Form I-485 Process by TRW law firm, Explained: A Complete 2025 Guide to the Timeline, Cost, Eligibility, and New Requirements
Presented by TRW Law Firm
What is Form I-485?
Form I-485, officially titled the “Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status,” is the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) form used by individuals already in the United States to apply for a green card (lawful permanent residence). In a marriage-based green card scenario, the foreign national spouse is the “applicant.” This form is often filed after Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) but can also be filed concurrently if the foreign spouse is already in the U.S.
🔹 Key USCIS Update (March 2025)
USCIS has removed the option for non-binary gender identity in the latest version of Form I-485 (as of March 4, 2025). Applicants may now select only “male” or “female.”
⏳ Processing Time for Form I-485
- Average time: 9.5 months (for family-based cases)
- Varies by type of green card (family-based vs employment-based) and USCIS service center
- Employment-based applicants must have approved Form I-140 before I-485 is processed
📆 Timeline from I-485 Filing to Green Card
The journey to a green card via I-485 can take months to years, depending on:
- Type of green card
- Priority date
- USCIS workload
- Family relationship or employment offer
Use the USCIS Processing Times Tool to track your case.
💳 Form I-485 Filing Cost (2025)
- Government Filing Fee: $1,440
- Fee waivers/reductions: Available in specific cases (see USCIS Form I-485 instructions)
🌐 Who Is Eligible to File Form I-485?
You can file if:
- You are physically present in the U.S.
- You are the beneficiary of an approved Form I-130 or I-140, or applying concurrently
- A visa number is immediately available (check the Visa Bulletin)
- You lawfully entered the U.S. with inspection
You CANNOT file if:
- You entered as a crewman or transit passenger
- You are a witness/informant
- You are inadmissible due to:
- Health conditions (e.g., TB, mental illness)
- Criminal convictions
- National security threats
- Immigration law violations
- Public charge risk
- Miscellaneous reasons (e.g., polygamy, unlawful voting)
Waivers may be available for some inadmissibility grounds.
📄 Supporting Documents for Form I-485
Marriage-based applicants must include:
- Proof of legal entry into the U.S. (visa, I-94)
- Birth certificate and passport
- Marriage certificate
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864 + sponsor’s tax returns & pay stubs)
- Medical Examination Report (Form I-693)
- Criminal record documents (if applicable)
What if you don’t have a birth certificate?
Provide:
- Letter from government stating it’s unavailable
- Alternative records: baptism, school, census
- Affidavits from at least two people with personal knowledge
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving fields blank or inaccurate details
- Not signing the form
- Using outdated forms
- Incorrect fee payment
- Missing the required medical exam
- Failing to maintain legal status during processing
- Not updating address with USCIS within 10 days of moving
📝 FAQs About Form I-485
Where do I file Form I-485?
- Filing address depends on your category and location
What is the difference between I-130 and I-485?
- I-130 = proves the family relationship
- I-485 = requests the green card
Can I file I-485 online?
- No. Must be mailed to a USCIS service center
Can I file I-485 from outside the U.S.?
- No. Use consular processing instead
Can I travel while I-485 is pending?
- Only if you file Form I-131 (Advance Parole)
- Or apply for a combo card (EAD + AP)
Can I check the status online?
- Yes, using your 13-digit receipt number at USCIS.gov
What if my I-485 is denied?
- You may appeal, reapply, or seek legal advice
Will I-485 allow me to work?
- Only if you file Form I-765 (EAD) concurrently or later
Can spouses or fiancé(e)s file I-485?
- Yes, if lawfully entered the U.S. and married to the U.S. citizen petitioner
👥 Job Change While I-485 is Pending: Form I-485J
If applying via employment-based green card, and you change jobs:
- File Form I-485 Supplement J
- New role must be similar to original offer
🌐 I-485 vs. Consular Processing
| Factor | I-485 (Adjustment of Status) | Consular Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant’s location | Inside U.S. | Outside U.S. |
| Form used | I-485 | DS-260 |
| Interview location | USCIS office in U.S. | U.S. embassy or consulate abroad |
| Work/travel options | EAD + Advance Parole available | Must wait until green card issued |
🏛 TRW Law Firm Can Help You With Your I-485
TRW Law Firm offers top-tier legal support for family-based and employment-based adjustment of status. With offices in Dhaka, Dubai, and London, and an expert U.S. immigration team, we provide:
- Attorney-reviewed I-485 preparation
- Concurrent filing support for I-130, I-485, I-765, and I-131
- Assistance with inadmissibility waivers
- Representation for RFEs and denials
- Job portability and Form I-485J assistance
💼 Contact TRW Law Firm
TRW Law Firm – Global Immigration Leaders
Dhaka Headquarters: House 410, Road 29, Mohakhali DOHS, Dhaka
Dubai Office: Rolex Building, L-12, Sheikh Zayed Road
London Office: 330 High Holborn, City of London
Hotlines: +8801708000660
+8801847220062
+8801708080817
Emails: info@trfirm.com
info@trwbd.com
info@tahmidur.com
Begin your green card journey with confidence. Trust TRW Law Firm to help you file Form I-485 accurately, swiftly, and successfully.