How much does I-485 cost?

Form I-485 (adjustment of status) - $1,440 (If you adjust status inside the US (biometrics included).) (site figures reviewed 2026-10-11; verify against the USCIS fee schedule).

Where do I file I-485?

You have 2 options for filing your Form I-485 with USCIS: By mail (paper); or Online Filing Your Form I-485 by Mail Where you file your Form I-485 depends on your eligibility category. Go to the USCIS Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-485 page to see where you should file your application. If you file at a USCIS lockbox, you may not receive an A-Number on your Form I-797, Notice of Action, due to a change in the USCIS business process. In these cases, USCIS will send your A-Number in a second notice a few days after it accepts your Form I-485. Filing Your Form I-485 Online First create a USCIS online…

USCISGreen card from inside the US

Form I-485: the green card application from inside the US

Updated: October 11, 2026Author: Alina Kanametova

Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

I-485: who files from inside the US, and when

Key answer

Form I-485 is filed when you are already in the US and get the green card without a consulate (adjustment of status). For EB-1A and EB-2 NIW it can go in one package with the I-140 petition (concurrent filing) or after the I-140, but only when a visa number is available in your category: for October 2026 USCIS says to use the Dates for Filing chart, where EB-1 for all countries including Russia is current and EB-2 is Mar 15, 2026. The fee is $1,440 on paper and $1,390 online, and only the 09/18/26 edition is accepted.

Together with the I-140. If the I-485 goes in one package with an I-140 that names you as the principal, you do not need Supplement J, and the filing address comes from the I-140 address page. Supplement J is needed when the I-485 is based on an I-140 filed earlier.
Which bulletin chart. Every month USCIS says which Visa Bulletin chart applies to the I-485. If your category is already current on the Final Action chart, you can file on that chart too. The Visa Bulletin: this month's dates
The fee. $1,440 on paper and $1,390 online. A child under 14 filing together with a parent pays $950 and $900.
The form edition. From Sep 18, 2026 USCIS accepts only the 09/18/26 edition, revised for the new public charge rule. The 01/20/25 and 09/04/26 editions sent on or after that day are rejected, with no grace period.
The I-693 medical. The I-693 from a civil surgeon goes in with the I-485, or USCIS may reject the package. When filing online you open the doctor's envelope and upload the form, and keep the original and the envelope until the decision. The I-693 medical inside the US
Where to send it. On Oct 7, 2026 USCIS changed the mailing addresses for the I-485. Packages sent to the old addresses are accepted if postmarked by Nov 9, 2026. Some applicants can file the form online.
Work and travel while the case is pending. With the I-485 you can file the I-765 (work permit) and the I-131 (advance parole for travel). If the I-485 was filed after Apr 1, 2024, both forms carry their own fees. Adjustment of status step by step: EAD, advance parole and the wait
After filing. USCIS mails a biometrics appointment notice; not everyone is called for an interview. A move must be reported to USCIS within 10 days.
Family and the 2026 pause. If a child about to turn 21 is in the package, check the child's CSPA age. The immigrant visa pause for nationals of 75 countries concerned State Department consulates, while USCIS decides the I-485. CSPA: how a child keeps green card eligibility after 21 The immigrant visa pause for 75 countries and the court ruling

Checked against the USCIS pages on 2026-10-11; links are in the Sources block below.

Adjustment of status step by step: filing the I-485, biometrics, interview, EAD and advance parole

I-485: fee and where to file

USCIS fee: Form I-485 (adjustment of status) - $1,440.

Edition date: 09/18/26
Form I-485 (adjustment of status): Form I-485 (adjustment of status) - $1,440 (If you adjust status inside the US (biometrics included).)
Fee per uscis.gov: You can find the filing fee for Form I-485 on the USCIS Fee Schedule page. G-1055
Where to file: You have 2 options for filing your Form I-485 with USCIS: By mail (paper); or Online Filing Your Form I-485 by Mail Where you file your Form I-485 depends on your eligibility category. Go to the USCIS Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-485 page to see where you should file your application. If you file at a USCIS lockbox, you may not receive an A-Number on your Form I-797, Notice of Action, due to a change in the USCIS business process. In these cases, USCIS will send your A-Number in a second notice a few days after it accepts your Form I-485. Filing Your Form I-485 Online First create a USCIS online…
Form: PDF
Instructions: PDF

Amounts are the site's fee table, reviewed 2026-10-11. Source: uscis.gov, checked 2026-10-02.

I-485: USCIS processing times

USCIS completes 80% of I-485 cases within: Employment-based adjustment applications, FOD - 9.5 mo; Employment-based adjustment applications, SCD - 42.5 mo (as of Oct 2, 2026).

