Who this guide is for
- People in the United States applying to adjust status, often through a family petition
- Applicants who want to organize documents before preparing Form I-485
Identity and immigration history
- A copy of your birth certificate, with a certified translation if needed
- A copy of your passport identity page and any U.S. visa
- Your Form I-94 arrival/departure record or other evidence of how you entered
- Two passport-style photos, as the instructions describe
Basis for the application
- The receipt or approval notice for the underlying petition, such as Form I-130, or the petition itself when filing together
- Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, which most family-based applicants need; some applicants instead request an exemption on Form I-485
Medical and background records
- Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. If you must submit it, include it with Form I-485 in the civil surgeon's sealed envelope; otherwise Form I-485 may be rejected
- Some applicants who already had a medical exam abroad, such as certain refugees or K-1/K-2 entrants who file within one year of that exam, may need to submit only the vaccination record part; check the Form I-693 page
- Certified police and court records for any arrest, charge, or conviction, anywhere in the world
Optional related forms
- Form I-765 if you want a work permit while the application is pending
- Form I-131 if you want an advance parole travel document
Questions about filling out Form I-485
Which category do I select in the application type section?
Select only one category that matches your actual filing basis. Within MimiDocu’s supported scope, this is the applicable immediate-relative category based on Form I-130.
This service supports spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens. It does not prepare derivative or K-1 adjustment applications.
The Form I-485 instructions include additional instructions for each immigrant category. MimiDocu prepares the family-based categories it supports; choosing a category is your decision.
Form section: Part 2. Application Type or Filing Category · Edition 09/18/26
How much address history do I need to give?
The last 5 years. If you have not lived at your current address for at least 5 years, list your prior addresses for that period.
If you need more room, the form directs you to Part 14. Additional Information.
Form section: Part 1. Information About You (address history) · Edition 09/18/26
What should I do if I answer "Yes" to a question in the general eligibility section?
Answer every question truthfully and explain each "Yes" answer in Part 14, following the instructions for any documents to include.
These questions cover inadmissibility grounds such as immigration and criminal history. This guide cannot tell you how an answer affects your case. A "Yes" answer is a good reason to speak with an immigration attorney or accredited representative before filing.
Form section: Part 9. General Eligibility and Inadmissibility Grounds · Edition 09/18/26
Important considerations
- Not everyone in the United States can adjust status; eligibility depends on your category and history.
- Check the current fee with the USCIS Fee Calculator; MimiDocu's preparation fee is separate.
- Leaving the United States while Form I-485 is pending can have serious consequences. Read our travel guide first.
When to consider legal help
Consider speaking with a qualified immigration attorney or accredited representative if your situation involves any of the following:
- Any arrest, criminal charge, or conviction, in any country
- Past or current removal (deportation) proceedings, or a prior removal order
- Unlawful presence, a prior visa overstay, or a past immigration violation
- Questions about whether you need a waiver or qualify for an exception
- Entry without inspection or doubts about how you entered the United States
Official USCIS sources
Fees, mailing addresses, form editions, and processing times change. Always confirm them on the official USCIS pages below before you file.
Last reviewed:
MimiDocu is an independent document-preparation service. MimiDocu is not a law firm, does not provide legal advice, does not submit applications to USCIS, and is not affiliated with USCIS or the U.S. government.
Related resources
Ready to prepare Form I-485?
MimiDocu turns your answers into a completed form for you to review, sign, and file yourself.