S. Postal Service (USPS): USCIS P.O. Box 87426 Lincoln, NE 68501-7526 | FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS Attn: 485U VAWA 850 S St. Lincoln, NE 68508-1225 |
What should include?
- Your U nonimmigrant status has been approved, as indicated in your Form I-797C, Notice of Action.
- Your Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.
- Submit all pages of your passport containing a U nonimmigrant visa, or provide a valid explanation if you do not possess such a document.
Category #2: Asylum, Refugee, or Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act
| If you are in | Mail the Form I-485 to |
| Arizona California Minnesota Oregon Pennsylvania | USCIS Phoenix Lockbox U.S. Postal Service (USPS): USCIS Attn: NFB P.O. Box 21281 Phoenix, AZ 85036-1281 FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS Attn: NFB (Box 21281) 2108 E. Elliot Rd. Tempe, AZ 85284-1806 |
| Connecticut District of Columbia Maine Maryland Massachusetts New Hampshire New Jersey New York Rhode Island Vermont Virginia | USCIS Elgin Lockbox U.S. Postal Service (USPS): USCIS Attn: NFB P.O. Box 4115 Carol Stream, IL 60197-4115 FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS Attn: NFB (Box 4115) 2500 Westfield Drive Elgin, IL 60124-7836 |
| Illinois Indiana Iowa Michigan Missouri Ohio Washington West Virginia Wisconsin | USCIS Chicago Lockbox U.S. Postal Service (USPS): USCIS Attn: NFB P.O. Box 805371 Chicago, IL 60680-5371 FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS Attn: NFB (Box 805371) 131 South Dearborn-3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60603-5517 |
| Alabama Alaska American Samoa Arkansas Armed Forces – America Armed Forces – Europe Armed Forces – Pacific Colorado Delaware Florida Georgia Guam Hawaii Idaho Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Micronesia Mississippi Montana Nebraska Nevada New Mexico North Carolina North Dakota Northern Mariana Islands Palau Puerto Rico South Carolina South Dakota Oklahoma Tennessee Texas U.S. Virgin Islands Utah Wyoming | USCIS Dallas Lockbox U.S. Postal Service (USPS): USCIS Attn: NFB P.O. Box 660867 Dallas, TX 75266-0867 FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS Attn: NFB (Box 660867) 2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business Suite 400 Lewisville, TX 75067-8003 |
Category #3: Special Employment Based Categories
Refer the above table in category #2 for the location and the address to file I-485 Form under special employment based categories. From the below table find the special categories and documents to be submitted along with Form I-485.
| Employment Based Categories | Documents to be Submitted |
| An individual who is an employee or family member of an international organization with a pending or approved Form I-360. | Include a copy of your Form I-797, Notice of Action, showing the accepted or approved your Form I-360 by USCIS |
| An approved Form I-360 for: 1. A special immigrant religious worker 2. Panama Canal Company employment 3. U.S. government in canal zone employment 4. A special immigrant physician 5. An international broadcaster | Include a copy of your Form I-797, Notice of Action, showing the accepted or approved your Form I-360 by USCIS |
| A pending or approved Form I-140 | Include a copy of your Form I-797, Notice of Action, showing the accepted or approved your Form I-360 by USCIS |
Category #4: Filing Form I-485 with Form I-140
If you are filing Form I-485 with I-140 Form, submit to the below address
USCIS Dallas Lockbox
U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
Attn: NFB
P.O. Box 660867
Dallas, TX 75266-0867
FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: NFB (Box 660867)
2501 S. State Hwy.
121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067-8003
If you are filing Form I-485 with I-140 Form, and requesting premium processing for Form I-140, send Form (I-485, I-140, and I-907) together to the address listed in the Form I-907 filing instructions. Note: Do not file Form I-907 at a USCIS lockbox.