Category	Office	80% of cases within
Employment-based adjustment applications	FOD	9.5 mo
Employment-based adjustment applications	SCD	42.5 mo
Based on grant of asylum more than 1 year ago	FOD	34.5 mo
Based on refugee admission more than 1 year ago	FOD	30 mo
Based on an approved T Visa	SCD	43.5 mo
Based on an approved U Visa	SCD	25 mo

Source: USCIS Case Processing Times, read Oct 2, 2026. Categories in USCIS wording; SCD - service centers, NBC - National Benefits Center, FOD - field offices. All forms, month by month

I-485: how many cases USCIS handles

Q3 of fiscal year 2026 (April-June 2026): USCIS received 97,501 filings on this line, approved 42,076 and denied 3,160 (93% of decisions were approvals); 268,408 were waiting at the end of the quarter. Half of the completed cases took up to 6 months.

Line in the report	Received	Approved	Denied	Pending	Median, mo.
I-485, employment-based	97,501	42,076	3,160	268,408	6

Decisions are counted in the quarter they were issued, so some were filed earlier; the line covers every category of the form, not your visa alone. Source: USCIS, Number of Service-wide Forms (xlsx), read 2026-10-11.

Sources

From the knowledge base: What Happens After EB-1 / EB-2 Petition Approval

Approval of the petition (Form I-140 for EB-1 and EB-2) is an important step, but it is not a green card. After I-140 approval, a separate process begins to obtain the actual immigrant visa or permanent resident status, and this usually takes longer than the petition review itself. The path depends on where you are located and whether your category is available in the visa bulletin.

This is the first thing people stumble over. An approved petition confirms eligibility for the category, and nothing more.

Read the full article

I-485: what the chats ask

2×how to fill out I-485?
2×Then I will apply for EB-1A right away + premium. After the approval of the I-140 petition, can I continue to work in the USA since I am already here on TPS, which lasts only until October 2026? How long will the consideration of the I-485 and I-765 take? Can I work legally in the USA while they are under consideration?
2×What is aos?
2×I have AOS
1×For those who filed the I-485 after NIW approval: Does USCIS expect an updated statement of intent, or is an approved I-140 sufficient?
1×I submitted the I-485, I-140, and I-765 forms. When will I receive work authorization?

I-485: community answers

Will the process be faster if I file from the United States?: The I-140 itself is processed on its own timeline and is not necessarily faster just because you are in the United States. The next stage depends on visa availability under the Visa Bulletin and whether you can file adjustment of status or need to go through consular processing.
If I had biometrics after filing adjustment of status, but there is no EAD and no further movement, is that normal?: Long pauses after biometrics are possible, and an EAD does not always arrive quickly. In practice, you should track the status and processing times and, if needed, submit an inquiry if the case falls outside normal timeframes.
What is Adjustment of Status?: Adjustment of Status is the process of obtaining a green card inside the United States without leaving for a consular interview. This path is available only if the requirements related to status, the visa bulletin, and other factors are met.
What documents are usually submitted with I-485 after I-140 approval?: When filing for adjustment of status, applicants usually submit current forms for the applicant and family members, as well as medical Form I-693 if required. Before filing, you need to check the current form versions and USCIS instructions.
Does it make sense to file EAD together with I-485 if I already have a valid O-1 and no plans to change employers?: EAD can provide additional work flexibility, but using it may affect the maintenance of nonimmigrant status. If you plan to keep working on O-1, you should discuss with an attorney whether to file for EAD and when to use it.
Do I need to go to the consulate for EB-1A?: EB-1A is an immigrant category for a green card, not a nonimmigrant visa by itself. If the applicant goes through adjustment of status inside the United States, a consular interview may not be needed; with consular processing, an interview at the consulate is usually required.

I-485: where people go wrong - from the chats

mistakeA common mistake is assuming that once the I-140 is approved, the right to work or change status appears automatically. Work authorization is usually requested separately, for example together with I-485, if applicable.
mistakeRelying only on extending tourist status as a way to wait until you can file I-485 is considered a risky strategy. If adjustment of status cannot be filed from an unlawful position, it is better to consider alternative statuses in advance.
mistakeA common mistake is assuming that while waiting for I-485, you can automatically work. Work usually requires valid work status or an approved work permit, unless the applicant has another authorization to work.
mistakeA common mistake is underestimating the medical requirements for I-485. Missing a required vaccine or having an improperly completed medical form can lead to denial or delay.
mistakeA common mistake is to confuse Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing and assume that both options must be paid for or selected at the same time.
mistakeTravel after filing I-485 can be risky without the correct travel document or an understanding of the consequences. You need to account for the fact that a pending I-485 changes the context of the stay and can affect reentry.

