Path to Permanent Residence

Adjustment of Status (I-485)

Apply for your green card while in the United States. Complete I-485 application service with attorney review, work permit, travel document, and comprehensive support.

$2,500

Our Fee (Attorney Included)

$2,330

Total Government Fees

8-10 mo

Average Processing Time

Get Your Green Card

Attorney Review Included
I-485, I-765 & I-131 Preparation
Work Permit & Travel Document
Interview Preparation

Schedule Free Consultation

Critical 2025 I-485 Updates

•New Form I-485 Required: Starting February 10, 2025, only the 10/24/24 edition of Form I-485 will be accepted. The form tripled from 6 to 18 pages with significant new questions.
•Medical Exam Required at Filing: Must submit Form I-693 medical examination with your I-485 application. Cannot submit later unless interview waiver applies.
•Interview Waivers Available: USCIS is waiving interviews for certain categories to reduce backlogs. Employment-based and some family cases may be approved without interview.
•Longer Processing Times: Despite efforts to speed up, many cases now take 12-24 months due to increased scrutiny. Average is 8-10 months but varies widely by office.

Are You Eligible for Adjustment of Status?

You must meet these requirements to apply for a green card from within the U.S.

Approved Immigrant Petition

Must have an approved immigrant petition: I-130 (family-based), I-140 (employment-based), or other qualifying petition.

Visa Immediately Available

Your priority date must be current according to the Visa Bulletin.
Immediate relatives (spouse, parent, unmarried child under 21 of U.S. citizen) always have visas available

Physical Presence in U.S.

Must be physically present in the United States when filing I-485. Cannot file from abroad.

Admissibility

Must be admissible to the U.S. (no criminal history, immigration violations, or health issues that would bar you).
Some issues can be waived with I-601 or I-601A applications

Medical Examination

Must complete Form I-693 medical examination by USCIS-approved civil surgeon.
2025 requirement: Submit with I-485 application

Financial Support (If Family-Based)

If applying through family petition, sponsor must submit Form I-864 Affidavit of Support showing sufficient income.

Important: Unlawful Presence Concerns

If you entered without inspection or overstayed your visa, you may not be eligible for adjustment of status unless you qualify for an exception (immediate relative of U.S. citizen, 245(i), etc.). We evaluate your eligibility and discuss alternatives during consultation.

What's Included in Our $2,500 Service

Complete adjustment of status package with work permit and travel document

I-485 Application Preparation

Complete Form I-485 (new 18-page edition)
Document compilation
Accuracy verification
Filing assistance

Work Permit (I-765)

Form I-765 preparation
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Expedite requests (if eligible)
SSN application guidance

Advance Parole (I-131)

Form I-131 preparation
Travel document application
International travel guidance
Risk assessment

Attorney Document Review

Licensed attorney review
Legal strategy consultation
Inadmissibility assessment
Personalized guidance

Interview Preparation

Comprehensive interview guide
Practice questions
Document checklist
Tips for success

Ongoing Support

USCIS correspondence handling
RFE response assistance
Case status monitoring
Email/phone support

The Adjustment of Status Process

Your step-by-step journey to a U.S. green card

Consultation & Eligibility Assessment

Day 1

Free consultation to verify eligibility, review underlying petition, check visa availability, assess admissibility, and create case strategy.

Medical Examination

Week 1-2

Schedule and complete Form I-693 medical exam with USCIS-approved civil surgeon. Must be completed before filing I-485 (2025 requirement).

Document Collection

Week 1-3

Gather birth certificate, passport, I-94, visa documents, employment records, tax returns, photos, and supporting materials.

Prepare I-485 Package

Week 3-4

Complete Forms I-485, I-765 (work permit), I-131 (travel document), and supporting forms. Our attorney reviews for accuracy.

File Application with USCIS

Week 4

Submit complete I-485 package with all fees ($2,330 total). Receive receipt notices with case numbers for tracking.

Biometrics Appointment

4-8 weeks after filing

Attend biometrics appointment at local USCIS Application Support Center for fingerprinting and photos.

Work Permit & Travel Document

2-5 months after filing

Receive Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Advance Parole travel document (combo card). Can work and travel internationally.

USCIS Processing & Review

8-10 months average

USCIS reviews application and conducts background checks. We monitor your case and respond to any Requests for Evidence. May take 12-24 months depending on office.