Category #5: Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Self-Petitioner, T Nonimmigrant, or Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA) for Abused Spouses and Children
If you are filing Form I-485 with approved I-360 Form, submit to the below address
Nebraska Service Center
U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
P.O. Box 87426
Lincoln, NE 68501-7526
FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: I-360 VAWA
850 S St.
Lincoln, NE 68508-1225
If you are a T-based nonimmigrant, or if you are an abused spouse or abused child of a qualifying principal under the Cuban Adjustment Act of Nov. 2, 1966 (CAA), Section 1 (select second box labeled in part 2 of I-485 form) and if you are not an abused spouse or abused child but qualify under CAA (select first box labeled)
USCIS Vermont Service Center
USCIS
Vermont Service Center
Attn: CRU
38 River Rd.
Essex Junction, VT 05479-0001
Category #6: Filing Form I-485 with or based on Form I-526 or Form I-526E
If you are filing Form I-485 with:
- With Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor;
- With Form I-526E, Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor; or
- Based on an approved or pending Form I-526 or Form I-526E. You must include a copy of the notice showing we accepted or approved your Form I-526 or I-526E.
Mail your application to below address
USCIS Dallas Lockbox
U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
Attn: I-526/E
P.O. Box 660168
Dallas, TX 75266-0168
FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: I-526/E (Box 660168)
2501 S. State Highway 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067-8003
Category #7: Certain Afghan or Iraqi Nationals
| If you are filing: | Documents Required | Location you live | Mailing Address |
| If an Afghan national has an approved Form I-360 or Form DS-157 and has worked for the U.S. government or the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, or has an approved I-360 for Afghan nationals who worked for the U.S. government as a translator. | Submit your I-797, Notice of Action which shows your I-360 approval by USICS. (OR) Chief of mission approval copy for your DS-157 Form. (Note: Form I-360 & I-485 cannot file simultaneously in this category). | Any Location | USCIS Phoenix Lockbox U.S. Postal Service (USPS), FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS Attn: AFGHAN-NFB (Box 21281) 2108 E. Elliot Rd. Tempe, AZ 85284-1806 |
| If an Iraqi national has an approved Form I-360 and has worked for the U.S. government in Iraq or has worked as a translator for Iraqi nationals for the U.S. government. | Submit your I-797, Notice of Action which shows your I-360 approval by USICS. (Note: Form I-360 & I-485 cannot file simultaneously in this category). | Any Location | USCIS Nebraska Service Center U.S. Postal Service (USPS), FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS Nebraska Service Center P.O. Box 87485 Lincoln, NE 68501-7485 |
Category #8: Individuals Currently in Exclusion, Deportation, or Removal Proceedings
If you are submitting your application under this category, you are required to send:
- Your completed application to the immigration court
- Application complete copy to the respective U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Chief Counsel
Send your application and filing fee to the below address:
USCIS Texas Service Center
Attn: EOIR
6046 N Belt Line Rd.
Suite 485
Irving, TX 75038-0017
This category will not applicable for the applicants who are applying for adjustment of status based on T and U nonimmigrant status.
ARTICLE TO READ: Check What’s Next After Filing I-485 Form
Importance of Submitting I-485 to the Appropriate Filing Address
- Submitting your I-485 to the correct filing address ensures efficient processing and timely review by USCIS.
- Each filing address corresponds to a specific processing center equipped to handle relevant immigration cases.
- Accuracy in selecting the appropriate filing address demonstrates attention to detail and adherence to established procedures.
- Following USCIS instructions and guidelines helps streamline the processing of your I-485.
- Submitting to the correct address reflects responsibility and organization to the USCIS.
- Submitting to the appropriate filing address increases the chances of a smooth and successful application process.
Start Filing Your I-485 Form Today!
Understanding the correct filing address for I-485 Form is crucial for the smooth and efficient processing of immigration status adjustments. Carefully reviewing USCIS instructions, submitting necessary documents and fees, and staying updated on any changes will increase the chances of a successful application. Accuracy in determining the appropriate filing location helps avoid unnecessary delays. Stay informed for a seamless and successful application process.
