Form I-485, officially known as the “Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status,” is filed by individuals seeking to become lawful permanent residents (green card holders) in the United States. The eligibility to file Form I-485 depends on the specific immigration category or basis for the application. Here are some common categories of individuals who can file Form I-485:
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Family-sponsored applicants:
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Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents).
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Family-sponsored preference categories, including spouses and unmarried children of green card holders, married children of U.S. citizens, and siblings of U.S. citizens.
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Employment-based applicants:
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Employment-based immigrants, including individuals with approved employment-based immigrant petitions (such as Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) in categories like EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3.
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Refugees and Asylees:
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Refugees and asylees may file Form I-485 after one year of being granted asylum or admitted as a refugee.
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Diversity Visa Lottery winners:
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Individuals who have been selected through the Diversity Visa Lottery program and have an available visa number.
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Special programs:
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Individuals with special immigration programs, such as certain victims of crime (U visa applicants), victims of trafficking (T visa applicants), and certain individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
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Other categories:
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Certain individuals may be eligible to file based on humanitarian parole, Cuban Citizenship, continuous residence since before January 1, 1972, and other specific categories.
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How to fill out Form I-485
Filling out Form I-485, the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is a detailed process, and it’s crucial to provide accurate and complete information. Below are general guidelines on how to fill out the form. However, it’s important to note that immigration laws and forms may change, so always refer to the most recent version of the form and its instructions provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on their official website.
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Download the Form and Instructions:
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Obtain the latest version of Form I-485 and its instructions from the USCIS website.
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Read the Instructions:
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Thoroughly read the form instructions before you begin filling it out. The instructions provide essential information on eligibility criteria, required supporting documents, and specific guidance on each section of the form.
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Provide Personal Information:
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Complete all sections related to personal information, including your name, address, date of birth, and other relevant details.
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Select the Eligibility Category:
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Choose the appropriate eligibility category based on your immigration status and the basis for your adjustment of status (e.g., family-sponsored, employment-based, refugee/asylee, etc.).
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Provide A-Number and USCIS ELIS Number:
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If applicable, enter your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) and USCIS ELIS (Electronic Immigration System) number.
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Provide Information about Family Members:
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Include information about your spouse and children, if applicable. Provide details on their immigration status, if they are accompanying you, or if they will be filing separately.
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Answer Yes/No Questions:
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Respond to the yes/no questions truthfully. Provide additional information or documentation as required.
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Provide Biographic Information:
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Complete the biographic information section, including details about your physical characteristics, address history, and employment history.
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Provide Information about Previous Applications:
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If you have previously applied for any immigration benefits, provide accurate details about those applications.
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Provide Information about Medical Examination:
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Include information about your medical examination, including the name and address of the authorized civil surgeon who conducted the examination.
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Sign and Date the Form:
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Sign and date the form where required. If the form is for a child who is unable to sign, the parent or legal guardian should sign on behalf of the child.
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Prepare Supporting Documents:
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Collect and submit all required supporting documents, as specified in the form instructions. This may include copies of identity documents, evidence of eligibility, financial information, and photographs.
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Pay the Filing Fee:
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Include the appropriate filing fee with your application. Check the USCIS website for the current fee amounts and payment instructions.
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Mail the Application:
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Mail the completed form, supporting documents, and filing fee to the address provided in the form instructions.
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Additional instructions on completing Form I-485 are available here.
