How long does adjustment of status take?

Most family-based applicants wait 8 to 14 months, though timelines will vary by USCIS office and workload. Some steps, like biometrics and the interview, are predictable, while others depend on field office backlogs and your ability to provide thorough evidence. For a look at what happens after filing your adjustment application, review the Form I-485 processing time →

Can I adjust status if I overstayed my visa?

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens can usually adjust status even after a visa overstay. Other categories, such as family preference applicants, may be ineligible and required to leave the U.S. to process abroad. Since overstays can trigger unlawful presence penalties, always speak to an immigration attorney before departing. Learn more about applying for a green card after a visa overstay →

Do I need to leave the U.S. to get my green card?

If you are eligible for adjustment of status, you don’t need to leave the country. You file your application with USCIS and attend an interview at a local office. If you’re not eligible, you’ll use consular processing abroad. The right option depends on your circumstances and visa availability. Compare the pros and cons of adjustment of status vs consular processing →

Immigration Topics Explained:

Adjustment of Status: Get a Green Card Without Leaving the U.S.

Q: How much does adjustment of status cost?

The total government filing fees can vary based on your specific situation, including which forms you must submit and your circumstances. Because there are several variables that affect the overall cost, it’s best to review the most current details for your case. Visit our Adjustment of Status Fee page to see the forms and costs that apply to you.

What Is Adjustment of Status?

Adjustment of status is the process that allows certain immigrants already in the United States to apply for a green card without having to leave the country and attend an interview at a U.S. embassy abroad. If you are eligible, you may be able to complete the entire green card process from inside the U.S., even if your visa has expired.

If you’re outside the United States or don’t qualify for adjustment, your case will proceed through consular processing, a similar but separate procedure handled abroad.

This guide will walk you through the major steps in the family-based adjustment of status process, a procedure common for spouses, parents, and children of U.S. citizens.

Eligibility for Adjustment of Status

What are the requirements?

Every family-based green card applicant falls into one of two groups: immediate relatives or family preference categories. The group you belong to determines how quickly your case can move forward.

Immediate Relative Categories

Immediate relatives include the spouse, parents, and unmarried children (under age 21) of U.S. citizens.

Learn More AboutImmediate Relatives

Family Preference Categories

Family preference includes other qualifying family-based relationships for immigration.

Learn More AboutFamily Preference

For adjustment of status, it matters which category you fall into. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens always have a visa available — there’s no annual cap. Family preference applicants are subject to yearly limits. That means they typically have to wait until their category is “current” in the Visa Bulletin.

Requirements to Adjust Status Inside the U.S.

Adjustment of status is only available to certain people already inside the U.S. meeting specific legal criteria. At a minimum, you must:

Be physically present in the United States
You must be inside the United States when the adjustment of status application is filed (and will need to complete the process inside the U.S.).
Have entered legally
For most people, this means that you entered the U.S. with valid documentation and made face to face contact with a U.S. immigration officer, and that officer acknowledged your entry to the United States. If you entered with a valid visa, but that visa has since expired, you still had a lawful entry.
Have an immigrant visa immediately available
You need both an approved petition and an available visa. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens always have one. But if you’re in a family preference category, you’ll need to wait until your spot is current in the Visa Bulletin. See how to read the Visa Bulletin →
Be admissible to the United States
Admissibility means that there are no legal bars that would prevent approval of your green card or entry into the U.S. There are several grounds of inadmissiblity →

Only a very limited group of people can adjust status. That’s why adjustment is generally only used by some immediate relatives, spouses that entered as K-1 fiancés, asylees, refugees, or those who arrived on an employment visa (e.g. H-1B) and the employer sponsored them for a green card.

Not sure if you meet the requriements? CitizenPath helps you confirm eligibility and all requirements before you purchase our service. Get started on an Adjustment of Status Package for free →

Potential Roadblocks

Where do other people run into problems?

Even if you initially meet the requirements, there are several issues that can delay or prevent your green card approval.

Visa Overstays

Most applicants must maintain a valid immigration status. However, immediate relatives of U.S. citizens can often adjust status even if they overstayed their visa.

