To adjust status to permanent resident, applicants must submit Form I-485 along with a valid passport, birth certificate, and proof of lawful entry. Supporting documents include a medical examination report (Form I-693), Form I-94 arrival/departure record, and evidence of financial support such as an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864). Criminal background checks and vaccination records are also required to ensure eligibility for green card approval.
What Documents are Needed for Adjusting Status to Permanent Resident (Green Card)?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | I-693 Deficiency Notice | The I-693 Deficiency Notice specifically requests additional medical examination documentation required for adjusting status to permanent resident, ensuring compliance with USCIS health and vaccination standards. Applicants must submit a completed and sealed Form I-693 by a USCIS-authorized civil surgeon to avoid delays or denials in their green card application process. |
| 2 | Bona Fide Marriage Evidence | To adjust status to permanent resident based on marriage, submitting bona fide marriage evidence such as joint bank account statements, lease agreements, photos together, affidavits from friends and family, and joint tax returns is essential. USCIS requires these documents to verify the authenticity of the marital relationship and prevent marriage fraud. |
| 3 | I-601A Provisional Waiver | Applicants seeking an I-601A Provisional Waiver to adjust status to permanent resident must submit Form I-601A along with proof of unlawful presence waiver eligibility, evidence of family hardship, a valid passport, and a notice of action from USCIS. Supporting documents typically include birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearances, medical examination results, and financial evidence demonstrating the applicant's qualifying relative's hardship without their presence. |
| 4 | Public Charge Declaration (Form I-944) | Applicants adjusting status to permanent resident must submit the Public Charge Declaration (Form I-944) to demonstrate they are not likely to become dependent on government assistance. This form requires evidence of income, assets, education, and health status to satisfy USCIS criteria for financial self-sufficiency. |
| 5 | Supplement J (Job Offer Confirmation) | Form I-485 Supplement J, also known as the Job Offer Confirmation, is required to confirm the validity of the job offer for employment-based adjustment of status applicants. This document must be submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to demonstrate that the applicant has a bona fide job offer from a U.S. employer, which is essential for the approval of the green card application. |
| 6 | Medical Interfiling | Medical interfiling requires submitting Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, completed by a designated civil surgeon, to USCIS as part of the adjustment of status application. Accurate and timely filing of the medical examination results ensures compliance with health requirements for permanent residency under U.S. immigration law. |
| 7 | I-765 Automatic EAD Extension | Filing Form I-485 for adjustment of status allows certain applicants to qualify for an automatic extension of their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) under Form I-765, securing work authorization while their green card application is pending. The automatic EAD extension typically provides up to 180 days of continued employment authorization beyond the expiration of the current EAD, contingent on timely filing of the I-765 renewal alongside the pending adjustment of status application. |
| 8 | Electronic Civil Documents Submission | Submitting electronic civil documents for adjusting status to permanent resident requires scanned copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees as primary evidence of identity and relationship. The USCIS online portal supports digital uploads of Form I-485, Form I-130 approval notices, and valid passport pages to streamline the review process. |
| 9 | Biometrics Reuse Notification | Applicants adjusting status to permanent resident must submit Form I-485 along with required identification documents, photos, and proof of eligibility while USCIS now enables biometrics reuse to expedite processing by reusing fingerprints or photographs from prior applications within 15 months. This biometrics reuse notification reduces redundant appointments, accelerates case handling, and enhances administrative efficiency in the green card adjustment process. |
| 10 | COVID-19 Vaccination Record Requirement | Applicants adjusting status to permanent resident must submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination as part of the Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, to comply with USCIS health requirements. This documentation ensures eligibility by demonstrating immunization against COVID-19, aligning with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for immigration medical exams. |
Introduction to Adjusting Status for Permanent Residency
Adjusting status to permanent residency allows you to become a Green Card holder without leaving the United States. This process requires submitting specific documents to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for eligibility verification.
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status - This primary form initiates the adjustment of status process and collects your personal and immigration information.
