I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

USCIS Form I-485 is used to request an adjustment of your immigration status to that of a permanent resident of the United States. The form is 6 pages long and is divided into 6 Parts, each with varying numbers of blanks to fill out. The most recent edition date for Form I-485 is 01/17/2017. Beginning on 02/21/17, USCIS will no longer accept an older edition date.

You may use previous editions until then, however, any application with a postmark of 12/23/16 or later will need to include the new fees or be rejected by USCIS. The edition date can be found at the bottom right-hand side of each page of the form and its instructions.

Filling it out on your computer is recommended, but if you must fill it out by hand, use a black pen and print neatly. Anytime the form asks for your signature, you must sign your name by hand- don’t print your name or use a stamp.

The information requested on Form I-485 refers to you- not your petitioner or sponsor. You may encounter some questions that don’t apply to you. In most cases, USCIS will want you to write “none” or “N/A” in those blanks. Instructions on the form will indicate where. As for the rest of the form, you should answer questions completely and truthfully to avoid having your application delayed or denied by the USCIS.

When you are ready to begin filling out the form, collect all the documents and information you will need before you sit down, including passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, Form I-94, etc. Find a comfortable and quiet place to work and make sure you have plenty of time to read the questions and instructions carefully so you don’t make any mistakes.

Now that you are ready to begin, let’s take a step by step look at the form.

Filling Out the Form

You will begin filling in blanks at the top left-hand corner of Page 1 of Form I-485. Note that the column on the far right-hand side is for USCIS use only and extends the entire length of Page 1.

  • Part 1 asks for general information about yourself, including full name, address, date and place of birth, your Social Security number or Alien Registration Number (if you have one), your I-94 Number, and current immigration status. If you do not have a middle name, leave this blank empty- don’t write “none” or “N/A” in this case.
  • In Part 2, you will be asked to choose a box next to the appropriate type of application you are filing. The boxes are lettered ‘a’ through ‘j’. Carefully read each description and mark the box that is correct for your situation. Note that boxes ‘I’ and ‘j’ refer to Cuban citizens who are already permanent residents and are requesting to have the date of residency adjusted based on certain qualifications.
  • Part 3 continues over the next four pages and requests processing information in several different categories.In Section A, you will need to write information about where you born, your parents’ names, information from your I-94, your gender, marital status, and whether you have applied for permanent residency before. If you have, write the date, location, and outcome of that application in the space provided.
  • In Section B, you will be asked to list the name of your current spouse and all your children, regardless of their age. Write their dates of birth and mark the appropriate box if they are filing with you, or not.In Section C, you are asked to list every group you’ve been a part of since your 16th birthday. This includes any military service, political groups, or social organizations. List the name and type of group, and your dates of membership. Write ‘present’ or ‘current’ in the “Date of Membership To” column if you are still a member of that group. You will then be asked 18 questions about certain illegal, immoral, or unethical activities. If you have not participated in any of the activities, mark the “No” box following the question. If you have participated in the activity mentioned, you must mark the “Yes” box and use a separate piece of paper to explain. Answer all the questions honestly- answering “Yes” to any of the questions may not necessarily disqualify you from adjusting your status or registering for permanent residency.
  • Part 4 asks you questions about any disabilities you may have and any accommodations you are requesting.
  • In Part 5, you will sign. But do so only after carefully reading the paragraphs “Your Registration With U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services” and “Selective Service Registration.” Note that you must be in the United States when you file your I-485 application. Before the line for your signature, there are 2 boxes to mark. Mark the first box if you were able read the form and fill it out without an interpreter. Mark the second box if you needed someone to read the form to you in your native language. If you did need help, it is wise to let this interpreter sign your Form I-485 because you will most likely need an interpreter at your interview and the USCIS officer will most likely not approve your application if the interpreter did not sign.Sign and print your name at the end of Part 5. Also, write the date and the phone number where you can be reached during the day. By doing so, you are certifying that you have told the truth and authorizing the release of any records needed by USCIS to determine your eligibility for benefits.

  • Under your signature area, is an area for the interpreter (if you needed one) to fill out and sign. By doing so, he or she is certifying that they read everything on the form and instructions to you in the specified language, and that you understood everything about the form.
  • Part 6 provides a place for the person who prepared the form (if you did not) to sign and provide their full name, address, phone number, and email address (if any). By doing so, he or she is declaring that they prepared the application exactly as you requested and by using the information you gave them.

 

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Additional Papers

You might need extra space to write out your answers for some of parts of the form. If you do, type or neatly write your answers out, then write your name and A-Number (if you have one) at the top of the page. Also, indicate which form Page, Part, and Item number your answer is referring to and sign and date each additional page at the bottom.

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Supporting Documents

The supporting documents necessary to file Form I-485 will vary depending on individual immigration status.

  • Form I-485A (if filed under 245(i)
  • Form G-325A (for applicants 14 to 79 years old)
  • Approval Notice for I-140
  • Form G-28 (if an attorney is representing your case)
  • Form I-864 (if applicable)
  • Form I-134 (if you file as a derivative)
  • Form I-693, signed and sealed by designated medical doctor (if necessary)
  • Form G-28 (if an attorney is representing your case)
  • 2 passport-style color photographs of yourself taken within the last 30 days
  • A copy of the nonimmigrant visa page of your passport
  • Proof of your birth, such as a birth certificate
  • Income tax returns for the past 2 years
  • W-2 forms from the past 2 years
  • Recent pay stubs
  • Degree certificates
  • All previous EADs
  • All I-94 cards used for U.S. entry
  • Arrest record/Criminal history (even if no charges were filed). If you have been convicted, you must show proof of parole, probation, or sentence served.
  • Form I-765 (not necessary, but recommended)
  • Form I-131 (not necessary, but recommended)
  • All I-20 and I-797 forms (required by some attorneys)

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Making Your Payment

Your filing fee will depend on your age and your eligibility category. There is an additional biometrics fee of $85 for some applicants, while others will be exempt. The I-485 filing fees are as follows:

  • If you are less than 14-years-old and are filing with at least one parent, you will pay $750 for your form and no biometrics fee.
  • If you are less than 14-years-old, but are not filing with a parent, you will pay $1,140 for your form and no biometrics fee.
  • If you are 14-78-years-old, you will pay $1,140 for your form and $85 for biometrics, for a total of $1,225.
  • If you are 79-years-old or older, you will pay $1,140 for your form and no biometrics fee.
  • If you are filing based on your entry into the United States as a refugee, you will pay no filing fee and no biometrics fee.
  • If you are filing as a refugee under section 209(a) of the immigration and Nationality Act, you will pay no filing fee and no biometrics fee.

Payment should be made in U.S. dollars by check drawn on a U.S. financial institution. The check should be made out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Write the name out completely- don’t use initials, such as DHS or USDHS.

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Where to Send Your Form

Where you send your completed I-485 packet depends on where you live, which eligibility category you are filing under and whether you are filing I-485 alone or in conjunction with other forms. Check here to see where you should file your I-485.

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Getting Help

To avoid making mistakes, or if you have any problems or questions about preparing this form, you can always get assistance or apply online with USImmigrationForms.com