USCIS Form I-485 Adjustment of Status (AOS) Green Card Checklist & Procedure

A step-by-step roadmap to filing Form I-485 for permanent residency: concurrent filing with I-130/I-140, I-693 medical exam, biometric scheduling, and travel restrictions.

Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)

A step-by-step roadmap to filing Form I-485 for permanent residency: concurrent filing with I-130/I-140, I-693 medical exam, biometric scheduling, and travel restrictions.

Statutory Roadmap & Decision Matrix

Phase / Step	Core Requirement	Governing Agency / Portal	Statutory Fee	Standard Timeline
Step 1	Confirm Visa Availability on the Current Visa Bulletin	U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services	$0	10 minutes
Step 2	Complete Form I-693 Medical Examination with a Civil Surgeon	U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services	$200–$500 (civil surgeon fees vary)	1-2 weeks
Step 3	Assemble the Complete Concurrent AOS Filing Packet	U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services	Form fees	3-5 days
Step 4	Ship to the Designated USCIS Lockbox with Tracking	U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services	$20–$40 shipping	1-3 days shipping
Step 5	Attend Biometrics Appointment & Await Interview Notice	U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services	Included in fee	30 minutes at ASC

Step 1

Confirm Visa Availability on the Current Visa Bulletin

You cannot file Form I-485 unless your priority date is current under the USCIS-designated chart (Dates for Filing Chart or Final Action Dates Chart) for the current month.

Tip: Check the monthly USCIS Visa Bulletin adjustment chart announcement.

Step 2

Complete Form I-693 Medical Examination with a Civil Surgeon

Visit a USCIS-certified Civil Surgeon to complete vaccines and health screenings. The Civil Surgeon must hand you the completed Form I-693 in a sealed envelope. Never open the seal, or USCIS will reject it.

Step 3

Assemble the Complete Concurrent AOS Filing Packet

Organize in order: Form G-1450 (or cashier checks), Form G-1145, Form I-485, Form I-864 (with sponsor W-2s and tax returns), Form I-765 and Form I-131 if applying for work/travel authorization, sealed Form I-693, two passport photos, copy of passport, and Form I-94 arrival record.

Step 4

Ship to the Designated USCIS Lockbox with Tracking

Verify your exact lockbox address (Chicago, Phoenix, Elgin, or Dallas) based on your state of residence and visa classification. Use USPS Priority Express or FedEx/UPS with signature confirmation.

Step 5

Attend Biometrics Appointment & Await Interview Notice

Within 3 to 6 weeks, USCIS will mail Form I-797C Notice of Action scheduling your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at an Application Support Center (ASC).

Topology Mesh Cross-Links

USCIS Green Card & Adjudication Quad-Pack

1. 2026 USCIS Fee Estimator (Schedule G-1055) → Calculate exact Form I-485 filing fee ($1,440), biometrics, and concurrent I-130 filing costs. 2. USCIS Agency Directory & Case Tracker → Access myUSCIS portals, live case status lookups, and civil surgeon locator. 3. Zero-PII 2x2 Passport Photo Inspector → Verify two mandatory passport-style photos for Form I-485 with client-side biometrics. 4. Official Form Document Checklist Generator → Generate full evidentiary packet checklists for primary and derivative applicants.

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