Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status [Form I-485]

The key step to obtaining your Green Card without leaving the United States

If you are already in the United States and qualify for permanent residence, Form I-485 is your gateway to a new legal life in this country.
This application allows you to adjust your immigration status without having to leave U.S. territory, provided you meet the requirements established by law.

Table of Contents

• What is Form I-485?
• Who can file this application?
• Key documents and requirements
• Step-by-step process
• Timelines and important tips
• Common mistakes to avoid
• Why choose Legalízate Ya?
• 📞 Contact us today

What is Form I-485?

Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is used by certain immigrants to obtain their permanent residence (Green Card) without needing to leave the United States.

This process is known as “adjustment of status” and applies when the person is already inside the country and meets the eligibility criteria established by USCIS.

Who can file this application?

You may apply for adjustment of status using Form I-485 if you are:

• Individuals with an approved family petition (e.g., Form I-130 or I-129F).
• Beneficiaries of approved employment petitions (Form I-140).
• Asylum or refugee applicants eligible one year after approval.
• Holders of special status (VAWA, SIJ, U or T visa, among others).
• Persons covered under the Registry Act, or certain humanitarian programs.

👉 Certain spouses, parents, and children of U.S. citizens who entered the country legally may also apply, even if they are currently out of status.

Key documents and requirements

To file Form I-485, you will need to include:

• Copy of the approval notice of the underlying petition (I-130, I-140, I-360, etc.).
• Copy of your valid passport and the visa used for entry.
• Form I-94 (arrival/departure record).
• Birth certificate and, if applicable, marriage or divorce certificate.
• Medical examination (Form I-693) performed by an authorized civil surgeon.
• Two recent passport-style photos.
• Payment of the corresponding fee to USCIS.

Step-by-step process

1. Eligibility assessment: Determine if you qualify to adjust status from within the U.S.
2. Preparation and filing: Complete the I-485 along with all supporting documentation.
3. Receipt of Notice of Action (Form I-797C) from USCIS.
4. Biometrics appointment for fingerprints and background check.
5. Interview with USCIS, if required.
6. Final decision: If approved, you will receive your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) by mail.

The process can take between 8 and 18 months, depending on the applicant’s category and the processing center.

Timelines and important tips

• Do not travel outside the country while your application is pending, unless you have Advance Parole (I-131).
• Keep your address updated with USCIS (Form AR-11) to avoid missing important correspondence.
• If your current status expires, do not worry: in many cases, filing the I-485 protects you from deportation while it is processing.
• Check every form carefully: errors or missing documents can cause delays or rejections.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Filing the application without a valid basis (such as an approved I-130 or I-140).
• Omitting the medical examination or original evidence.
• Not including all supplemental forms (such as I-765 for work permit or I-131 for travel).
• Submitting documents without certified translation into English.

An experienced immigration attorney can help you avoid these costly mistakes and ensure your application is complete and correctly filed.

Why choose Legalízate Ya?

At Legalízate Ya, we understand the excitement and nervousness that comes with applying for permanent residence.
Our legal team has nearly 30 years of combined experience helping thousands of immigrants achieve their Green Card without complications.

We accompany you from the initial evaluation to the final interview, ensuring that every step of your process is well-documented and complies with current immigration regulations.

With empathy, knowledge, and commitment, we help you take the definitive step toward your legal residence in the United States.

📞 Contact us today

Ready to obtain your permanent residence in the United States?
Call us today at (956) 725-9714 or visit www.legalizateya.com/en to schedule your consultation.

Legalízate Ya — your path to residence starts here.