I-485 FORM, APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR ADJUST STATUS
The I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust to Status, is for eligible individuals who are already living in the U.S. seeking to obtain Lawful Permanent Residency, otherwise known as a green card. In order to qualify for adjustment of status, you will have to meet certain requirements, submit several forms and complete some procedural steps, in addition to an interview with USCIS. Each application is unique as every individual’s circumstances vary.
At Tsang & Associates, we have a history of approved I-485 cases and we will help you with the process from the beginning to the end.
LEGAL FEE
Our fee structure is unique to us as we strive to tailor our services for each client individually. We adapt price standards that are capable of fluctuating for each client depending on their unique needs. Clients may retain us for one or all of the above steps/services.
Our base fee for a standard I-485 case is $4,000, not including government fees and third-party expenses. We are happy to customize a proposal for yours during a consultation. Please see below for more information.
CASE PROCESSING OVERVIEW
Step 1: Strategy Session for the I-485 application
This is the most crucial step for your entire I-485 Application. We will review all of the supporting documents to create a strategy, a customized checklist, and a timeline to serve as the guiding foundation for the entire case preparation.
Step 2: Prepare and Submit the I-485 with USCIS
Our team will complete all application forms, package supporting documents, and assemble all into the proper application format to enhance your chances of getting approved.
Step 3: Biometrics Appointment
You will need to attend a biometrics appointment most commonly known as the fingerprinting appointment. USCIS will conduct a mandatory criminal background check and verify your identity. The process itself does not take long and our office will assist you during this process.
Step 4: Await Approval by USCIS
Once USCIS has cleared your background check, you will receive an approval for your Employment Authorization Card (I-765) and your Social Security Card will follow. If eligible, you will also receive the approval for your Travel Document (I-131) which allows traveling while your Adjustment of Status Application is in process.
Step 5: Prepare Client for Interview with USCIS
We will help guide the client in his/her preparation for the interview with USCIS by simulating the interview and ensuring the client is well-versed in the application material. Our services include a comprehensive strategy for answering inquiries posed, practice questions, thorough feedback, and other tools to help clients succeed during the interview. You can attend the interview by yourself, or inquire about our attorney appearance service at an additional cost..
Step 6: Responding to Requests / Administrative Processing / Status Checks / Fraud Alerts
If additional documents/evidence are needed upon the submission of the case and after the interview, our office will ensure that all necessary documents are submitted to the USCIS office in a timely manner. We will assist the client to the best of our ability until the case gets approved or the client no longer wants to continue forward with the case.
Step 7: Approval is Only The Beginning
Once your I-485 application is approved, you will become a Permanent Resident and will be issued a Green Card. Our Team will help prepare a plan for future goals, such as obtaining a U.S. Passport or petitioning for a family member.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Checklist of Required Evidence
In general, the following documents are required:
- Form G-28 for petitioner
- I-130 for petitioner
- I-864 for petitioner
- I-765 for beneficiary
- G-28 for beneficiary
- I-485 for beneficiary
- The filing fee and biometric services fee
– $750: 13 years or younger filing without parents
– $750: 13 years or younger filing with parents
– $1,225: 14 years-78 years
– $1,140: 79 years or older
- Most categories will need copies of the following (may vary):
– Passport pages with nonimmigrant visa
– Educational documents
– Employment records
– Income tax records
– Mortgage deeds or leases
– Birth, marriage, and death certificates of immediate family members
– Medical records
– Bank records
– School records
– All types of receipts that contain information about you
– Car registrations
Filing Fee
The updated filing fee for I-485 can be found here.
Law Requirements
To qualify for the I-485, Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, the beneficiary must follow these steps:
- Determine if you are eligible to receive a green card
- File an immigration petition (for yourself or someone on your behalf)
- Check visa availability
- File form I-485
- Go to your interview
- Respond to Request for Evidence
- Check your case status
- Receive decision
Who may file form I-485?
You may apply as the person who directly qualifies for an immigrant category (“principal applicant”) or, in some cases, as a family member of the principal applicant (“derivative applicant”). Whether you are a principal or derivative applicant, you must file your own Form I-485.
Principal Applicant
The principal applicant is usually the individual named as the beneficiary of an immigrant petition or who is otherwise qualified to adjust status.
Derivative Applicant (files based on a principal applicant)
A principal applicant’s spouse and children, who are not beneficiaries of their own immigrant petition, may be eligible to apply for adjustment under the same immigrant category as the principal applicant.
Other Immigrant Categories
If you are filing for adjustment of status based on an immigrant category not listed:
- Polish or Hungarian parolee;
- Amerasian Homecoming Act of 1987 (not to be confused with the Amerasian Act of October 22, 1982); and
- Registration of lawful permanent residence status based on a presumption of lawful admission.
Updated I-485 Form Instructions can be found here.
SAMPLE & TEMPLATES
Attorney Brief: [coming soon] We will provide an attorney brief sample for the I-485 petition.
Cover Letter: [coming soon] We will also provide a cover letter sample for the I-485 petition.
Sample Request for Evidence: [coming soon] Requests for evidence can be used to strengthen the case.
Forms: Here is a list of the forms that are needed by USCIS
Sample Checklist: [coming soon] We look at the client’s unique situation and create customized checklists to strengthen their cases.
USCIS Fee Calculator: This is to help calculate how much the filing fee will be.
USCIS Mailing Address: This address is where it is mailed to USCIS.
USCIS Processing Timetable: This will help you figure out how long it will take to process.
ASC Field Offices: Listed are the addresses of the field offices for the bio-metrics.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What benefits does a green card have?
It will give you the ability to prove employment in the United States when completing the I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. Also, you will be able to apply for a Social Security card and state-issued driver’s license.
What are the different categories to applying for a green card?
Who may sponsor you for a green card?
Is an interview required for I-485?
Will the visas of my spouse and children be approved even if they are in my home country?
SCHEDULE A SESSION
Call or email us to set up your 1-hour consultation. Easily pay the $250 consultation fee over the phone or through our email link. If you would like to have a quick chat with our team before setting up the consultation, feel free to use the calendar on the right to book your 10 minute call.