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PrintI-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
For more information on updates to Form I-485, see this video.
ALERT: USCIS will implement the Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds final rule on Feb. 24, 2020, except in Illinois, where the rule remains enjoined by a federal court (as of Feb. 5, 2020). If the injunction in Illinois is lifted, USCIS will provide additional public guidance. The final rule will apply only to applications and petitions postmarked (or if applicable, submitted electronically) on or after Feb. 24, 2020. For applications and petitions sent by commercial courier (such as UPS, FedEx, and DHL), the postmark date is the date reflected on the courier receipt. When determining whether an alien is likely to become a public charge at any time in the future, DHS will not consider an alien’s application for, certification or approval to receive, or receipt of certain non-cash public benefits before Feb. 24, 2020. Similarly, when determining whether the public benefits condition applies to applications or petitions for extension of stay or change of status, USCIS will only consider public benefits received on or after Feb. 24, 2020.
What to Know About Sending Us Your Form
The current edition of the Form I-485, dated 07/15/19 and 12/23/17:
- We will accept the 07/15/19 and 12/23/17 edition of this form if it is postmarked before Feb. 24, 2020
- We will not accept the 07/15/19 and 12/23/17 edition if it is postmarked on or after Feb. 24, 2020, except those submitted by aliens/petitions with a physical address in Illinois [see information for Illinois]
- DHS remains enjoined by a federal court from implementing the Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds Final Rule in Illinois. DHS has asked for a stay of this injunction from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, given the Supreme Court Decision to stay the last nationwide injunctions. For additional information, see our webpage on the status of the public charge rule in Illinois.
The updated edition of the form
On or after Feb. 24, 2020, we will accept only the 10/15/19 edition of the Form I-485, except those submitted by petitioners/aliens with a physical address in Illinois [see information for Illinois].
Use this form to apply for lawful permanent resident status if you are in the United States.
Number of Pages
Form 18; instructions 43
Edition Date
07/15/19. We will also accept the 12/13/17 edition. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.
Dates are listed in mm/dd/yy format.
Where to File
Where you file your Form I-485 depends on your eligibility category. Go to the Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status page to see where you should file your application.
Go to our Form Filing Tips page for information on how to help ensure that we will accept your application.
Don’t forget to sign your form! We will reject any unsigned form.
Filing Fee
You may pay the fee with a money order, personal check, or cashier’s check. When filing at a USCIS Lockbox facility, you may also pay by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Service centers are not able to process credit card payments.
When you send a payment, you agree to pay for a government service. Filing and biometric service fees are final and non-refundable, regardless of any action we take on your application, petition, or request, or if you withdraw your request. Use our Fee Calculator to help determine your fee.
Read our Paying USCIS Fees page for more details.
If You Are… | Form Fee | Biometric | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
Under 14 and filing with the I-485 | $750 | $0 | $750 |
Under 14 and not filing with the I-485 application of at least one parent | $1,140 | $0 | $1,140 |
Age 14 – 78 | $1,140 | $85 | $1,225 |
Age 79 or older | $1,140 | $0 | $1,140 |
Filing Form I-485 based on having been admitted to the United States as a refugee | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Checklist of Required Initial Evidence (for informational purposes only)
View the checklist of required initial evidence.
Special Instructions
If you are seeking to adjust status under the provisions of section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, refer to Supplement A for additional instructions.
INA 245(i)
If you are seeking to adjust status under the provisions of section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, refer to Supplement A for additional instructions.
Filing I-485 Supplement J
If you are filing Form I-485 together with a Form I-140 that names you as the principal beneficiary, you do not need to file Supplement J.
However, you must file Supplement J if you are filing Form I-485 based on a previously filed Form I-140 or if you are requesting job portability to a new, permanent job offer under INA section 204(j). Go to the Form I-485, Supplement J page for specific instructions on when and how to file Supplement J.
Adjustment of Status for Liberian Nationals and Certain Family Members
Sec. 7611. Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness, pages 1112-1115 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (PDF), allows eligible Liberian nationals and certain family members to adjust status. For more information about LRIF eligibility and evidentiary requirements, see the LRIF program page.
On your Form I-485, in Part 2, you must choose “Other Eligibility” under Item Number 1.g. In the text box, write “LRIF” to indicate you are applying to adjust status based on Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness.
Note: You may file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with your Form I-485 or while it is pending. If you file Form I-765, write “(c)(9)” as your eligibility category for Part 2, Item Number 27 on your Form I-765.
Filing Forms I-765 and I-131 with Form I-485
If you are filing Form I-485 and pay the required fee (or already filed Form I-485 and paid the required fee on or after July 30, 2007), you do not have to pay an additional fee to also file a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization and/or Form I-131, Application for Travel Document for advance parole. You may file these forms together. If you choose not to file Form I-765 and/or Form I-131 with your Form I-485, then you must submit a copy of your I-797C, Notice of Action, receipt as evidence that you filed a Form I-485.
If you filed your Form I-485 before July 30, 2007, you must pay the fees associated with Forms I-765 and/or I-131 when you file them.
Which Box to Check in Part 2 of Form I-485
Before filing a Form I-485 based on a family-sponsored or employment-based preference category, check the USCIS webpage about the Visa Bulletin to see if your priority date makes you eligible to apply. If your priority date makes you eligible to apply, then:
- If you are the principal applicant, check the appropriate box in Part 2, Item Numbers 1.a. through 1.g. of Form I 485.
- If you are the derivative spouse or child of the principal applicant, check the appropriate box in Part 2, Item Numbers 1.a. through 1.g. of Form I 485 and complete Part 2, Item Numbers 5.a. through 9.
For more information on the Visa Bulletin or the charts, please go to the Visa Availability and Priority Dates page and the Adjustment of Status Filing Charts from the Visa Bulletin page.
Premium Processing
You may file Form I-485 and Form I-140 together at the USCIS Dallas Lockbox facility.
If you are requesting premium processing for Form I-140, you must also file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service. Refer to the Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker if you want to file Forms I-485, I-140, and I-907 together. Do NOT file Form I-907 at a USCIS Lockbox facility.
If you are filing Form I-485 based on a pending or approved Form I-140, go to the Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-485 page to see where to file your application.
Read the Employment-Based Preferences chart in the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin to ensure your priority date is current before you file your application.