Learn More

Public Charge

Problems arise when a financial sponsor’s income is too low, supporting documents are insufficient, or a joint sponsor isn’t available.

Learn More

Unauthorized Travel

Problems arise when applicants leave the U.S. without advance parole, causing USCIS to treat the adjustment application as abandoned and risking denial.

Learn More

Changes in Circumstances

You’ll need to stay eligible the whole way through. Life changes, like a shift in family situation or finances, can create problems and even put your adjustment at risk.

Learn More

Our goal is to help you avoid RFEs (Requests for Evidence), ensure approval, and get the best processing times with thorough documentation of your eligibility.

Green Card Application Process

What are the adjustment of status forms?

Adjustment cases generally require a package of forms filed together (concurrent filing). A typical family-based adjustment of status application package includes:

I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
I-130A, Biographic Information (if relative is a spouse)
I-864, Affidavit of Support
I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (optional)
I-131, Application for Travel Document (optional)

Additionally, your adjustment of status package must include the required supporting documents for each form. USCIS provides detailed instructions, or you can use CitizenPath’s attorney-designed software for step-by-step guidance and a custom checklist of supporting documents for your situation. Our affordable service makes applications easier, reduces mistakes, and is backed by live customer support.

Download a FREE I-485 checklist that will help you gather some of the necessary information to prepare the family-based adjustment of status application.

GET CHECKLIST

Travel and Work Authorization

Can I leave the country or work in the U.S.?

A green card lets you work in the U.S. and reenter after trips of less than one year. While waiting for approval, adjustment applicants can usually get similar benefits through a work permit and advance parole.

Employment Authorization

As an adjustment applicant with a pending Form I-485, you may file Form I-765 for a work permit, often at the same time for faster processing. USCIS usually issues the card in 3–6 months, valid for one year and renewable. A reduced USCIS fee also applies if filed with a pending I-485. Working without authorization can jeopardize your green card.

Learn more about getting a work permit while your I-485 is pending →

Advance Parole Travel

If you plan to travel while your I-485 is pending, you must first request an advance parole travel document by filing Form I-131, often included with your adjustment package. Leaving without it may cause USCIS to treat your case as abandoned. Advance parole allows reentry but does not guarantee admission — you remain subject to inspection at the border.

Learn more about advance parole for adjustment applicants →

Adjustment of Status Interview

Is there going to be an interview?

Most applicants attend an interview at a local USCIS office before a green card is approved. The interview is usually brief and focuses on verifying your application, confirming the family relationship, and checking for changes that might affect eligibility. In marriage cases, the sponsoring spouse typically attends as well. If approved, your green card is mailed shortly after. Learn more about preparing for your green card interview →

Green Card Fees

How much does adjustment of status cost?

Adjustment of status costs vary because required forms differ by case type. For example, a family-based application uses different forms than an employment-based case. Use the Green Card Cost Estimator below to calculate your USCIS filing fees and CitizenPath preparation fees.

Select the Basis of Your Adjustment of Status Application:

		Current USCIS Fee	CitizenPath Fee
Form I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status Used to apply for a green card. The adjustment of status applicant files this form to adjust status from nonimmigrant to permanent resident.	$1,440¹	$279
Form I-130	Petition for Alien Relative The petitioner files this form to establish a qualifying relationship between the U.S. citizen (or permanent resident in some cases) and the foreign national relative. When you prepare I-485 on CitizenPath, this form is included.	$675	Included with I-485
Form I-130A	Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary² When the adjustment of status applicant is the spouse of the petitioner, this supplemental form that accompanies Form I-130 must also be filed. When you prepare I-485 on CitizenPath, this form is included.	$0	Included with I-485
Form I-864	Affidavit of Support This is a required form used to show that the adjustment of status applicant has adequate means of financial support and is not likely to rely on the U.S. government for public assistance.	$0	~~$129~~ $90.30 after discount³
Form I-765	Application for Employment Authorization (optional) Use this optional form to request work authorization. As an adjustment of status applicant, you are eligible for an employment authorization card.	$260⁴	~~$79~~ $55.30 after discount³
Form I-131	Application for Travel Document (optional) Use this optional form to request an advance parole document for reentering the United States after travel abroad. Advance parole is required if you plan to travel abroad.	$630	~~$99~~ $69.30 after discount³
Form I-693	Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record This form establishes that the adjustment of status applicant is not inadmissible to the U.S. on public health grounds. The doctor will prepare it for the applicant at the medical exam.	$0⁵	N/A
	TOTAL FOR TYPICAL ADULT APPLICANT	$2,115 to $3,005	$370 to $494