Interview (If Required)

8-12 months after filing

Attend interview at USCIS office (if not waived). Officer reviews application, verifies identity, asks about eligibility. Many cases now waived.

Green Card Approval

8-24 months total

Receive approval notice and green card in the mail. You are now a lawful permanent resident of the United States!

Required Documents Checklist

Documents you'll need for your I-485 application

Required for All Applicants

Copy of birth certificate with English translation
Copy of passport biographical pages
Copy of I-94 arrival/departure record
Copy of visa (if applicable)
Two passport-style photos
Copy of approval notice for underlying petition (I-130, I-140, etc.)
Form I-693 medical examination (sealed envelope)
Copy of marriage certificate (if applicable)

For Family-Based Applications

Form I-864 Affidavit of Support from sponsor
Sponsor's tax returns (last 3 years)
Sponsor's proof of income (W-2s, pay stubs)
Sponsor's proof of citizenship/LPR status
Evidence of bona fide marriage (if spouse)
Joint financial documents
Photos together
Correspondence/communication records

For Employment-Based Applications

Copy of approved I-140 petition
Employment verification letter
Proof of current employment
Educational credentials (degrees, diplomas)
Work experience letters
Labor certification (if applicable)

Additional Situations

Police certificates (if required)
Military service records (if applicable)
Court records (if any arrests)
Tax returns (last 5 years recommended)
Evidence of legal entry (if applicable)
Previous immigration documents
Divorce decrees (if previously married)
Name change documents (if applicable)

Medical Examination (I-693) Tips

• Must use USCIS-approved civil surgeon (find one at uscis.gov)
• Bring vaccination records to avoid unnecessary repeat shots
• Medical must be completed within 60 days before filing I-485
• Submit in sealed envelope from doctor—do not open
• Cost ranges from $200-$500 depending on location and vaccines needed

Avoid These Critical I-485 Mistakes

Common errors that delay or derail adjustment of status applications

Using Wrong Form Edition

Submitting outdated I-485 form. As of Feb 10, 2025, only the 10/24/24 edition (18-page version) is accepted.

⚠ Automatic rejection, lose filing date

Medical Exam Issues

Not submitting I-693 with application, opening the sealed envelope, or medical exam too old (must be within 60 days of filing).

⚠ RFE or denial

Filing Before Priority Date is Current

Filing I-485 when your priority date is not current according to Visa Bulletin (for preference categories).

⚠ Application rejected

Incorrect Fees

Paying wrong amount or combining fees incorrectly. Must pay $1,440 (I-485) + $260 (I-765) + $630 (I-131) = $2,330.

⚠ Rejection and delays

Not Disclosing Criminal History

Failing to report ALL arrests, even if charges dropped or expunged. Full disclosure is required.

⚠ Fraud finding, permanent bar

Traveling Without Advance Parole

Leaving U.S. before receiving advance parole document. This abandons your I-485 application.

⚠ Application deemed abandoned

How We Ensure Your Success

With attorney review on every I-485 application, we use the correct forms, calculate fees accurately, ensure medical exams are timely, verify all documents are included, and prepare you for every step. Our systematic approach maximizes approval chances.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does adjustment of status take in 2025?

Average processing time is 8-10 months, but can range from 6-24 months depending on USCIS field office, case complexity, and whether interview is waived. Family-based cases average 10-12 months. Employment-based cases may be faster if interview waived. We provide realistic timelines based on your specific office during consultation.

What are the total I-485 fees?

Total government fees: $2,330. This includes $1,440 for I-485 (adjustment of status), $260 for I-765 (work permit when filed with pending I-485), and $630 for I-131 (advance parole/travel document). Medical exam costs $200-$500 separately. Our attorney-reviewed service fee is $2,500, covering complete I-485 package preparation, work permit, travel document, and ongoing support. Total cost: approximately $4,830-$5,130.

What changed with the new I-485 form in 2025?

Starting February 10, 2025, only the 10/24/24 edition of Form I-485 is accepted. The new form tripled from 6 to 18 pages and includes expanded questions about: public benefits receipt, employment history, travel history, social media accounts, and family members. It also requires Form I-693 medical exam to be submitted with the application (previously could be submitted at interview). The form is significantly more detailed.

