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immigration
USCIS
hard difficulty

I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence (Green Card)

Used to apply for lawful permanent resident status (Green Card) while in the United States.

90 minutes

to complete

$1,140

filing fee

6 fields

to fill out

Need help filling out this form?

Our AI wizard guides you through every field step by step, explains each question, and catches mistakes before you submit.

What Each Field Means

1.

Full Legal Name

Required

Your complete legal name.

Tip: Exactly as shown on your passport. Include all middle names.

2.

Alien Registration Number (A-Number)

Your 9-digit USCIS number, if you have one.

Tip: This is a 9-digit number that starts with the letter A. You can find it on previous USCIS notices or your EAD card.

3.

Date of Last Arrival in the U.S.

Required

The most recent date you entered the United States.

Tip: Check your I-94 record online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov for the exact date.

4.

Current Immigration Status

Required

Your current nonimmigrant status or other status.

Tip: Select your current visa status. If your status has expired, select the status you were last admitted in.

5.

Basis for Eligibility

Required

The category under which you are applying for a green card.

Tip: This should match your approved petition (I-130, I-140, etc.).

6.

Have You Ever Been Arrested?

Required

Disclosure of any arrests, citations, or detentions.

Tip: You must disclose ALL arrests, even if charges were dropped or you were found not guilty. Traffic tickets for minor violations (no DUI) typically do not need to be reported.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Name doesn't match other immigration documents

Missing middle names

Confusing A-Number with receipt number

Leaving blank when you have one

Using the wrong entry date

Not checking I-94 record

Not knowing current status

Confusing visa type with status

Selecting wrong category

Category doesn't match petition

Not disclosing minor incidents

Not including dismissed charges

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