¹ USCIS currently has a reduced fee of only $950 for a child (under 14) if the child's application is filed with the I-485 of at least one parent.
² Form I-130A is only necessary if the beneficiary is a spouse.
³ After purchasing CitizenPath's I-485 service, you will receive a discount code for 30% off any additional services.
⁴ USCIS provides this reduced fee when I-765 is filed on the basis of a pending I-485 application.
⁵ There is no fee for Form I-693, but the USCIS doctor will charge a fee (varies by doctor) for the exam.

START I-485 APPLICATION

		Current USCIS Fee	CitizenPath Fee
Form I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status Used to apply for a green card. The adjustment of status applicant files this form to adjust status from nonimmigrant to permanent resident.	$1,440¹	$279
Form I-864	Affidavit of Support This is a required form used to show that the adjustment of status applicant has adequate means of financial support and is not likely to rely on the U.S. government for public assistance.	$0	~~$129~~ $90.30 after discount^{2, 3}
Form I-765	Application for Employment Authorization (optional) Use this optional form to request work authorization. As an adjustment of status applicant, you are eligible for an employment authorization card.	$260⁴	~~$79~~ $55.30 after discount³
Form I-131	Application for Travel Document (optional) Use this optional form to request an advance parole document for reentering the United States after travel abroad. Advance parole is required if you plan to travel abroad.	$630	~~$99~~ $69.30 after discount³
Form I-693	Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record This form establishes that the adjustment of status applicant is not inadmissible to the U.S. on public health grounds. The doctor will prepare it for the applicant at the medical exam.	$0⁵	N/A
	TOTAL FOR TYPICAL ADULT APPLICANT	$1,440 to $2,330	$370 to $494

¹ USCIS currently has a reduced fee of only $950 for a child (under 14) if the child's application is filed with the I-485 of at least one parent.
² The K-1 entrant generally must submit an Affidavit of Support. However, a K-2 child may use a photocopy of the K-1 parent's affidavit. The child does not need their own.
³ After purchasing CitizenPath's I-485 service, you will receive a discount code for 30% off any additional services.
⁴ USCIS provides this reduced fee when I-765 is filed on the basis of a pending I-485 application.
⁵ There is no fee for Form I-693, but the USCIS doctor will charge a fee (varies by doctor) for the exam.

START I-485 APPLICATION

		Current USCIS Fee	CitizenPath Fee
Form I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status Used to apply for a green card. The adjustment of status applicant files this form to adjust status from nonimmigrant to permanent resident.¹	$1,440	$279
Form I-765	Application for Employment Authorization (optional) Use this optional form to request work authorization. As an adjustment of status applicant, you are eligible for an employment authorization card.	$260²	~~$79~~ $55.30 after discount³
Form I-131	Application for Travel Document (optional) Use this optional form to request an advance parole document for reentering the United States after travel abroad. Advance parole is required if you plan to travel abroad.	$630	~~$99~~ $69.30 after discount³
Form I-693	Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record This form establishes that the adjustment of status applicant is not inadmissible to the U.S. on public health grounds. The doctor will prepare it for the applicant at the medical exam.	$0⁴	N/A
	TOTAL FOR TYPICAL ADULT APPLICANT	$1,440 to $2,330	$279 to $404

¹ In some cases the applicant may also be required to file I-485 Supplement J, Confirmation of Bona Fide Job Offer or Request for Job Portability Under INA Section 204(j).
² USCIS provides this reduced fee when I-765 is filed on the basis of a pending I-485 application.
³ After purchasing CitizenPath's I-485 service, you will receive a discount code for 30% off any additional services.
⁴ There is no fee for Form I-693, but the USCIS doctor will charge a fee (varies by doctor) for the exam.

