For those who want to apply for permanent resident status in the United States (a green card), you can use Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Of course, there are some requirements that you need to meet to get a green card. By the way, what is Form I-485? Well, here we will explain some information about Form I-485.
What is Form I-485?
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is a form used by immigrants who want to apply for permanent resident status in the United States. Usually, these immigrants entered the United States with a temporary non-immigrant visa, so they want to adjust their status. The Form I-485 gathers some basic information about the identity of the applicant and examines the reasons why the applicant is inadmissible. Need to know that the form will not ask for any information about your petitioner or financial sponsor. Of course, the information on the form all refers to those who want to get a green card.
Simply, we can say that Form I-485 is a part of the process of getting a green card for immigrants who are already in the United States. Using this form, you can do adjustment status to be a Lawful Permanent Resident from:
- Non-immigrant status (with a job offer).
- Immigrant relative of a US citizen.
- Asylee status.
- Refugee status.
Also, immigrant women in the United States who get abuse from a US citizen parent or spouse can use Form I-485 in their application to get a green card holder under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
Along with Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-485 starts the process for status adjustment from non-immigrant to permanent resident status or green card holder. When you make this application, make sure you follow all instructions and procedures. Any mistakes you make on the application will lead to refusal. So, it is very crucial to learn how to complete and file Form I-485 correctly before you make your adjustment of status application. Having knowledge about the way to fill Form I-485 correctly will assist you in avoiding any errors in your application. And, of course, it will increase your opportunities to become a lawful permanent resident.
For your information, you can download Form I-485 for free on the Form I-485 page of the USCIS website. Ensure you use the latest version of the form when submitting to USCIS. Otherwise, your application will be rejected by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Download Form I-485
Download free Printable of Fill Out Form I-485 in PDF file (consists of 18 pages) at here.
What is the Purpose of Form I-485?
In the previous paragraph, we share some information about Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Thus, now, you may conclude what the purpose of Form I-485 is. Well, to make you more confident, we will reaffirm about the purpose of Form I-485.
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is a form used by an individual who is in the United States to apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for adjusting to a lawful permanent resident status of the United States, or to get a green card. Also, certain Cuban nationals can use this form to request a change in the date that their permanent residence began.
Who Can File Form I-485?
A person can file Form I-485 based on several categories; special immigrant, family-based, marriage-based, employment-based, asylum, refugee, crime victim, special programs, and additional options. For marriage-based, only a foreign spouse who is in the US can file Form I-485 to get a green card. And, that foreign spouse must have entered the US on a valid visa. Aside from that, an immigrant visa must be available immediately for that foreign spouse. It means that Form I-130 must already have been approved, or Form I-130 and Form I-485 must be filed concurrently. Otherwise, that foreign spouse cannot file Form I-485.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
