Form I-485 for status adjustment

The I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status form allows individuals who are already in the United States to change their status from nonimmigrant to immigrant status.

This basically means that you can apply for permanent residence in the US or a Green Card without having to leave the United States. The application for adjustment of status or visa process can be filed and completed within the US using I-485 without having to return to your home country.

Of course, certain requirements must be met in order to be able to apply for legal permanent residence or an immigrant visa for the USA.

The requirements for adjustment of status may vary depending on the immigrant category under which you are applying.

In either case, you must be physically present in the United States to apply for adjustment of status. You may apply as a principal applicant who qualifies directly for an immigrant category or, in some cases, as a family member of the principal applicant (= derivative applicant). Regardless of whether you are a principal applicant or a derivative applicant, you must file your own form I-485.

Further information on status adjustment can be found on the website of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The I-485 form is very comprehensive and currently includes 20 pages. The latest version of the form is dated April 1, 2024.

Part 1 Information About You
Personal information such as name, date and place of birth, US address, previous entries, etc.

Part 2 Application Type or Filing Category
Details of the immigrant category (Green Card) applied for, on the basis of which an application for immigrant status can be made.

Part 3 Additional Information About You
Addresses and employers from previous years

Part 4 Information About Your Parents
Personal information about the parents such as name, date and place of birth, current place of residence, etc.

Part 5 Information About Your Marital History
Information on marital status and (if applicable) current marriage and previous marriages

Part 6 Information About Your Children
If applicable information on children

Part 7 Biographic Information
Information on external appearance

Part 8 General Eligibility and Inadmissibility Grounds
If applicable, information on previous convictions, memberships in organizations, clubs, associations, security checks, etc.

Part 9 Accommodations for Individuals With Disabilities and / or Impairments
If applicable arrangements for persons with disabilities and / or impairments

Part 10 Applicant's Statement, Contact Information, Declaration, Certification, and Signature
Declarations by the applicant and signature

We recommend visiting the USCIS website in advance of applying to ensure you always use the latest forms and pay the applicable fees.