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Official form guide
Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-485 is the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, filed by eligible adjustment applicants such as U‑nonimmigrants, asylees, refugees and their derivatives. The form version expires 10/31/2027.
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USCIS Form I-485 - Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-485 is the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, filed by eligible adjustment applicants such as U‑nonimmigrants, asylees, refugees and their derivatives. The form version expires 10/31/2027.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Submitting the form without the required handwritten signature can cause denial.
- 2Omitting the applicant’s handwritten signature or providing an illegible scanned copy.
- 3Failing to attach all evidence required for the applicant’s immigration category.
- 4Submitting the form after the version expiration date of 10/31/2027.
- 5Leaving the sex field blank or not matching the birth certificate information.
Plain English
Form I-485 lets certain non‑citizens apply to become lawful permanent residents. You fill out personal details, attach required evidence, and sign the form. USCIS reviews the application and may grant a green card.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when filing an adjustment of status as an eligible applicant (family‑based, employment‑based, special immigrant, asylee, refugee, trafficking or crime victim).
- Do not use it when you are not eligible to adjust status.
- Check Form I-102 instead when you cannot obtain your Form I-94 arrival/departure record.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Need exact filing fee amount
Provides current fee schedule for I-485
✓ Verify fee matches your category
Missing or lost I-94 record
Allows replacement of I-94 required for I-485 evidence
✓ Confirm you have a copy of the approved I-102 receipt
Proving lawful entry
Shows admission or parole stamp needed for I-485
✓ Ensure I-94 dates match passport
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Passport page with admission or parole stamp
Admission/parole stamp on passport · Passport
Passport page with nonimmigrant visa
Visa stamp page · Passport
Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
I-94 record (paper or electronic) · CBP website or paper copy
Affidavit of Support (Section 213A)
Completed Form I-864 signed by sponsor · Sponsor's documents
Biometric Services Appointment notice
Appointment notice letter · USCIS correspondence
Before you submit
- 1Sign the form with a handwritten signature
- 2Include a clear copy of the passport page with admission or parole stamp
- 3Include a clear copy of the passport page with your nonimmigrant visa
- 4Attach the Form I-94 record or a replacement Form I-102 receipt
- 5Attach the Affidavit of Support if required for your category
- 6Pay the filing fee according to Form G-1055
- 7Mail the complete packet to the USCIS address listed in the Instructions
- 8Keep a copy of the entire application for your records
- 9Verify that any scanned signatures are legible
How to file this form
- 1Complete Form I-485 with accurate information
- 2Gather all required evidence and supporting documents
- 3Pay the filing fee and retain the receipt
- 4Mail the application package to the USCIS filing address
- 5Obtain the USCIS receipt notice as proof of filing
Known limitations
- 1Not for individuals who are ineligible to adjust status
- 2Not for applicants who lack a valid admission or parole record (no I-94)
- 3Does not apply to public cash assistance beneficiaries not listed as a beneficiary
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Part 1
5 items
Your current legal name as it appears on your passport.
All former names, maiden names, aliases.
MM/DD/YYYY as shown on your birth certificate.
Country where you were born and current citizenship.
If you have an existing Alien Registration Number.
Part 2
1 items
Select the immigrant category: family-based, employment-based, refugee/asylee, diversity visa, etc.
Part 3
1 items
All addresses for the past 5 years.
Part 4
1 items
All jobs for the past 5 years (employer, address, dates, position).
Part 8
1 items
Certifies all answers are complete and correct under penalty of perjury.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The Form I-485 instructions are dated 01/20/25 and the edition expires 10/31/2027.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the instructions are dated 01/20/25
- Fee — Not stated in the official source — verify on the agency site
- Mailing address — Not stated in the official source — verify on the agency site
- Signature — USCIS accepts photocopied, faxed, or scanned handwritten signatures
- Evidence — Not stated in the official source — verify required documents for your category
Quick Facts
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After you file
- 1Save the receipt notice (Form I-797C) for at least five years
- 2Retain copies of all submitted documents
- 3Monitor case status online using the receipt number
- 4Attend the biometric services appointment as scheduled
- 5Respond promptly to any Request for Evidence
- 6If an error is discovered, file a corrected Form I-485 with a cover letter explaining the change
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — form expires 10/31/2027
- SRCInstructions p.1 — edition dated 01/20/25
- SRCInstructions p.1 — headings list Additional Instructions for Family-Based Applicants, Employment-Based Applicants, Special Immigrants, Trafficking Victims (T Nonimmigrants) and Crime Victims (U Nonimmigrants), Asylees and Refugees
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA
- SRCInstructions p.4 — USCIS accepts photocopied, faxed, or scanned handwritten signatures
- SRCInstructions p.4 — see Form G-1055 for fee information
- SRCInstructions p.11 — passport page with admission or parole stamp required
- SRCInstructions p.11 — passport page with nonimmigrant visa required
- SRCInstructions p.11 — Form I-94 required; can obtain paper version from CBP website
- SRCInstructions p.5 — OAN is not the same as an A‑Number
Common confusion points
Do I need to submit my original passport?
Many think originals are required, but copies are sufficient if legible.
→ Submit clear photocopies of required passport pages.
Can I use a digital signature?
USCIS only accepts scanned handwritten signatures, not typed.
→ Ensure a scanned image of your handwritten signature is included.
Do I need Form I-102 if I have an electronic I-94?
Some assume a paper form is required, but you can print the electronic I-94 from the CBP website.
→ Print the electronic I-94 and include it.
Do I have to list public benefits I received?
The form asks only about cash assistance you personally received as a listed beneficiary.
→ Include only benefits where you are listed as a beneficiary.
Is the OAN the same as my A‑Number?
The OAN is a separate identifier; confusing them can cause errors.
→ Verify your receipt number begins with IOE for an OAN.
Do I need to include the Affidavit of Support for all categories?
Only required for many family‑based and some employment categories.
→ Check the Additional Instructions for your specific category.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
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Questions about USCIS Form I-485
What is USCIS Form I-485 used for?
Form I-485 lets certain non‑citizens apply to become lawful permanent residents. You fill out personal details, attach required evidence, and sign the form. USCIS reviews the application and may grant a green card.
Who must file USCIS Form I-485?
Individuals who are eligible to adjust status, including U nonimmigrants, asylees, refugees, and their derivatives, must file USCIS Form I-485.
What information does USCIS Form I-485 require?
The form collects biographical data about the applicant in Part 1, additional personal information in Part 4, and may include a safe mailing address for VAWA, T, U, or special immigrant juvenile applicants.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-485?
Complete Part 1 (Information About You) and Part 4 (Additional Information About You). Attach all required evidence listed in the instructions. Include the applicant’s handwritten signature—USCIS accepts a scanned copy of the original ink signature. Submit the filing fee as directed.
Do I need to submit my original passport?
Many think originals are required, but copies are sufficient if legible. Submit clear photocopies of required passport pages.
Can I use a digital signature?
USCIS only accepts scanned handwritten signatures, not typed. Ensure a scanned image of your handwritten signature is included.
Do I need Form I-102 if I have an electronic I-94?
Some assume a paper form is required, but you can print the electronic I-94 from the CBP website. Print the electronic I-94 and include it.
Do I have to list public benefits I received?
The form asks only about cash assistance you personally received as a listed beneficiary. Include only benefits where you are listed as a beneficiary.
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