Core I-485 Application Documents

Every I-485 document checklist starts with Form I-485 itself. Use the current version dated October 24, 2024, effective February 10, 2025. Earlier versions get rejected. Complete all sections accurately. Sign and date the form. Include your spouse and children under 21 as derivative applicants or file separate applications.

Two passport-style photos meeting USCIS specifications are mandatory. Photos must be recent, showing current appearance. White or off-white background. Face forward, neutral expression. No glasses or head coverings except religious purposes. Write your name and A-number lightly on photo backs.

Government-issued identification proves identity. Submit passport biographical page copies. If passport unavailable, provide national ID card, driver license, or birth certificate. Non-English documents need certified translations with translator attestations.

Filing fees changed October 28, 2025. I-485 required documents include payment of $1,440 for applicants age 14 or older. This covers the $1,225 application fee plus $85 biometrics. Payment must use electronic methods through Form G-1450 or G-1650. Paper checks no longer accepted except qualifying exemptions using Form G-1651.

Form G-1145 provides electronic notifications. Submit this optional form to receive text and email confirmations when USCIS accepts your package.

Beyond Border helps compile complete I-485 packages ensuring all core documents meet current USCIS specifications and deadlines.

Category-Specific Petition Documents

Adjustment of status paperwork requirements depend on your immigrant category. Employment-based applicants need approved Form I-140 or receipt notice if filing concurrently. Include copy of I-140 approval notice showing priority date and classification. If self-petitioning under EB-1 or EB-2 NIW, include signed statement confirming intent to work in the occupational field.

Family-based applicants require approved Form I-130 or receipt if filing together. Submit copy of I-130 approval establishing qualifying relationship. Marriage-based applications need extra relationship evidence including joint bank statements, lease agreements, utility bills showing cohabitation, and photos together spanning the relationship.

Asylum or refugee applicants provide approval notice, asylum grant letter, or refugee admission documentation. Include Form I-94 showing refugee or asylee status.

Employment authorization during adjustment may require Form I-765 filed concurrently. After April 1, 2024, separate fees apply for I-765 unless exempt. I-485 supporting evidence includes copy of EAD card if previously issued.

Advance parole for international travel needs Form I-131 filed with I-485 required documents. Select option 5.A in Part 1 when filing concurrently. No receipt number needed for concurrent filing.

Job portability under INA 204(j) requires Form I-485 Supplement J. Employment-based applicants changing jobs after I-140 approval and 180 days pending submit this form showing new similar position.

Beyond Border evaluates your specific category requirements and ensures proper petition documentation accompanies your I-485 package.

Medical Examination Requirements

Form I-693 medical exam represents critical I-485 supporting evidence. All adjustment applicants must submit completed medical examination signed by USCIS-designated civil surgeon. Find approved civil surgeons through USCIS online database. Not all doctors qualify.

Timing matters significantly. Civil surgeon must sign Form I-693 no more than 60 days before filing I-485. April 2024 updates eliminated expiration dates. Forms signed after November 1, 2023 remain valid indefinitely for showing inadmissibility grounds. However, officers may request updated examinations if believing medical conditions changed.

The exam includes physical examination, vaccination review, and tests for communicable diseases. Required vaccinations per CDC guidelines include MMR, tetanus, pertussis, polio, hepatitis B, influenza, and COVID-19 among others. Bring vaccination records to civil surgeon appointment. Some vaccines allow medical waivers or religious exemptions requiring documentation.

Civil surgeons provide sealed envelope containing completed Form I-693 medical exam. Never open this envelope. USCIS requires sealed original. Opening invalidates the form requiring new examination.

Include sealed medical exam with initial I-485 document checklist submission when possible. Some applicants file I-485 without medical then submit when scheduled for interview. This risks RFEs and processing delays. Submit upfront for smoother processing.

Medical exam costs vary by civil surgeon and location. Expect $200 to $500 typically. Some vaccinations cost extra if not already completed.

Beyond Border provides civil surgeon referrals, coordinates examination timing, and ensures medical documentation meets all USCIS requirements.

Financial Support Documentation

I-864 affidavit support documents prove you won't become public charge. Family-based immigrants need Form I-864 from petitioning sponsor. Employment-based categories may qualify for exemptions. Self-petitioners with EB-1 or EB-2 NIW often exempt. Asylees and refugees exempt.

