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By Vipul Jain
The "Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status" is Form 1-485. It is used to demonstrate the foreign spouse's eligibility for permanent residency in the United States in the context of a marriage green card. The spouse who signs the 1-485 is referred to as the "applicant." After submitting Form I-130 ("Petition for Alien Relative"), the next stage in the family-based green card procedure is to file Form 1-485.
It is frequently feasible to file the 1-130 and the 1-485 simultaneously when the foreign spouse is in the country (a procedure called "concurrent filing"). So are you a spouse of a citizen from the USA and want to apply for a marriage green card then fill out the USCIS Form I-485.
In this blog, we will learn more about Form I-485 and check out who is eligible or not, the required documents, the fees of Form I-485, and many more. So are you excited to become familiar with this form? If yes then stay connected with us. Next, we will light up the eligibility criteria.
When we talk about the eligibility criteria some people are eligible and some who are not eligible, let’s talk about both of them.
There are seven major categories of applicants who can file an I-485 which are listed below.
For clarity, the I-485 further splits these seven categories into 27 subcategories. Only a foreign spouse who is physically present in The United States may submit an I-485 to apply for a marriage-based green card. The spouse’s visa must be valid when they enter the country, moreover, the spouse must have an “Immediately available” immigration visa. This implies that USCIS form I-130 needs to have been authorized previously (as in the case of the spouse of a green card holder) or the I-130 and I-485 forms need to be submitted simultaneously (just like for a US citizen’s spouse).
Some citizens cannot file a USCIS Form I-485. Including the relatives or spouses who are not physically present in the US. Additionally, some more exclusions prevent the filing of an I-485 application even if the candidate is present in the US. so below we mentioned the list of candidates who typically cannot file an I-485.
Apart from these, several factors may prevent applicants from filling out this form. In other words, we can say that certain factors disqualified candidates from receiving green cards.
So are you looking to fill out a USCIS Form I-485 applicant and want to know the required documents? If yes then stay connected with us. Next, we will make a list of documents for filling out form I-485.
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To fill out the application form I-485 candidates need to submit some documents. It proves whether the candidate is eligible for a green card or not. You don’t have proper documents and want to apply for a marriage-based green card? Not to worry you can start your application process now and gather other supporting documents while the I-485 application is in process. But below we mentioned some documents that are must to submit with a marriage-based I-485 application:
Some ample people want a marriage-based green card on an urgent basis and look for expedited processing. If you are among them then the next part of this blog belongs to you.
When we talk about the expedited processing form I-485 then there is no premium processing is not available for this. Still, if you want a marriage green card on a priority basis then you can connect with the USCIS service center, and request them to offer you a green card soon. Before connecting with the USCIS office representative or visiting the nearest center make sure that you have your 13-digit USCIS Form I-485 receipt number on hand. It will help you to send your request to the correct office.
After knowing the required documents for I-485, expedited processing, who can fill out the form, and many more. It is time to lighten up the cost of Form I-485.
For a 1-485 application, the government filing fee is $1440. The cost of a 1-485 may be reduced or eliminated in certain circumstances (for more information, see the 1-485 instructions' filing fee section). You can also use the fees calculator for passports, green cards, and other immigration services.
Till now we discussed various things related to USCIS Form I-485. So are you looking forward to filling out this form and want to know how much time it takes to process? If yes then the next part of this blog is going to be beneficial for you. We will lighten up the processing time and timeline of the I-485 to a green card.
Everyone who fills out the form I-485 always wants to know the processing time. Are you one of them or going to fill out this form soon, and want to know the USCIS processing time taken in Form I-485? If yes then it depends on the category for family-based application it takes 9.8 months. On the other hand, if you have filed this form for employment then there is a chance to get approval first.
The time it takes to receive a green card after submitting Form I-485 can range from a few months to several years, depending on your circumstances. Among the elements influencing this procedure is your ability to modify your status. Your relationship with the US citizen who filed the petition on your behalf will have a significant impact on the processing time if you are going through a family-based procedure. The USCIS Service Center to which you applied is another aspect that will impact the timeframe from I-485 to a green card. This tool allows you to check the green card processing times for your USCIS Service Center.
Incomplete or Inaccurate Information: It is compulsory to fill all the sections with correct information. If you fill in incorrect details or leave any column blank like address, dates, or anything else then there is a huge chance of getting rejections and delays.
Not Submitting Required Supporting Documents: Not providing all the important supporting documents can also lead your green card application to rejection. To fill the form of I-485 candidates need to attach several documents. Including a birth certificate, passport, and marriage certificate (if applicable). If you fail to provide these documents and attach incorrect ones then it can cause delays and application rejection. Additionally, we also suggest you attach copies of all required documentation, not originals unless specifically requested.
Failing to Sign the Form: It is a common mistake that applicants forget to sign Form I-485. The Forms without signature are automatically rejected by USCIS, so make sure to sign where required.
Using Outdated Forms: When you are filling a form I-485 always make sure that you are filling in the most current version of the form which is available on the official website of USCIS.
Incorrect Filing Fee: After filling out the form always try to rectify it before submission. Because it is common for applicants to fill in the wrong fees and information by mistake. Including age, address, and Incorrect fees will result in your application being returned.
Skipping the Medical Exam: To fill Form out I-485 candidates need to attach a medical examination by a USCIS-approved doctor. Many applicants forget to submit the required Form I-693, which causes delays in processing. You must submit the medical exam with your I-485.
Not Maintaining Legal Status: If you're requesting a status adjustment, be sure that your immigration status is legal at all times. Your application may be at risk if you fall out of status while your 1-485 is still processing.
Not Updating USCIS with Address Changes: If you relocate while your application is being processed, you have ten days to notify USCIS of the modification. Not updating your address may cause you to miss crucial notifications, such as your interview date or requests for evidence (RFES).
With the help of this blog, readers will get to know various things related to USCIS Form I-485. In this post above we discussed various things including citizens who are eligible, processing time and fees of Form I-485, Timeline of the Form I-485 to Green Card, and many more. If you are still facing some issues related to this form or filling out an application then hire Visament.
It is one of the greatest immigration service providers who help their clients with multiple immigration services. Including visa applications, Passports, Aadhar cards, PAN cards, and many more. Along with this they also help their clients in filling out mistake-free applications, police verification records, speedy approval, and many others. So if you are looking for an immigration service provider then choose them and get inexpensive prices and 24*7 customer support which makes the process easier.
The fee for I-485 is $1,440 in 2025.
The fee for Form I-765 with Form I-485 is $260
Yes, you may qualify for a fee waiver for Form I-485
Immigration lawyers typically charge between $150 and $400 per hour, and it also depends on the experience of lawyers.
Yes, since it is a statutory and regulatory mandate that you do so
Yes, you can file Form I-765 and Form I-485 together.
You can pay the I-485 fee using a credit card, debit card, U.S. bank account, or money order cheque, and cashier's cheque
No, a green card is not free.
