Adjustment of Status (AOS) is the process of applying for lawful permanent resident status, also known as a green card, while residing in the United States. The process of applying for a green card through AOS can be complex. To complete the Form I-485 application successfully you need to submit additional related forms, and supporting documents. In this article, we will outline the key components of the Form I-485 checklist to help you get ready to fill out the application.
Comprehensive I-485 checklist
You have to submit the required Forms and supporting documents based on your and your sponsor’s current situation and immigration status. This adjustment of status checklist will guide you through the necessary documents and information required to complete the application accurately and efficiently. Here, we will be providing you with the pre-checklist required for Form I-485 for three different categories. They are:
- Checklist for Immediate Relatives and Family-Based Preference
- Checklist for Employment-Based
- Checklist for Special Immigrant Juveniles
The checklist provided is intended for informational purposes only and covers a typical situation. It is important to note that your specific situation may vary, and therefore, consult with an experienced lawyer and prepare accordingly.
In all the categories mentioned above there are some common documents required to file along with the application. Form i-485 supporting documents are:
Passport-Style Photos
You are supposed to send two passport-style photographs (check the photo requirements guide)
Government-Issued Photo ID
Provide a photocopy of a valid government-issued photo identification document, such as a passport or driver’s license.
Birth Certificate
Submit a photocopy of your foreign birth certificate. If you are unable to provide a long-form birth certificate that includes at least one parent’s information, submit other acceptable evidence of birth such as church, school, or medical records, and proof of unavailability or nonexistence;
Proof of Lawful Status
You should submit the evidence that you have continuously maintained a lawful status since arriving in the U.S.
I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
Submit the proof of your entry (arrival/departure) records to the United States.
I-797 Notice of Action
You should submit a copy of Form I-797, Approval or Receipt Notice if you have previously filed Form I-130.
Translations
If you submit any documents containing a foreign language, you must provide a certified translation in English of the same document. The translator should certify that the translation is accurate and complete. You can use your family member as the translator, but not the petitioner or beneficiary.
Form I-864, Affidavit of Support
You need to submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support if required to your application.
Form I-485 Fee
Ensure you have included the Form I-485 fee required by USCIS when submitting your application. If you are filing the I-130 petition, remember to include the corresponding I-130 filing fee. By using a check, money order, or credit/debit card you can pay the adjustment of status. For small children 13 years old or younger and the application is filed together with the Form I-485 of at least one parent, the I-485 filing fee is reduced to $750.
Apart from the above-listed documents, there are a few documents to be submitted for the specific category.
The checklist provided is intended for informational purposes only and covers a typical situation. It is important to note that your specific situation may vary, and therefore, consult with an experienced lawyer and prepare accordingly.
Checklist for Immediate Relatives and Family-Based Preference Form I-485 Applicants
Immediate Relatives
- All the documents listed in the comprehensive I-485 checklist
- You should submit certified police and court records for all criminal charges, arrests, or convictions, if required
- Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, if required
- Form I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal, if required
- Include documentation related to your J-1 and J-2 exchange visitor status, including Form I-612, if required
- Form I-508, Waiver of Diplomatic Rights, Privileges, Exemptions, and Immunities if required
- Inspection and admission, or inspection and parole documentation
- If you have A, G, or NATO nonimmigrant status submit Form I-566, Interagency Record of Request – A, G, or NATO Dependent Employment Authorization or Change/Adjustment to/from A, G, or NATO Status
- Form I-485 Supplement A, Adjustment of Status (Supplement A) if required
Family Preference Immigrants
Principal applicant need to submit,
- All the documents listed in the comprehensive I-485 checklist
- All the items listed in immediate relatives
For Spouse or unmarried child under 21 years of age of family-based principal applicant
- All the documents listed in the Comprehensive I-485 checklist
- All the items listed in immediate relatives
- Proof of relationship document (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or adoption decree) with the principal applicant
- Copy of your principal applicant’s Approval or Receipt Notice for Form I-130
- Copy of your principal applicant’s Approval or Receipt Notice for Form I-485 or green card copy
Related Article: Check the total Form I-485 processing time
Checklist for Employment-Based Form I-485 Applicants
Checklist for Principal Applicants
- All the documents listed in the comprehensive I-485 checklist
- All the items listed in immediate relatives
- Confirmation of job offer should mention on Form I-485 Supplement J if required
- As a self-petitioner, you should sign and confirm to work in the occupational field specified in the Form I-140
- If required, submit Form I-485 Supplement C, which is used to apply for a specific exemption or condition that applies to certain individuals based on their immigration situation.
- Form I-485 Supplement E if required, which is used for individuals applying for adjustment of status under specific immigrant categories, such as certain religious workers or Afghan and Iraqi nationals.
Checklist for Derivative Applicants
- All the documents listed in the comprehensive I-485 checklist
- All the items listed in immediate relatives
- Your marriage to the principal applicant certificate copy. In the case that the marriage certificate is unavailable or does not exist, please submit evidence demonstrating its unavailability/nonexistence along with other acceptable evidence of marriage, such as church records
- If you are a child of the principal applicant, please provide suitable evidence of your relationship
- Termination proof of your previous marriages, if applicable
- You should submit principal applicant’s immigrant category documents
- Submit principal applicant’s Form I-485 or copy or Green Card
Checklist for Special Immigrant Juveniles Form I-485 Applicants
- Submit passport-style (2) photographs
- Provide a photocopy of a valid government-issued photo identification document, such as a passport or driver’s license
- Submit a photocopy of your birth certificate
- Form I-601, Waiver of Inadmissibility if required
- J-1 and J-2 exchange visitor status documents if required
- Form I-508, Waiver of Diplomatic Rights, Privileges, Exemptions, and Immunities if required
- Submit your immigration category documents
- Provide information regarding any criminal charges, arrests, or convictions, if applicable
Need Help Becoming a Legal Permanent Resident in the U.S.?
The I-485 checklist serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking to adjust their status and become legal permanent residents in the United States. This comprehensive guide can streamline the application process, minimize errors, and increase the chances of a successful outcome. ImmigrationDirect provides simple step-by-step guidance for your I-485 application, along with lawyer consultation, to avoid errors and delays in processing time. We have assisted thousands of individuals in obtaining a green card to live in the U.S. Join them and achieve your dream of becoming a green card holder in the United States.
