When can I file my I-485 adjustment of status packet?
Your eligibility category determines the time when you can file Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485). Different eligibility requirements may be applied for different immigration categories.
As it is stipulated by Instructions for Form I-485, you can apply either as a principal applicant (a person who directly meets criteria of a certain immigrant category), or as a derivative applicant (a principal applicant’s family member).
In general, a beneficiary of an immigrant visa petition, such as Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker), Form I-360 (Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er) or Special Immigrant), Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), should submit Form I-485 only after U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services approves his/her petition and grants an immigrant visa number. If you belong to a certain immigrant category, it is possible to resort to “concurrent filing”, i.e. to file Form I-485 before your visa petition is approved by USCIS (subject to visa petition approval and granting a visa number soon after that, and fulfillment of other requirements).
Except asylees, refugees, and U nonimmigrants, USCIS cannot approve Form I-485 of a derivative applicant until the principal applicant gets the status of lawful permanent resident.
A spouse or a child (unmarried and younger than 21) of a principal applicant can submit Form I-485 at the same time or after the principal applicant files Form I-485 (if spouse’s or child’s immigrant visa is available and he/she meets all the filing requirements). In the case of Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) (Form I-129F) being a basis of person’s filing, Form I-485 can be filed when he/she enters the USA on a K-1 visa and gets married to an American citizen who covers his/her I-129F petition within 90 days period. When child enters the USA on K-2 visa, both he/she and his/her K-1 parent can file Form I-485. Before filing Form I-485, other related forms should be prepared and filed in most cases.
Related
Understanding Form I-485: Your Guide to Adjustment of Status
/blog/understanding-form-i-485-your-guide-to-adjustment-of-status/amp/
How to Navigate the Adjustment of Status Process with Form I-485
/faq/how-to-navigate-the-adjustment-of-status-process-with-form-i-485/amp/
Form I-485 | Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
/form/form-i-485-or-application-to-register-permanent-residence-or-adjust-status/amp/
Complete Guide To Adjustment Of Status: Understanding Fees, Forms, And Timelines For U.S. Green Card Acquisition
/blog/complete-guide-to-adjustment-of-status-understanding-fees-forms-and-timelines-for/amp/
What is adjustment of status?
/faq/what-is-adjustment-of-status/amp/
Who can file Form I-485 to adjust status?
/faq/who-can-file-form-i-485-to-adjust-status/amp/
Recent posts
July 2026 Visa Bulletin: EB-2 India Unavailable and What Applicants Should Do
The July 2026 Visa Bulletin brings major employment-based green card changes, including EB-2 India becoming unavailable for the rest of FY 2026, EB-1 India retrogression, and EB-5 unreserved India unavailability.
Form I-20 and I-901 SEVIS Fee Before the F-1 Visa Interview
A pre-interview guide for F-1 students covering Form I-20 review, SEVIS fee timing, payment basics, and the documents students commonly prepare before the visa interview.
OPT vs. CPT vs. STEM OPT: Differences, Rules, and How to Choose
A practical comparison guide for F-1 students deciding between CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT, with official rule-based distinctions and common filing pitfalls.
ESTA vs. B-2 Visa: Who Needs ESTA and Who Needs a Visa?
A clear comparison of ESTA and the B-2 visa, designed for travelers deciding which path fits their nationality, travel purpose, and length of stay.
Form I-539: Extend Stay or Change Status in the U.S.
A practical guide to Form I-539, including eligibility, timing, filing strategy, supporting evidence, online filing considerations, and common mistakes.
How to Fill Out Form DS-160 Step by Step
A practical DS-160 guide for nonimmigrant visa applicants, including preparation, section-by-section steps, post-submission actions, and common mistakes.