Adjusting Status to Permanent Resident (Form I-485)
Who is eligible to file Form I-485 to adjust status?
Not anybody can file Form I-485 to adjust status to permanent resident (green card holder). Eligibility for Form I-485 depends on several criteria based on the specific eligibility category selected.… Continue Reading →
When can I file my I-485 adjustment of status application?
The date when you may file Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status, depends on the basis of your application. Here’s a partial list of eligibility categories.… Continue Reading →
Can I travel before my Form I-485 is approved?
Generally, Adjustment of Status applicants who want to travel before Form I-485 is approved must obtain an advance parole document first. Without advance parole, the applicant may not be able to return to the United States and the I-485 will be abandoned.… Continue Reading →
How much does it cost to adjust status with Form I-485?
The cost to adjust status to permanent resident (green card holder) includes several USCIS forms. Additionally, there may be a medical exam and travel expenses that go beyond the cost of filing Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status.… Continue Reading →
What is an Alien Registration Number and where do I find it?
Also known as an A-Number, your Alien Registration Number is an 8 or 9 digit number that can be found on a variety of documents from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the former INS.… Continue Reading →
What if I have no evidence of my lawful entry?
Generally, when filing Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status, you’ll need to prove that you had a lawful entry to the United States. So what do you do when you have no evidence of a lawful entry?… Continue Reading →
I have a K-1 visa. How do I apply for a green card?
To apply for a green card on the basis of a K1 visa entry, it’s very important that you marry your U.S. citizen fiancé within 90 days of entering the United States and submit a carefully prepared I-485 adjustment of status package.… Continue Reading →
Which documents should I submit with my I-485 Adjustment of Status package?
The documents to submit with Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status, vary significantly based on the eligibility category selected.… Continue Reading →
Are there vaccine waivers for immigrants?
Certain individuals may be able to obtain a vaccine waiver for qualifying reasons.… Continue Reading →
Should I include children on Form I-485?
When preparing an Adjustment of Status application it’s necessary to list children on Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. But each child will need to have a separate I-485 applications if they are immigrating with you.
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Can I use my married name when filing this USCIS form?
Whenever preparing USCIS forms, you’ll need to use your current legal name. If you are married, your current legal name includes your married name.… Continue Reading →
What is a principal applicant and derivative applicant on Form I-485?
If you are applying for a green card, you’ll need to know if you are a principal applicant or derivative applicant. Here’s how to determine the correct selection for your situation.… Continue Reading →
Should I file my family’s I-485 applications in the same envelope?
If your family is filing multiple I-485 applications, you may want to combine them. However, it’s very important to organize them separately so that USCIS doesn’t mix up or misplace your paperwork.… Continue Reading →
When should I submit Form I-693 with my adjustment of status application?
Virtually everyone who adjusts status to permanent resident (green card holder) must submit Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, as a part of the process.… Continue Reading →
I already filed Form I-130. Can I file I-485 to adjust status?
It depends. Some individuals may be able to file Form I-485 concurrently with Form I-130 or shortly thereafter. Others people can’t do this. One of the biggest determining factors in the qualifying relationship. We’ll explain.… Continue Reading →
How do I submit evidence of birth without a birth certificate?
Evidence of birth is essential for most adjustment of status and immigrant visa applications. But official birth certificates may not be issued by some governments or local civil authorities in certain countries. In these cases, it’s still vital to submit alternative evidence of birth to obtain a green card.… Continue Reading →
Do you have a sample affidavit of birth?
If an adjustment of status applicant cannot produce an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, he or she will need to submit alternative evidence of birth such as an affidavit of birth.… Continue Reading →
Can I submit a late registered birth certificate in my immigration case?
You may be able to use a late registered birth certificate when filing for immigration benefits, but USCIS will likely require secondary evidence.… Continue Reading →
Can I come to the U.S. for the purpose of adjusting status?
There are only a few nonimmigrant visa types which accommodate a preconceived intent to adjust status to permanent resident. Otherwise, entering the U.S. with the preformed intent to file Form I-485 could lead to long-term immigration problems.… Continue Reading →
After filing Form I-485, do I need to maintain my non-immigrant status too?
Once USCIS accepts your Adjustment of Status Application, you become an “adjustment of status applicant” with the legal right to remain in the United States. You are not required to maintain your previous nonimmigrant status, but there are advantages to keeping in good status.… Continue Reading →
How to Assemble Your Adjustment of Status Package
The golden rules of assembling your adjustment of status package might be: Make it easy. Keep it organized.… Continue Reading →
Can I file Form I-485 with an expired passport?
You may file an adjustment of status application (Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status) with an expired passport. However, there are a few good reasons to renew your passport when you apply for your green card.… Continue Reading →