I-485: real timelines named in the chats

Stage	Typically	Note
EB-1A / EB-2 NIW: preparing for I-485 after I-140 approval	a couple of months	After I-140 approval, gathering documents for I-485 can take several months, especially if civil documents need to be obtained and translated.
EB-1A / EB-2 NIW: I-485 after I-140 approval	9-11 months	The discussion uses an expected wait of about 9-10 months after I-140 approval; it also mentions an actual I-485 wait of about 10 months against a field office estimate of about 11 months.
EB-1A / EB-2 NIW: I-485 with concurrent filing and change of status inside the United States	3-4 months	Participants mention reports of fast green cards in 3-4 months with concurrent filing, but this appears to be individual observations rather than a consistent rule.
EB categories / I-485: waiting for an adjustment of status decision	about 1.5 years based on the average expectations discussed by participants	The messages referred to an average wait of about 1.5 years and to a displayed estimate of around 16 months.
EB-1A / EB categories: I-485 - receiving the card after filing or approval	4-12 months	The messages include an estimate of 4-12 months to receive the card, and a broader range of 2-12 months was also mentioned; the timeline depends on the specific case and checks.
EB-2 / EB categories: I-485 pending after transfer to NBC	more than 1 year possible	There is an observation about an I-485 under EB-2 waiting since November 2022 after transfer to NBC; this shows that the wait can stretch far beyond a few months.

I-485: myths and reality

Misconception: An approved I-140 is often perceived as an almost finished green card or as the right to already be in the United States and work freely, especially if an EB-1A or EB-2 NIW case is approved.

In reality: An approved I-140 is only confirmation of the immigrant petition. By itself, it does not provide a green card, does not provide status in the United States, does not provide work authorization, and does not guarantee immediate approval of an I-485 or visa. Getting a green card requires the next step: adjustment of status through I-485 in the United States or consular processing through an embassy. If no visa number is available for the category, the I-485 may remain pending even after I-140 approval. You can work only if you have separate authorization, such as valid nonimmigrant status with work authorization, an approved EAD through I-765, or a green card already received.

Misconception: A common misconception is to view concurrent filing as an almost free option: filing I-140 together with I-485 is always beneficial, a pending I-485 gives full status, EAD/AP can be used safely, and if the I-140 is denied, the worst that happens is losing filing fees, with time to calmly change status or refile.

In reality: I-485 can be filed only when the category and priority date allow filing under the current Visa Bulletin and USCIS rules. A pending I-485 usually provides a period of authorized stay, but it is not an independent nonimmigrant status and does not always protect against the consequences of prior violations. If the I-140 is denied or the I-485 is rejected/denied, the related EAD/AP may end, filing fees are not refunded, and an applicant without valid independent status may be left with no lawful basis to stay and with a risk of enforcement consequences.

Myth: If I-485 is filed, the person gets full immigration status in the U.S.

In reality: A pending I-485 usually gives a period of authorized stay and may allow the person not to maintain prior nonimmigrant status, but it does not by itself create a new full status. The consequences depend on the facts, any denial, the presence of EAD/AP, and any prior violations.

Myth: Filing I-140 changes status in the U.S. and allows you to stay in the country legally.

In reality: Filing or approval of I-140 by itself does not give immigration status, does not extend your authorized stay, and is not work authorization. To stay lawfully, you need to have valid nonimmigrant status or, if a visa number is available, file I-485 and obtain the related benefits of a pending adjustment.

Myth: If a date is available under Chart B, that means you can already receive a green card.

In reality: Chart B usually allows filing adjustment of status and sometimes obtaining related benefits, such as EAD/AP. For final green card approval, the date must be available under Chart A if that is the chart being used for visa issuance.

Myth: After an I-485 denial or the filing of an immigrant petition, a person can no longer obtain a nonimmigrant O-1.

In reality: An I-485 denial or the existence of an I-140 does not create an automatic bar to O-1. O-1 allows elements of dual intent, but the specific risks depend on status history, the reasons for the denial, and the consular or USCIS assessment.

I-485: rules and tips from the chats

ruleTo apply for a green card through adjustment of status, it is important to be in lawful status and maintain it until the process is complete; one entry on a tourist visa is usually not enough for a long wait without additional action.
ruleSwitching from consular processing to AOS is theoretically possible based on an already approved petition, but it can involve delays and risks if the case has already moved through the consular process.
ruleIf the applicant is in the US in lawful status, they may consider filing a petition and changing or adjusting status, but it is important to separately check how filing I-140/I-485 affects the current nonimmigrant status.
ruleAfter an immigrant petition is approved, it is important to distinguish between two paths: the consular process through DS-260 outside the US and adjustment of status through I-485 inside the US. The choice depends on your current location, status, visa availability, and personal risks.
ruleWhen filing adjustment of status, it is important to submit I-485 before losing lawful status, otherwise problems may arise in the later review.
ruleApproval of I-140 by itself does not solve status issues inside the US. When filing I-485, problems with prior status, entry, violations, or inadmissibility grounds may come up, so they should be checked in advance.
ruleIf the form asks whether an immigrant petition has been filed on behalf of the applicant, an approved or filed I-140 is usually considered such a petition, even if I-485 was not filed.
ruleApproval of an I-140 petition by itself does not mean a green card will arrive quickly: the remaining timeline depends on the chosen path, the visa bulletin, filing I-485 or the consular stage, and possible checks.

