Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

Purpose of Form :

To apply to adjust your status to that of a permanent resident of the United States.

Number of Pages :

Form 6; Instructions 11

Edition Date :

7/15/10; (12/03/09 also accepted)

Where to File :

Where you file your Form I-485 depends on the eligibility category under which you are filing.  Please review the "Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status" link under "Related Links" on the upper right of this page for the most current guidance on where to file your application.

Filing Fee :

$1,010 ($930 plus a biometrics fee of $80). Exceptions apply. See "Special Instructions" for more.

Special Instructions :

Please note that, if you file Form I-485 to adjust your status as a permanent resident on or after July 30, 2007, no additional fee is required to also file an application for employment authorization on Form I-765 and/or advance parole on Form I-131. You may file these forms together. If you choose to file the I-765 and/or I-131 separately after July 30, 2007, you must also submit a copy of your I-797C, Notice of Action, receipt as evidence of the filing of an I-485. If you filed your Form I-485 prior to July 30, 2007, you must pay the fees associated with Forms I-765 and/or I-131 when you file.

You may file form I-485 and form I-140 together at the USCIS Dallas Lockbox facility at this time.

NOTE:  Petitioners filing Form I-485 with Form I-140 for “Skilled Workers” (Category “f” on Form I-140) must continue to file their petitions/applications at the USCIS Nebraska or Texas Service Centers, depending on the location of the beneficiary’s permanent employment.   Refer to the Filing Instructions on Form I-140 if you want to file the forms together.

Read the Visa Bulletin “Employment-Based Preferences” at www.travel.state.gov to ensure your priority date is current before you file your application.

Notes on fees:

Applicants 79 years of age or older are not charged a biometric fee; the fee total is $930.

For applicants under 14 years of age:

• Filing with the I-485 application of at least one parent have a fee total of $600;  
• Not filing with the I-485 application of at least one parent have a fee total of $930.

There is no fee for applicants who are filing Form I-485 based on having been admitted to the United States as a refugee.

Checks must be made payable to Department of Homeland Security or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

• Download Form I-485 (272KB PDF)
• Download Instructions for Form I-485 (253KB PDF)
• Download Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (1KB PDF)