To apply for adjustment of status to permanent resident, you need Form I-485, a valid passport, birth certificate, and proof of lawful entry into the United States. Supporting documents include an approved immigrant petition, medical examination results (Form I-693), and evidence of financial support like Form I-864. Accurate submission of police records, marriage certificates, and any required translations helps ensure a smooth application process.
What Documents Are Needed for Adjustment of Status to Permanent Resident?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | I-485 Supplement A | Form I-485 Supplement A is a critical document for individuals applying for adjustment of status to permanent resident who are beneficiaries of certain employment-based preference categories. It provides additional information required to verify eligibility and must be submitted alongside the main Form I-485 package to ensure proper processing by USCIS. |
| 2 | Bona Fide Marriage Evidence | Evidence of a bona fide marriage for adjustment of status to permanent resident includes joint financial documents such as bank statements, tax returns, lease agreements, and insurance policies that demonstrate cohabitation and shared responsibilities. Affidavits from friends and family, wedding photos, correspondence, and birth certificates of children further substantiate the legitimacy of the marital relationship. |
| 3 | Public Charge Declaration (Form I-944—historical use) | The Public Charge Declaration (Form I-944), historically required for adjustment of status to permanent resident, collected detailed financial information to assess an applicant's likelihood of becoming a public charge. This form was officially discontinued in 2021, reflecting changes in immigration policy, and is no longer mandatory in current immigration proceedings. |
| 4 | Medical Exam Form I-693 (Sealed Envelope) | The Medical Exam Form I-693, completed by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon and submitted in a sealed envelope, is a critical document required for Adjustment of Status to Permanent Resident to verify that the applicant meets the health-related requirements. This form must include results of the medical examination, evidence of required vaccinations, and any treatment for communicable diseases to ensure compliance with immigration health standards. |
| 5 | Employment Authorization Combo Card Request | To request an Employment Authorization Combo Card during the Adjustment of Status process, applicants must submit Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) and Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) along with Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). Supporting documents include a copy of the receipt notice for Form I-485, passport-style photos, a government-issued identity document, and evidence of current immigration status. |
| 6 | Advance Parole Travel Document Request | To request an Advance Parole Travel Document when applying for adjustment of status to permanent resident, applicants must submit Form I-131 along with a copy of their receipt notice for Form I-485. Supporting documents typically include a valid passport, proof of the pending adjustment of status application, and evidence of the reason for travel, such as medical or employment necessity. |
| 7 | Visa Bulletin Priority Date Chart | The Visa Bulletin Priority Date Chart is essential for determining when an applicant's priority date is current, allowing them to file Form I-485 for Adjustment of Status to Permanent Resident. Essential documents include a valid passport, Form I-485, the approved Form I-140 or Form I-130 petition, birth certificates, medical examination results (Form I-693), and evidence proving priority date eligibility per the Visa Bulletin. |
| 8 | USCIS Fee Waiver (Form I-912) | Applicants seeking adjustment of status to permanent resident must submit Form I-485 along with supporting documents such as proof of lawful entry, identity, and eligibility. Those facing financial hardship can request a USCIS Fee Waiver by submitting Form I-912, which requires evidence of income level, public benefits, or financial status to qualify for fee exemption. |
| 9 | Specialized Joint Sponsor Affidavit (Form I-864A) | The Specialized Joint Sponsor Affidavit (Form I-864A) is required when the primary sponsor's income does not meet the Federal Poverty Guidelines for Adjustment of Status to Permanent Resident, allowing a household member to contribute their income to the sponsorship obligations. This form must be submitted alongside Form I-864 to USCIS to demonstrate sufficient financial support and prevent the applicant from becoming a public charge. |
| 10 | Social Media History Disclosure (emerging in consular processing) | Applicants for Adjustment of Status to Permanent Resident must submit Form I-485, supporting identification, proof of lawful entry, and evidence of eligibility, while recent USCIS guidelines increasingly require disclosure of social media history to assess security and vetting criteria. This emerging requirement reflects heightened scrutiny in consular processing, mandating applicants provide usernames, handles, and account information for all social media platforms used within the last five years. |
Overview of Adjustment of Status
Adjustment of Status (AOS) allows eligible individuals to apply for lawful permanent resident status without leaving the United States. Essential documents typically include Form I-485, proof of lawful entry, a government-issued photo ID, and supporting evidence such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and medical examination results. Applicants must also submit Form I-944 or Form I-944 Supplement, along with applicable fees and biometric data for fingerprinting and background checks.
