绿Green card basics (I-485 adjustment of status)
Applying for a green card from inside the U.S. is "adjustment of status" (I-485). Main paths are family, employment, refugee/asylum, and the diversity lottery. The adult I-485 fee is $1,440. A new form edition and public charge rule took effect in 2026, so double-check before filing.
Important: this guide is general information, not legal, immigration or other professional advice. Rules may have changed; confirm with the agency before applying. Disclaimer
What changed recently
- Only the 09/18/26 edition of I-485 is accepted from Sept 18, 2026; older editions are rejected, with no grace period.
- The new public charge standard applies from the same date; see our public charge guide.
- Cases from some travel-ban countries were put on hold; China, Hong Kong and Macau are reported not to be on the list.
Who can apply
- Family: U.S. citizens can sponsor spouses, children, parents (if the citizen is 21+) and siblings; green card holders can sponsor only spouses and unmarried children
- Employment: employer-sponsored or extraordinary ability
- Refugees and asylees: after 1 year
- Diversity lottery: the State Department delayed DV-2027 registration; a court ordered it to open Nov 1, 2026 for 30 days, but the government has appealed. Follow the State Department's official notice
How to apply, step by step
- Step 1Confirm your path: family, employment, refugee/asylum and so on. For family or employment cases, check the monthly Visa Bulletin to see if your priority date is current.
- Step 2Call a free hotline before filing: the NYS New Americans Hotline 1-800-566-7636 or the NYC Immigration Legal Support Hotline 800-354-0365, and say "Chinese, please". A new public charge standard applies from Sept 18, 2026, so ask first if you use benefits.
- Step 3Use the current form: from Sept 18, 2026 only the 09/18/26 edition of I-485 is accepted; older editions are rejected. Download it at uscis.gov/i-485 and find the right filing address for your category.
- Step 4Gather documents: passport, birth certificate, I-94, photos, medical exam I-693 (from a USCIS-designated doctor), affidavit of support I-864, and proof of relationship or job. Foreign-language documents need English translations.
- Step 5File a work permit and travel document with it if needed: work permit (I-765) with I-485 $260, advance parole (I-131) $630; I-485 adult $1,440 (confirm on uscis.gov). Pay by card or bank debit only.
- Step 6Sign: sign every form; unsigned forms are rejected. Keep a full copy for yourself.
- Step 7Receipt notice: write down the 13-character receipt number and take a photo.
- Step 8Biometrics (USCIS takes fingerprints, photo and signature): go as the notice says and bring the notice and a photo ID (such as a passport). If you can't go, call 1-800-375-5283 before the appointment to reschedule. Missing it without rescheduling can get your case treated as abandoned and denied.
- Step 9Interview (if required): not everyone is interviewed. If you are, you'll answer questions under oath and must bring originals of every document you submitted.
Documents to prepare
- Passport, birth certificate, I-94
- Medical exam I-693
- Affidavit of support I-864
- Photos
- Proof of relationship or job
After you apply
- Check status: enter your 13-character receipt number at egov.uscis.gov/casestatus and sign up for automatic updates, or call 1-800-375-5283. The USCIS processing times page shows typical waits; if you're past it, you can submit an online inquiry.
- Request for Evidence (RFE): if USCIS needs more documents it sends one. Answer by the deadline, or your case may be denied.
- Don't travel abroad casually while waiting: if you leave the U.S. while your I-485 is pending without advance parole first, your application is generally treated as abandoned.
- After approval: you get an approval notice first, and the green card arrives by mail a little later. If you move, change your address online with USCIS so the card isn't lost.
- If denied: you generally can't appeal an I-485 denial, but you may be able to file a motion to reopen or reconsider on Form I-290B. There are deadlines, so see a free lawyer right away.
Tips
- Priority dates are set by law and the Visa Bulletin; no one can sell you a faster place.
- Keep every USCIS letter in one folder by date, envelopes too.
- Before filing, have a free lawyer or ActionNYC check the form edition, signatures and payment method; these are the most common reasons for rejection.
- If you use or plan to use benefits, don't stop on your own; read our public charge guide and call a free hotline first.
Common mistakes
- "Pay to speed up": priority dates are set by law; nobody can sell you a faster place
- "Anyone can fill the forms": wrong editions or payment methods get rejected; see a lawyer for complex cases
This guide is general information, not legal or professional advice. Rules change often; confirm with the official website or agency staff before applying.