START I-485 APPLICATION

		Current USCIS Fee	CitizenPath Fee
Form I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status Used to apply for a green card. The adjustment of status applicant files this form to adjust status from nonimmigrant to permanent resident.	$1,440¹	$279
Form I-765	Application for Employment Authorization (optional) Use this optional form to request work authorization. As an adjustment of status applicant, you are eligible for an employment authorization card.	$260²	~~$79~~ $55.30 after discount³
Form I-131	Application for Travel Document (optional) Use this optional form to request an advance parole document for reentering the United States after travel abroad. Advance parole is required if you plan to travel abroad.	$630	~~$99~~ $69.30 after discount³
Form I-693	Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record This form establishes that the adjustment of status applicant is not inadmissible to the U.S. on public health grounds. The doctor will prepare it for the applicant at the medical exam.	$0⁴	N/A
	TOTAL FOR TYPICAL ADULT APPLICANT	$1,440 to $2,330	$279 to $404

¹ USCIS currently has a reduced fee of only $950 for a child (under 14) if the child's application is filed with the I-485 of at least one parent.
² USCIS provides this reduced fee when I-765 is filed on the basis of a pending I-485 application.
³ After purchasing CitizenPath's I-485 service, you will receive a discount code for 30% off any additional services.
⁴ There is no fee for Form I-693, but the USCIS doctor will charge a fee (varies by doctor) for the exam.

START I-485 APPLICATION

		Current USCIS Fee	CitizenPath Fee
Form I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status Used to apply for a green card. The adjustment of status applicant files this form to adjust status from nonimmigrant to permanent resident.	$0	$279
Form I-765	Application for Employment Authorization (optional) Use this optional form to request work authorization. As an adjustment of status applicant, you are eligible for an employment authorization card.	$260	~~$79~~ $55.30 after discount¹
Form I-131	Application for Travel Document (optional) Use this optional form to request an advance parole document for reentering the United States after travel abroad. Advance parole is required if you plan to travel abroad.	$630	~~$99~~ $69.30 after discount¹
Form I-693	Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record This form establishes that the adjustment of status applicant is not inadmissible to the U.S. on public health grounds. The doctor will prepare it for the applicant at the medical exam.	$0²	N/A
	TOTAL FOR TYPICAL ADULT APPLICANT	$0 to $890	$279 to $404

¹ After purchasing CitizenPath's I-485 service, you will receive a discount code for 30% off any additional services.
² There is no fee for Form I-693, but the USCIS doctor will charge a fee (varies by doctor) for the exam.

START I-485 APPLICATION

		Current USCIS Fee	CitizenPath Fee
Form I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status Used to apply for a green card. The adjustment of status applicant files this form to adjust status from nonimmigrant to permanent resident.	$1,440¹	$279
Form I-765	Application for Employment Authorization (optional) Use this optional form to request work authorization. As an adjustment of status applicant, you are eligible for an employment authorization card.	$260²	~~$79~~ $55.30 after discount³
Form I-131	Application for Travel Document (optional) Use this optional form to request an advance parole document for reentering the United States after travel abroad. Advance parole is required if you plan to travel abroad.	$630	~~$99~~ $69.30 after discount³
Form I-693	Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record This form establishes that the adjustment of status applicant is not inadmissible to the U.S. on public health grounds. The doctor will prepare it for the applicant at the medical exam.	$0⁴	N/A
	TOTAL FOR TYPICAL ADULT APPLICANT	$1,440 to $2,330	$279 to $404

¹ USCIS currently has a reduced fee of only $950 for a child (under 14) if the child's application is filed with the I-485 of at least one parent.
² USCIS provides this reduced fee when I-765 is filed on the basis of a pending I-485 application.
³ After purchasing CitizenPath's I-485 service, you will receive a discount code for 30% off any additional services.
⁴ There is no fee for Form I-693, but the USCIS doctor will charge a fee (varies by doctor) for the exam.

START I-485 APPLICATION

Timeline to Adjust Status

How long does it take to get a green card?

After filing, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment to collect your photo, fingerprints, and signature for a background check. Most applicants also attend an adjustment of status interview several months later, sometimes with the sponsoring relative. USCIS may waive the interview in straightforward cases.