Eligibility Requirements for Permanent Residency
To adjust status to permanent resident, you must meet specific eligibility criteria and provide essential documentation. Proper submission of these documents is crucial for a successful application.
- Proof of lawful entry - Documents such as I-94 arrival/departure records demonstrate lawful admission into the United States.
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status - This form initiates the adjustment of status process with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Evidence of eligibility category - Supporting documents like family relationship proof, employment verification, or asylum status validate the qualifying basis for permanent residency.
Key Forms Required for Adjustment of Status
What documents are needed for adjustment of status to permanent resident? The primary form required is Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, which initiates the process. Supporting documents like a valid passport, birth certificate, and evidence of lawful entry are essential for verifying identity and eligibility.
Which key forms support the adjustment of status application? Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is often necessary to establish a qualifying relationship if applying through family sponsorship. Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, allow applicants to work and travel while their adjustment of status is pending.
Are medical and financial documents also required for adjustment of status? Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, must be submitted to demonstrate that the applicant meets health requirements. Furthermore, an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) is required to prove the petitioner can financially support the applicant, preventing reliance on government assistance.
Supporting Civil Documents Checklist
Adjustment of status to permanent resident requires submission of various civil documents to prove identity, eligibility, and relationship status. Accurate and complete documentation supports USCIS in making a favorable determination.
- Birth Certificates - Provide official proof of birth for the applicant and any dependents to verify identity and familial relationships.
- Marriage Certificates - Demonstrate legal marital status, essential for applicants applying through a spousal or family-based petition.
- Divorce or Death Certificates - Show the termination of prior marriages, which is necessary to confirm eligibility and avoid complications in status adjustment.
Submitting all required civil documents ensures a smooth and timely adjustment of status process.
Proof of Lawful Entry and Status
Proof of lawful entry is a critical document for adjustment of status to permanent resident. Typically, this includes Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, which shows the date and manner of your entry into the United States.
Valid visa stamps and passport pages with entry endorsements also serve as evidence of lawful admission. Providing these documents ensures USCIS verifies your eligibility based on lawful presence in the country.
Financial Documentation and Affidavit of Support
When applying for Adjustment of Status to become a Permanent Resident, financial documentation is essential to prove the applicant's ability to support themselves. The applicant must submit recent tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements as evidence of financial stability.
The Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) is a required document where a sponsor agrees to financially support the applicant to prevent them from becoming a public charge. The sponsor must demonstrate income at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, submitting pay stubs, tax returns, and employment verification. This legally binding document ensures the applicant has adequate financial backing during the adjustment process.
Medical Examination and Vaccination Records
The medical examination is a mandatory part of the adjustment of status process for becoming a permanent resident. It must be performed by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon who evaluates the applicant's overall health.
Vaccination records are essential to prove compliance with USCIS immunization requirements. Applicants must provide documentation of vaccines for diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and COVID-19.
Criminal Background and Security Clearances
Adjustment of Status to Permanent Resident requires submitting documents related to criminal background and security clearances. These documents verify eligibility and ensure that no security concerns prevent approval.
- Certified Police and Court Records - Official police certificates and court dispositions must be submitted to disclose any criminal history.
- FBI Fingerprint Results - Fingerprints are required for a federal background check to identify any disqualifying criminal offenses.
- Security and Terrorism Clearances - USCIS reviews security databases to confirm no involvement in terrorist activities or national security risks.
Special Documentation for Family-Based Applications
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status | Primary form required to apply for adjustment of status to permanent resident. |
| Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative | Must be filed and approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish the qualifying family relationship. |
| Proof of Family Relationship | Documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or adoption decrees verify the family connection. |
| Form I-864, Affidavit of Support | Sponsor's evidence demonstrating sufficient income or assets to support the intending immigrant and prevent reliance on public benefits. |
| Proof of Lawful Entry | Documentation showing lawful admission into the United States, including Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. |
| Medical Examination Report (Form I-693) | Completed by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon to certify the absence of health conditions that would disqualify adjustment of status. |
| Identity and Civil Documents | Passport, birth certificate, and government-issued photo ID to confirm identity and nationality. |
| Two Passport-Style Photographs | Photographs meeting USCIS specifications for identification. |
| Evidence of Eligibility | Additional documents based on family relationship category such as proof of bona fide marriage for spouses or custody documents for children. |
What Documents Are Needed for Adjustment of Status to Permanent Resident? Infographic
