I-485 Summary

Form:

I-485, Application To Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

Purpose of Form:

The I-485 - Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status is submitted by the individual wishing to obtain permanent resident status (the "applicant"). It is generally filed with supporting evidence, and may be filed in conjunction with several other applications or petitions.

USCIS Online has several documents which should help clarify this process. The following links will provide both the applicant and the petitioner with information on the process of applying for legal permanent residence. They examine some special cases, and provide links to the law and further resources. Also, please be sure to completely read the instructions provided with the Form I-485 before filing.

Where to send your Form I-485 depends on the basis of your application. Please refer carefully to this page to determine where your Form I-485 should be sent.

For overall guidelines on submitting this application and its supporting documentation, please see:

How Do I Become a Lawful Permanent Resident While in the United States?

Application Procedures: Becoming a Permanent Resident While in the United States.

In most cases, a visa number must be available prior to filing an I-485. For more information please see:

How Do I Get an Immigrant Visa Number?

Edition Date:

04/01/06

Where to File:

Where to send your Form I-485 depends on the basis of your application. Please refer carefully to this page to determine where your Form I-485 should be sent.

Special Information for Persons Living in the Dallas, Texas Area:
The Dallas District office is conducting a pilot program designed to test our ability to complete the adjustment of status process within 90 days of filing, eliminating the need for interim employment and travel authorization documents and their associated costs. Should you choose to participate in the pilot program, and if you are eligible, you will be able to schedule your appointment time through InfoPass. If your application is complete, you will have your interview for permanent residence on the scheduled date. Read about the Pilot Program at http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/dallas/Pilot_overview.htm

Filing Fee:

$325 plus $70 biometrics services fee if you are 14 years of age or older. If you are under 14 years of age, the fee is $225 with no biometric services fee. If you are 79 years of age or older, the fee is $325 with no biometrics services fee.

Please consult the "Paying Fees" section of your local office or Service Center page to learn which forms of payment are accepted. Acceptable forms of payment may vary by office. Checks should be made payable to Department of Homeland Security or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

If you are applying for permanent residence based on having been admitted to the U.S. as a refugee, there is no application fee; however, applicants age 14 - 79 will still need to pay a $70 biometrics fee.

Special Instructions:

Effective August 2, 2004, USCIS has changed its requirements for photographs to a standard passport-style photograph. Please see this informational flyer for more details.