Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

Apply for a Green Card while in the United States.

CivicNest guided preparation is available in early access for this form. Always review the completed USCIS PDF carefully before filing.

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About this form

Used for: Green Card
Who can file: Eligible applicants present in the United States
Filing fee: Varies by category
Average time: 12-24 months
Current supported edition: 01/20/25

USCIS fees change. Confirm the current amount on the official form page before you file.

What CivicNest helps with

• Guided questions
• Information reuse
• Consistency checks
• Official PDF generation
• A filing checklist so supporting evidence is not forgotten after the form is filled

What you'll need to file

This is a short USCIS summary, not a decision about your case. Confirm the official instructions for your situation.

Who typically files

An immigrant visa is usually available
Most categories cannot file until a visa is current. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are not subject to visa wait times.
Inspected and admitted or paroled
Most applicants must show lawful admission or parole, unless an exception such as INA 245(i) applies.
A qualifying immigrant category
Family, employment, asylum/refugee, special immigrant, and other listed categories each have their own evidence.
Medical exam with the application
USCIS now rejects many I-485 filings that are missing Form I-693. Do not wait to gather the medical later.

Submit with the form

Two passport-style photographsColor photos that meet USCIS specifications, taken recently.Government-issued photo IDA copy of a passport, driver’s license, or other identity document with your photograph.Birth certificateIf the civil record does not exist, submit secondary evidence and proof it is unavailable.Proof of inspection and admission or paroleTypically your I-94, passport stamps, or a parole document, unless an exception applies.Form I-693 medical exam (sealed)A civil surgeon must complete I-693. USCIS may reject the I-485 if this is missing. Keep the sealed envelope for a paper filing.Underlying immigrant petitionA copy of the I-797 approval or receipt for the I-130, I-140, or other petition, unless you file it together with this I-485.Filing feeMost applicants 14 or older pay $1,440 on paper or $1,390 online. Confirm G-1055; some humanitarian categories are $0.Certified English translationsAny foreign-language document needs a complete English translation and a translator certification.

Often needed, depending on your answers

Form I-864 Affidavit of SupportRequired for most family-based applicants unless an exemption on the I-485 applies (for example 40 quarters or VAWA).May apply once we know more about your caseProof you are the spouse or child of the principalMarriage or birth records tying you to the principal applicant, plus the principal’s I-485 or Green Card if you file separately.May apply once we know more about your caseCertified police and court recordsSubmit certified dispositions for any arrest, charge, or conviction, regardless of the outcome.

After you file

Biometrics appointmentUSCIS will schedule fingerprints and a photo after it accepts the filing.

Official USCIS form page USCIS evidence checklist