Glossary
What is Form I-485?
Form I-485 is how you apply for a green card while you are in the United States. You can file it only when a visa number is available to you.
Last checked October 2026 · Sources
- Standard fee
- $1,440 by mail, $1,390 online
- Child under 14 with a parent
- $950 by mail, $900 online
- Medical exam
- Form I-693, filed with it
- Can file with I-140
- Yes, if a visa is available
Quick answer
What is Form I-485?
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is the green card application you file from inside the US. You can file it only when a visa number is available to you. As of October 2026, the standard fee is $1,440 by mail or $1,390 online.
- It is the main form for adjustment of status.
- You can file it together with Form I-140 if a visa is available.
- You must include the medical exam, Form I-693.
- While it is pending, you can ask for a work permit and a travel document.
Key facts
Form I-485 fees and add-ons
From the USCIS fee schedule, Form G-1055 edition 10/01/26, as of October 2026.
| Item | Fee | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-485, general filing | $1,440 by mail, $1,390 online | Each applicant pays separately |
| Form I-485, child under 14 | $950 by mail, $900 online | Only if filed with the I-485 of one parent |
| Form I-693, medical exam | $0 to USCIS | The civil surgeon charges their own fee |
| Form I-765, work permit | $260 | If your I-485 was filed with a fee on or after April 1, 2024 |
| Form I-131, advance parole | $630 by mail, $580 online | With a pending I-485 |
Sources: Form G-1055, USCIS Form I-693 page. The fee schedule lists other fees for some travel documents. Fees change, so your attorney confirms them before filing.
Why it matters for you
Why Form I-485 matters
-
Timing depends on the Visa Bulletin
A visa must be immediately available to file. Check the Visa Bulletin page. (8 CFR 245.2(a)(2)(i)(A))
-
Filing early can help
If a visa is available, you can file Form I-485 at the same time as Form I-140. (8 CFR 245.2(a)(2)(i)(B))
-
You can work while you wait
A pending I-485 lets you apply for a work permit. (8 CFR 274a.12(c)(9))
-
Travel carefully
In most cases, leaving the US without advance parole counts as abandoning your application. (8 CFR 245.2(a)(4)(ii)) Since August 13, 2026, leaving on advance parole can also count as a departure for the 3- and 10-year unlawful presence bars (USCIS). Ask a partner-firm attorney before you travel, especially if you have ever been in the US unlawfully.
Where it comes from
The legal source
Filing rules are in 8 CFR 245.2. The work permit category is 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(9). USCIS lists filing options on its Form I-485 page. For the full process, read I-485 adjustment of status, explained.
Go deeper
Related terms and guides
Adjustment of status
The process Form I-485 belongs to.
Read more GlossaryFinal action date
The Visa Bulletin date that controls approval.
Read more GlossaryForm I-140
The petition that comes first.
Read more BlogYour EAD while the I-485 is pending
How the work permit works during the wait.
Read moreFAQ
Questions people ask
As of October 2026, the standard fee is $1,440 by mail or $1,390 online. A child under 14 filing with a parent pays $950 by mail or $900 online. (Form G-1055)
Yes, if a visa would be immediately available once the I-140 is approved. This is called concurrent filing. (8 CFR 245.2(a)(2)(i)(B))
Yes. USCIS says you must submit Form I-693 with Form I-485, or it may reject the application. (USCIS)
USCIS says online filing is available for certain applicants and representatives. Check the Form I-485 page before you file.
You can apply for a work permit on Form I-765. The fee is $260 if your I-485 was filed with a fee on or after April 1, 2024. (Form G-1055)
Plan your whole green card path
The free evaluation checks your record for EB-1A, EB-2 NIW and O-1. A partner-firm attorney confirms eligibility and timing before anything is filed. This is general information, not legal advice.
Sources · checked October 2026
- USCIS, Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- USCIS, Form G-1055 Fee Schedule (edition 10/01/26)
- USCIS, Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
- 8 CFR 245.2, Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School
- 8 CFR 274a.12, Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School
- USCIS, Unlawful Presence and Inadmissibility (alert on Matter of Delcarmen-Lara, BIA 2026)
This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; a partner-firm attorney confirms what applies to you before anything is filed.
