Form I-485 — Adjustment of Status

Purpose of adjustment of status

USCIS Form I-485 allows eligible individuals who are physically present in the United States to apply for lawful permanent resident status without leaving the country. Instead of returning to a home country for consular visa processing, qualified applicants submit I-485 to adjust their immigration status directly from within the U.S.

This form is used across multiple immigration categories including family-based, employment-based, diversity visa, asylee, and refugee adjustments. Upon approval, the applicant receives a green card granting permanent residence in the United States.

Eligibility requirements

• Physical presence: The applicant must be in the United States at the time of filing.
• Lawful admission or parole: Most categories require that the applicant was inspected and admitted or paroled into the U.S.
• Visa availability: An immigrant visa number must be immediately available based on the applicant's priority date and preference category.
• No disqualifying bars: Certain criminal, security, and immigration violations may bar adjustment eligibility.
• Immediate relatives: Spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens do not face visa number limits.

What the exam includes

Every I-485 applicant must complete a medical examination performed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. The civil surgeon completes Form I-693, which is submitted as part of the I-485 filing package. The examination covers a physical evaluation, review of vaccination records, and any required laboratory tests including tuberculosis screening.

The completed I-693 is valid for two years from the date of the civil surgeon's signature and must remain valid at the time of the adjustment interview or final adjudication.

Vaccination requirements

• Applicants must show proof of vaccination against diseases required by USCIS, including mumps, measles, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, hepatitis A and B, influenza, and COVID-19 (subject to current policy).
• If vaccination records are unavailable, the civil surgeon may administer required vaccines during the exam.
• Waivers may be available on religious or medical grounds for certain vaccinations.
• VitaCoreX helps clients compile vaccination records and understand what to bring to the civil surgeon appointment.

What is Form I-485?

Form I-485 is the application used to adjust immigration status to lawful permanent resident (green card holder) from within the United States. It eliminates the need for consular processing abroad for eligible applicants.

Who is eligible to file?

Eligibility generally requires physical presence in the U.S., lawful admission or parole, an available immigrant visa number, and no disqualifying bars. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens have the most straightforward path.

What is concurrent filing?

Concurrent filing allows immediate relatives of U.S. citizens to submit Form I-485 simultaneously with Form I-130, reducing total processing time and enabling earlier access to work authorization and travel documents.

Is a medical exam required?

Yes. All I-485 applicants must complete Form I-693, a medical examination conducted by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. The exam covers physical health, vaccinations, and required lab work.