- Proof of Lawful Entry - Documents such as Form I-94 or passport stamps demonstrate that you entered the United States legally and are eligible to adjust status.
- Supporting Evidence of Eligibility - Depending on your immigration category, you must submit supporting documents like a family relationship proof, employment verification, or asylum approval.
Eligibility Criteria for Green Card Applicants
To adjust status to a permanent resident (Green Card), you must meet specific eligibility criteria set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Key requirements include lawful entry into the United States and eligibility through family, employment, or other qualifying categories.
Essential documents include Form I-485, proof of lawful entry (such as Form I-94), and evidence supporting your eligibility category, like an approved immigrant petition (Form I-130 or I-140). Medical examination results, birth certificates, and passport photos are also necessary to complete the application process.
Overview of Required Immigration Forms
Adjusting your status to a permanent resident requires submitting specific immigration forms to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Key documents include Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) if applicable, and Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) to demonstrate financial sponsorship. Additional forms like Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) and Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) can be filed concurrently to request work and travel permits during the process.
Identity and Civil Document Checklist
When adjusting status to permanent resident, submitting the correct identity and civil documents is crucial for a smooth process. These documents verify your identity, family relationships, and eligibility for a green card.
The key documents include a valid passport, birth certificate, and marriage certificate if applicable. Other important documents consist of government-issued identification, previous immigration records, and certified translations if originals are not in English.
Proof of Lawful Entry and Current Status
Adjusting status to a permanent resident requires specific documentation to verify lawful entry and current immigration status. These documents are crucial for proving eligibility in the adjustment of status process.
- Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record - This document shows the date and place of your lawful entry into the United States.
- Passport with Visa - Your passport containing the admission visa demonstrates lawful admission by a U.S. consulate or port of entry.
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or Current Status Proof - Evidence such as an EAD or valid nonimmigrant status approval confirms the legality of your current presence in the U.S.
Affidavit of Support and Financial Documentation
What documents are needed for adjusting status to permanent resident (Green Card)? The Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) is essential to prove the sponsor's ability to financially support the applicant. Supporting financial documentation, such as recent tax returns and employment letters, must accompany the affidavit to validate income and resources.
Medical Examination and Vaccination Records
When adjusting status to a permanent resident, a completed medical examination is a mandatory document. This examination must be conducted by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon to ensure all health requirements are met.
Vaccination records are a critical part of the medical examination process, verifying that You meet the immunization standards set by U.S. immigration laws. Documents should include proof of vaccines for diseases such as mumps, measles, rubella, polio, and influenza. Maintaining accurate and updated medical and vaccination records helps to avoid delays in the green card application process.
Evidence for Family-Based or Employment-Based Applications
| Category | Required Documents for Adjusting Status | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity |
|
Verifies your identity and citizenship or nationality |
| Form I-485 | Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status | Main application for adjustment of status |
| Evidence of Lawful Entry |
|
Confirms lawful admission into the United States |
| Family-Based Application |
|
Establishes qualifying family relationship and financial support |
| Employment-Based Application |
|
Demonstrates employment eligibility and job offer |
| Medical Examination | Form I-693 completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon | Confirms medical eligibility for permanent residence |
| Proof of Financial Support |
|
Verifies financial stability and ability to support yourself or be supported |
| Photographs | Two passport-style photos following USCIS specifications | Required for identification and processing |
Supporting Documents for Special Categories Applicants
Supporting documents are crucial for special categories of applicants adjusting their status to permanent resident. These documents validate eligibility and streamline the application process.
- Asylees and Refugees - Submit Form I-94, proof of asylum or refugee status, and evidence of physical presence in the U.S. for at least one year.
- VAWA Applicants - Provide evidence of the qualifying relationship, abuse, and good moral character, including police reports, medical records, or affidavits.
- Special Immigrant Juveniles - Include a juvenile court order establishing dependency or custody and evidence of reunification with a parent being not viable.
Proper documentation ensures smooth processing and increases approval chances for special category green card applicants.
What Documents are Needed for Adjusting Status to Permanent Resident (Green Card)? Infographic
