Application fee for permanent residence

Foreign nationals file Form I-485 to adjust their immigration status to permanent residents. Filing I 485 is the first step in obtaining your green card. There are three criteria for Form I-485. First, applicants must be residing in the United States. Foreign national residing outside the U.S. must first petition for an immigration visa. More information is available at the immigration visa section . Second, applicants must have an approved immigration petition through family, marriage, or employment. Third, applicants must have a current priority date assigned by the USCIS. A priority date is the date at which a petitioner or potential immigrant to the United States has indicated their interest in obtaining a visa to the USCIS.

After submitting an application package, USCIS issues a receipt number to applicants. Applicants can use this receipt number to check their USCIS case status online. I-485 processing time varies by petition type, but applicants seeking permanent resident status through employment can expect the petition to be reviewed within 4 months . During the review process, the USCIS may require applicants to come into a service center for in-person interview. In-person interview is common for marriage based petitions to verify the legitimacy of the marriage.

What are Form I-485 Instruction?

When submitting Form I-485, applicants must complete the form and submit supporting documents as a complete package. Applicants can download a copy of Form I-485 . Below shows the list of required supporting documents.

• 2 copies of passport sized photographs
• Government issued identification with photograph
• Copy of a birth certificate (except for refugees and asylees)
• Inspection and Admission or Inspection and Parole; one of the following documents can be accepted.
  • Passport page with admission or parole stamp
  • Passport page with nonimmigrant visa
  • Form I-94
  • Documents may vary based on Part 2 of Form I-485
  • Form I-797 approval notices for all extensions and changes of nonimmigrant status
  • Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record
  • Form I-20
  • Form DS-2019
  • Passport page with an admission or parole stamp
  • Document varies based on petition type. For example, Affidavit of Support (I-864) is required if application is I-130 or I-140

  In addition to supporting documents, applicants must not travel outside the U.S. If the application leaves the country after filing the I-485, the application will be abandoned unless applicant files Form I-131 and I-765. The applicant must receive approvals for I-131 and I-765 before traveling outside the country. Also, Form G-325A, which captures the applicant’s biographic information , is not required in the I-485 package. By answering part 1 and 3 of I-485, USCIS will be able to capture the applicant’s biographic information.

  What is the Filing Fee for I-485?

  For filing Form I 485, fee may vary on the application’s age and situation. Applicants must pay the full amount at the time of filing. Paying the wrong fee amount may lead to a rejection.

  Filing Fee Biometric Services Fee