Green Card Application to Become a Permanent Resident
While in the U.S. (Adjust Status)
- For more information, return to: Green Card: Become a Permanent Resident While in the U.S. (Adjust Status)
If you would like to obtain a Green Card and become a legal permanent resident in the United States, you must first be eligible. See: Green Card Eligibility to Become a Permanent Resident While in the U.S. (Adjust Status) If you are eligible for a Green Card, you may then file the following items with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):
- USCIS Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Review Supplement A to Form I-485 to see if additional fee requirements apply to you.
- Evidence of Eligibility (filed with Form I-485)
- USCIS Form G-325A Biographic Data Sheet (Between the ages of 14 and 79)
- USCIS Form I-693 Medical Examination Sheet (not required if you are applying based on continuous residence since before 1972, or if you have had a medical exam based on a fiancé visa)
- Two color photos taken within 30 days (See USCIS Form I-485 for more instructions on photos.)
- USCIS Form I-864 Affidavit of Support (completed by the sponsor). (This requirement may not apply to you if you are adjusting to permanent resident status based on an employment petition.)
- USCIS Form I-765 Authorization for Employment (if seeking employment while case is processed). For more information, see Obtaining a Work Permit
- Evidence of inspection, admission or parole into the United States (USCIS Form I-94, Arrival Departure Record). See I-94 Form (Arrival-Departure Record, Form I-94 Card) for more information.
- If you have already been approved for an immigrant petition, you must submit a copy of the approval notice sent to you by USCIS.
- If someone else is or has filed a petition for you that, if approved, will make an immigrant number immediately available to you, you must submit a copy of the completed petition that is being filed for you. Such applications include only immediate relative, special immigrant juvenile or special immigrant military petitions. For more information, see Immigrant Visa Numbers: National Visa Center and the US Visa Bulletin.
- If you were admitted into the United States as a fiancee of a U.S. citizen and married that citizen within the required 90 days, you must submit a copy of the fiancé petition approval notice and a copy of your marriage certificate.
- If you are an asylee or refugee, you must submit a copy of the letter or USCIS Form I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record) that shows the date you were granted asylum or refuge in the United States. You also must submit USCIS Form I-643 (Health and Human Services Statistical Data).
- If you are a Cuban citizen or native, you must use USCIS Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) and submit evidence of your citizenship or nationality.
- If you have been a continuous resident of the United States since before January 1, 1972, you must submit evidence showing that you entered the United States prior to January 1, 1972 and that you have lived in the United States continuously since your entry into the country.
- If your parent became a legal permanent resident (Green Card holder) after you were born, you must submit evidence that your parent has been or will be granted permanent residence (Green Card). You must also submit a copy of your birth certificate, and proof of your relationship with your parent.
- If your wife or husband became a legal permanent resident (Green Card holder) after you were married, you must submit evidence that your wife or husband has been granted a Green Card (permanent residence). You must also submit a copy of your marriage certificate and proof that any previous marriages entered into by you or your wife or husband were legally terminated.
Immigration forms are available online, or by calling 1-800-870-3676, or by submitting an online request to receive immigration forms by mail. Further information on immigration forms, filing fees, and fee waivers is available in USCIS Forms / INS Forms and Other US Immigration Forms, Fees & Filing Locations.
For more information, return to: Green Card: Become a Permanent Resident While in the U.S. (Adjust Status)