#	Step	Description	Who
1	Adjustment of Status Package	File Form I-485 with supporting forms and documents	Applicant + Petitioner
2	Biometrics Appointment	USCIS collects fingerprints, photo, and signature	Applicant
3	Receive EAD	USCIS issues employment authorization card for work if I-765 filed	Applicant
4	Receive Advance Parole	USCIS issues advance parole for travel if I-131 filed	Applicant
5	Adjustment Interview	USCIS officer reviews case; petitioner may also attend	Applicant + Petitioner
6	Green Card Decision	USCIS approves case and mails green card	Applicant

For many family-based applicants, the adjustment process takes 8–14 months. Timelines vary by location, USCIS workload, and your specific case. For a closer look at what happens after filing the application, see our Form I-485 processing time line →

Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

Use Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) to apply for permanent residence while in the United States. Each year, USCIS rejects or denies thousands of I-485 applications. Therefore, it's important to get it right.

each year an average of

1

I-485 applications are filed*

out of these

1

get rejected*

and another

1

get denied*

* Data based on USCIS Forms Data and Lockbox Rejection Data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. If you apply for employment and travel authorization with your I-485, you will be able to work in the U.S. and travel abroad while Form I-485 is pending. To receive these benefits most quickly, file Forms I-765 (employment authorization) and I-131 (advance parole) with Form I-485.

Learn how to get a work permit while waiting for your green card →

Learn how to get advance parole while waiting for your green card →

In most cases, yes. USCIS interviews applicants to confirm eligibility, review documents, and ask questions about the family relationship. Traditionally, USCIS has waived interviews on a discretionary basis for some straightforward cases. However, the Trump administration is taking a tougher stance and using this opportunity to vet applicants more carefully. If scheduled, it’s important to attend with original documents and be prepared to answer basic questions about your application and relationship. Learn what to expect at your green card interview →

Since January 2025, there are no new laws related to adjustment of status applications, but adjudications are tougher. USCIS has re-emphasized public-charge determinations, heightened vetting of marriage/family evidence, and signaled more in-person scrutiny. They are also issuing more RFEs and NOIDs. Broader DHS directives have tightened enforcement and sought to restrict certain benefits, indirectly increasing risk for applicants. Expect to document finances, bona fides, and medicals meticulously. The rules haven't change, but you need to provide strong evidence that you meet the requirements for a green card.

Adjustment of status is often more convenient since you remain in the U.S. and may apply for work and travel permits while waiting. Consular processing is generally faster, but requires returning abroad for an interview. The best option depends on your eligibility, location, and priorities such as speed, cost, and family stability. See our full comparison of adjustment of status vs. consular processing →

How CitizenPath Helps You Prepare the Adjustment Application Package

Who can help me apply for a green card?

CitizenPath’s affordable online service makes it simple to prepare Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status. Designed by immigration attorneys, our Adjustment of Status Package (includes Forms I-485, I-130 and I-130A) helps you avoid the common mistakes that cause delays, rejections, and denials. The software flags potential problems, provides step-by-step guidance, and gives you personalized filing instructions. You stay in control with an easy, do-it-yourself tool that's backed by live customer support and a money-back guarantee of USCIS approval. Get started →

STEP 1	Check Eligibility No signup required.
	We're going to ask you a few questions to make sure you're eligible and preparing the correct form.
STEP 2	Prepare Form I-485 There’s no obligation to purchase.
	Our software will guide you through the I-485 application using simple step-by-step instructions.
STEP 3	Download, Print and File Pay only $279 + USCIS fees.
	Once you're completely satisfied, you’ll be able to print your I-485 and customized filing instructions.

CitizenPath Adjustment of Status Package to obtain a family-based green card

START I-485 APPLICATION

Adjustment of Status: Get a Green Card Without Leaving the U.S.

What Is Adjustment of Status?

Eligibility for Adjustment of Status

What are the requirements?

Requirements to Adjust Status Inside the U.S.

Be physically present in the United States

Have entered legally

Have an immigrant visa immediately available

Be admissible to the United States

Potential Roadblocks