Overview
Adjustment of status (AOS) is the process by which a qualifying foreign national already in the U.S. becomes a lawful permanent resident without leaving, centered on Form I-485. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens may file concurrently with the I-130; other categories must wait for their priority date to become current. While the I-485 is pending you can simultaneously file I-765 (work authorization) and I-131 (advance parole), enabling lawful work and travel abroad. A successful adjustment requires a lawful entry, maintaining valid status (or qualifying for an exception), no grounds of inadmissibility, and completing biometrics and the required medical examination.
Eligibility Requirements
- Lawful admission to the United States (valid visa entry or a granted exception)
- Generally maintaining valid nonimmigrant status (or qualifying for an overstay exception)
- An available immigrant visa number (immediate relatives or a current priority date)
- A filed or approved I-130 family petition or employment-based petition
- No grounds of inadmissibility (unlawful presence, criminal history — waivers assessed)
- Completion of the panel-physician medical examination and vaccination record
Program Advantages
- Obtain a green card without leaving the U.S. — no consular travel required
- A lawful period of residence while the case is pending, with concurrent work and travel authorization
- Simultaneous I-765 and I-131 for lawful work and travel during processing
- Avoids the risk of a consular interview abroad (with exemptions on some cases)
- Full-service support across forms, biometrics, medical exam and interview coaching
Application Process
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1
Eligibility & Route Confirmation
Confirm I-485 eligibility and whether concurrent filing with I-130 applies.
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2
File I-485 & Concurrent Applications
File I-485 alongside I-765 (EAD) and I-131 (advance parole).
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3
Biometrics & Requests for Evidence
Attend fingerprinting and respond promptly to any Request for Evidence.
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4
Medical Exam & Interview
Complete the medical exam and prepare for an interview where required.
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5
Approval & Green Card Issuance
Track card production and mailing, with follow-up status planning.
Fees
| Attorney Service Fee Per principal applicant, starting at | $2,500 |
| Form I-485 Fee (Gov.) | $1,440 |
| Form I-765 Work Permit (Gov.) Optional Optional | $260 |
| Form I-131 Advance Parole (Gov.) Optional Optional | $630 |
| Medical Examination Varies by clinic | $200–$500 |
Government fees follow official current rates.