Travel & Citizenship

Adjustment of Status: How to Apply for a Green Card From Inside the US

2 min read

In this guide
  1. Quick answer
  2. What are the four steps?
  3. Which petition do you need?
  4. Can you file both at the same time?
  5. Visa availability
  6. Common mistakes
  7. FAQ
    1. Does it affect travel?
  8. Key takeaways
  9. Related guides
  10. Sources

Adjustment of status is how many people living in the United States apply for lawful permanent resident status, also known as a Green Card, without leaving the country. This guide explains the steps in plain English, based on USCIS information.

Quick answer

  • Adjustment of status lets you become a permanent resident while you are in the US, without consular processing in your home country.
  • If you are outside the US, you must get your visa abroad through consular processing.
  • The main steps: find your category, make sure a petition is filed if needed, check visa availability and file Form I-485.

What are the four steps?

Step What to do
1 Find the immigrant category you fit; requirements differ by category
2 Make sure someone files an immigrant petition for you, if your category needs one
3 Check visa availability before filing
4 File Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

Which petition do you need?

Most people need two forms: an immigrant petition and Form I-485. Common petitions include Form I-130 for relatives, Form I-140 for workers, Form I-730 for refugee or asylee relatives and Form I-589 for asylum. Others include I-360, I-526, I-918 and I-929. Someone else usually has to file the petition for you, although you may be able to file for yourself in some cases.

Can you file both at the same time?

Some categories allow concurrent filing, meaning you file Form I-485 with the petition or while it is pending. Some categories need no underlying petition, such as the Cuban Adjustment Act. Check your category page.

Visa availability

In general you cannot file until a visa is available in your category. USCIS points to its Visa Availability and Priority Dates page, the Adjustment of Status Filing Charts and the Department of State Visa Bulletin.

Common mistakes

  • Filing before a visa is available.
  • Using the wrong category.
  • Mailing to the wrong address. Check the direct filing addresses for Form I-485.

FAQ

Does it affect travel?

Read about reentry permits once you hold a Green Card. Before approval, ask USCIS about travel documents.

Key takeaways

  • Category first, forms second.
  • Check the Visa Bulletin.
  • Keep copies of everything.

Last updated: October 2026. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with USCIS.

Sources

  • USCIS: Adjustment of Status

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