Form 18; instructions 42

12/13/17. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.

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 USCIS will accept your application.

Don’t forget to sign your form!  We will reject any unsigned form.

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. Please note that service centers are not able to process credit card payments.

Read our Paying USCIS Fees page for more details.

View the checklist of required initial evidence.

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.

Filing Forms I-765 and I-131 with Form I-485

If you are filing Form I-485 (or already filed a Form I-485 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 of 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.