Can I work while my I-485 is pending?

Not immediately. You must wait for your Employment Authorization Document (EAD/work permit) to be approved. When you file I-485, you simultaneously file Form I-765 for work authorization. EAD typically arrives 2-5 months after filing. Once received, you can work for any employer. If your current work authorization expires while I-485 is pending, you may face a gap in work authorization.

Can I travel while my I-485 is pending?

Yes, but ONLY if you have advance parole (travel document). If you leave the U.S. without advance parole, your I-485 is automatically abandoned and denied. File Form I-131 with your I-485 to request advance parole. It typically takes 2-5 months to receive. Most applicants get a "combo card" combining EAD and advance parole. Travel is allowed but carries some risk—we advise on travel timing.

Will I need an interview for my I-485?

It depends. USCIS is waiving interviews for many employment-based and some family-based cases to reduce backlogs. However, most marriage-based I-485 applications still require interviews to verify bona fide marriage. If required, the interview typically occurs 8-12 months after filing. You and your spouse (if applicable) must attend together. We provide comprehensive interview preparation.

What if I entered the U.S. without inspection?

This is complex. Generally, you cannot adjust status if you entered without inspection (EWI) UNLESS you qualify for an exception: 1) immediate relative of U.S. citizen, 2) covered by 245(i) (filed before April 30, 2001), 3) asylum/refugee status, or 4) special immigrant category. If ineligible for adjustment, you may need consular processing, which triggers 3/10-year bars. Schedule a consultation—we assess your specific situation and identify the best path.

Can my I-485 be denied?

Yes. Common denial reasons: inadmissibility (criminal history, fraud, unlawful presence), lack of eligibility, failed medical exam, insufficient financial support (I-864), abandonment (traveling without advance parole), or public charge concerns. If denied, you may be placed in removal proceedings. Our attorney review identifies and addresses potential denial issues before filing to maximize approval chances.

What is the difference between I-485 and consular processing?

I-485 (adjustment of status) is for people already in the U.S. who want to get their green card without leaving. Consular processing is for people outside the U.S. or those ineligible for I-485. I-485 allows you to stay in the U.S. during processing, apply for work permit/travel document, and often processes faster. Consular processing requires leaving the U.S. for interview abroad and may trigger inadmissibility bars. We help determine which path is right for you.

What is the Visa Bulletin and why does it matter?

The Visa Bulletin (published monthly by Department of State) shows which priority dates are "current" for each immigration category. You can only file I-485 if your priority date is current or visa immediately available. Immediate relatives (spouse, parent, unmarried child under 21 of U.S. citizen) always have visas available. Preference categories (family-based F1-F4, employment-based EB1-EB5) have wait times based on country and category. We monitor the Visa Bulletin and advise on optimal filing timing.

Transparent Pricing Breakdown

Complete cost breakdown with no hidden fees

Complete Adjustment of Status Package

$2,500

Our Attorney-Reviewed Service Fee

What You Pay Us ($2,500):

Complete I-485 application (new 18-page form)
Form I-765 work permit application
Form I-131 advance parole/travel document
Licensed attorney document review & strategy
Document compilation & organization
Interview preparation (if required)
USCIS correspondence & RFE responses
Case monitoring through green card approval

Government Fees (Paid to USCIS):

Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status):$1,440

Form I-765 (Work Permit with pending I-485):$260

Form I-131 (Advance Parole):$630

Total Government Fees:$2,330

*Medical exam (I-693) costs $200-$500 separately, paid to civil surgeon

Total Investment:

Our Fee + Government Fees:$4,830

Plus medical exam ($200-$500)

Payment Options: We offer flexible payment plans for our $2,500 service fee. Government fees are paid directly to USCIS when filing. Medical exam fee is paid to the civil surgeon. Ask about our payment options during your free consultation.

Ready to Get Your Green Card?

Start your adjustment of status application with expert guidance. Attorney review included—not an add-on.

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97%

I-485 Approval Rate

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Legal Disclaimer: This page provides general information about the I-485 adjustment of status process. It is not legal advice. Processing times, fees, and requirements are subject to change by USCIS. Individual cases vary significantly. Approval is not guaranteed. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Schedule a consultation for personalized assessment of your specific situation.