I-485: cases from the community

O-1 -> EB-1A · highly skilled professional field, likely STEM · approved

The applicant was initially in the U.S. and changed status to O-1, then filed an EB-1A petition several months later. At the same time or earlier, a consular administrative review likely remained pending in connection with a visa issue.

What they did: Changed status within the U.S. to O-1, then filed EB-1A, and after approval filed the adjustment of status form within the U.S.

I-485: questions and answers on the site

Distilled from the public community chats, anonymised; corpus as of June 2026. These are participants' observations, not legal advice and not USCIS statistics.

I-485: from community discussions

«Here's more regarding INA 245 and parole. Here is the specific provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act, section 245(a), which states that an individual who was inspected and admitted **on parole** into the U.S. **may apply for a change of status**, provided other requirements are met, such as having an available immigrant visa and meeting eligibility criteria. The very first paragraph: '8 USC §1255. Adjustment of status of nonimmigrant to that of person admitted for permanent residence (a) The status of an alien who was inspected and admitted or paroled into the United States...'»
Olena I. · from public community chats
«Good afternoon, I am an English teacher with thirty years of experience, and I applied for EB1 as a trilingual educator; it will soon be a year since I submitted my application. There was a concurrent filing, meaning it was done simultaneously with I-485. There were 2 RFEs on the 485 form regarding documents. I have been in the U.S. for the second year. I was immediately told that there is no point in applying as a teacher for an English language position; you need a sought-after narrow specialization, accomplishments, and publications specifically in that field. I have achievements, but the situation here is not very good; approvals are hard to come by, and I would advise newcomers to wait a little.»
Elle P. · from public community chats
«You probably have a c9 status on your permit. If so, your status is likely pending adjustment of status. That means it is not a full immigration status. If there is no alternative, you need to leave the country or come up with something quickly in case of denial. As I understand it (I could be wrong), if your B2 is valid at the time of denial, you can stay in the country until the date specified in your I-94. Our lawyer told us to maintain our status until approval, but we didn't apply from a tourist visa. However, you should clarify the details with your lawyer.»
Evgeniya · from public community chats
«I applied in 2022, and just at the time of my application, a queue formed due to Force Majeure. We waited for 3 months, extended our tourist visas, and made the decision to apply for EB-1A. When NIW was confirmed in October, the queue usually moves, and my I-485 was joined to the already confirmed I-140 under NIW. The queue for my date, December 15, 2022, became current in March, and we received our Green Cards in June. It seems they also confirmed EB-1A. Honestly, it was foolish to do NIW with such a background, but we trusted our lawyer, and they missed the deadlines 🤷‍♀️.»
Julia · from public community chats

Personal opinions of community members from public discussions, not legal advice.

The form and instructions on the official site Check the forms before sending

I-485: related guides

I-485: samples and documents from the library

I-485: common questions

What is I-485?: Form I-485 is filed when you are already in the US and get the green card without a consulate (adjustment of status). For EB-1A and EB-2 NIW it can go in one package with the I-140 petition (concurrent filing) or after the I-140, but only when a visa number is available in your category: for October 2026 USCIS says to use the Dates for Filing chart, where EB-1 for all countries including Russia is current and EB-2 is Mar 15, 2026. The fee is $1,440 on paper and $1,390 online, and only the 09/18/26 edition is accepted.
How much does I-485 cost?: Form I-485 (adjustment of status) - $1,440 (If you adjust status inside the US (biometrics included).) (site figures reviewed 2026-10-11; verify against the USCIS fee schedule).
Where do I file I-485?: You have 2 options for filing your Form I-485 with USCIS: By mail (paper); or Online Filing Your Form I-485 by Mail Where you file your Form I-485 depends on your eligibility category. Go to the USCIS Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-485 page to see where you should file your application. If you file at a USCIS lockbox, you may not receive an A-Number on your Form I-797, Notice of Action, due to a change in the USCIS business process. In these cases, USCIS will send your A-Number in a second notice a few days after it accepts your Form I-485. Filing Your Form I-485 Online First create a USCIS online…

Reference information from public USCIS and State Department rules, not legal advice. Fee amounts change: check them against the calculator on uscis.gov before sending.

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