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

The I-485 form, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is a crucial form used by nonimmigrants already living in the United States to apply for an adjustment of their current status to permanent resident status or to register for permanent residence.

The I-485 form consists of several parts, including:

• Applicant's Personal Information
• Eligibility Information
• Processing Information
• Family Information
• Biographic Information
• Additional Information About the Applicant
• General Eligibility and Inadmissibility Grounds
• Applicant's Statement and Signature
• Interpreter's Information (if applicable)
• Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Application (if applicable)

Important Fields:

• Applicant's Personal Information
• Eligibility Information
• Processing Information

Individuals already residing in the United States, who meet specific eligibility criteria and wish to change their nonimmigrant status to permanent resident status, must compile this form. The applicant is the nonimmigrant wishing to adjust their status, and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) receives and evaluates the application.

Important Considerations:

• Ensuring that you meet the eligibility criteria before filing the form
• Attaching all required supporting documents, including evidence of inspection, admission or parole, passport-style photographs, birth and marriage certificates, police records, etc.
• Submitting the application to the appropriate USCIS office

Advantages:

• One step closer to acquiring permanent resident status, allowing for more rights and benefits
• Ability to apply for employment authorization and a travel document while the application is pending
• Streamlined process to adjust status without needing to leave the United States

Potential Problems:

• Incomplete or inaccurate information may lead to delays or denial
• Inadmissibility due to health or security concerns, prior visa violations, or other eligibility issues

Related/Alternative Forms:

• I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker
• I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant
• I-694, Notice of Appeal of Decision

The completed I-485 application, along with the required supporting documents and filing fee, should be submitted to the appropriate USCIS office. The USCIS website provides guidelines for locating the correct office for submitting the application. Instances of the form are stored by the USCIS as part of the applicant's immigration case file.