FORM GUIDE
Form I-485: Adjustment of Status — Complete Guide (2026)
Apply for your green card from within the United States.
Start Your Petition
Green Card Final Step
Concurrent Filing
EAD + Travel Included
Quick Answer
Form I-485 is how you get your green card while in the U.S. You need an approved or pending I-140 with a current priority date. Filing fee is $1,440 (includes biometrics). Processing takes 8-14 months. You can work and travel while it is pending with an EAD and advance parole.
What Is Form I-485?
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is the form you file to apply for a green card while you are physically present in the United States. It is the final step in the employment-based green card process for applicants already in the U.S.
When you file I-485, you can also apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) via Form I-765 and advance parole travel document via Form I-131 — both are typically filed concurrently.
Who Can File Form I-485?
You can file I-485 if you are physically present in the U.S., have an approved immigrant petition (I-140), and your priority date is current based on the Visa Bulletin. You must also be in valid immigration status or otherwise eligible for adjustment.
Concurrent Filing
For EB-1A and some other categories where priority dates are current, you can file I-140 and I-485 at the same time. This accelerates the green card timeline and gives you access to work authorization (EAD) and travel permission (advance parole) while both applications are pending.
After Filing I-485
After filing, you will receive a receipt notice, attend a biometrics appointment, and potentially have an interview. During this time, your I-485 pending status protects you from accruing unlawful presence, and you can use your EAD combo card to work and travel.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does I-485 processing take?
Can I travel while I-485 is pending?
What is the I-485 filing fee?
Ready to Take the First Step
Toward Your U.S. Visa?
OpenSphere helps immigrants navigate every stage of the visa process
from profile evaluation to attorney collaboration and
final approval with expert guidance and AI support.