Sponsors must be US citizens or permanent residents. The sponsor demonstrates income at 125 percent of federal poverty guidelines for household size. Active military sponsors need 100 percent. Household size includes sponsor, dependents, and intending immigrants.

Required I-864 affidavit support documents include most recent federal tax return with all schedules and W-2s. USCIS accepts IRS transcripts or complete tax returns. Filing early in calendar year before previous year taxes filed triggers RFEs. Extensions also cause problems. USCIS wants actual filed returns for most recent year.

Employment verification includes recent pay stubs covering past six months. Provide letter from employer on company letterhead confirming employment, position, hire date, salary, and employment status. Self-employed sponsors submit business tax returns and financial statements.

Insufficient sponsor income requires joint sponsor using separate Form I-864. Joint sponsors must also meet income thresholds and provide complete documentation packages. Household asset documentation may supplement income including bank statements, property appraisals, or retirement accounts worth five times income shortfall.

Sponsor photocopies of proof of status like US passport, birth certificate, or green card. Include recent bank statements, investment accounts, or property documentation if using assets.

Beyond Border calculates sponsor income requirements, identifies qualification gaps, arranges joint sponsors when needed, and compiles thorough financial documentation.

Immigration Status and Entry Documentation

Adjustment of status paperwork requires proving lawful entry and maintained status. Submit copy of passport biographical page and any pages with visa stamps or admission stamps. Include all expired and current passports showing travel history.

Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record establishes legal entry. Electronic I-94s for air and sea entries print from CBP website. Land border entries from Canada or Mexico receive paper I-94A forms. Submit copies showing most recent entry and any previous entries if status changed.

Current immigration status documentation depends on your visa. H-1B holders provide approval notice, recent pay stubs, and current visa stamp copies. I-485 birth certificate requirements extend to F-1 students who submit I-20s, OPT EAD cards, and evidence of maintained student status.

Employment authorization documents for current work permission get copied. Include EAD cards from previous grants. Some categories like L-2 spouses became employment authorized incident to status in November 2021 but may still apply for EAD as evidence.

Change of status approvals between nonimmigrant categories require I-797 approval notices. Extension approvals showing maintained lawful status throughout residence need inclusion. Gaps in status may bar adjustment unless qualifying for INA 245(k) exemptions.

J-1 and J-2 holders subject to two-year foreign residence requirement must prove compliance or waiver. Include Form I-612 waiver approval or Form I-566 if applicable. Statement from State Department confirming no objection to waiver strengthens packages.

Beyond Border reviews complete immigration history, identifies status maintenance evidence, and documents lawful entry through proper I-94 and passport documentation.

Personal Civil Documents

I-485 birth certificate requirements mandate long-form certificates showing both parents' names. Short-form certificates listing only the applicant often trigger RFEs. Original countries without complete birth registration systems allow alternative evidence.

Non-English civil documents require certified translations. Translators must be competent in both languages and provide certification stating translation accuracy and competence. Include both original language document and English translation.

Marriage certificates prove spousal relationships for derivative applications or marriage-based petitions. Submit certified copies issued by recording authority. Religious ceremony certificates insufficient without civil registration. Divorce decrees from prior marriages show relationship terminations.

Name change documentation explains discrepancies between birth name and current name. Court orders, marriage certificates causing name changes, or legal name change petitions all qualify. Adoption decrees show parent-child relationships for adopted derivative beneficiaries.

Some countries lack civil registration systems meeting USCIS standards. When appropriate documents don't exist or are unavailable, submit secondary evidence like church records, school records, or affidavits from individuals with knowledge of the facts. Include explanation why primary documents unavailable.

Beyond Border obtains proper civil documents from foreign countries, coordinates certified translations, and compiles alternative evidence when standard documents unavailable.‍

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents are required for Form I-485? Core I-485 documents include completed application, two photos, passport copy, birth certificate with translation, Form I-693 medical exam sealed, approved immigrant petition, proof of lawful entry, and $1,440 filing fee for adults.

How recent must the medical exam be for I-485? Form I-693 must be signed by civil surgeon within 60 days before filing I-485, and forms signed after November 1, 2023 remain valid indefinitely without expiration dates per April 2024 USCIS updates.

What financial documents does Form I-864 require? I-864 affidavit support needs sponsor's most recent federal tax return with all schedules, six months recent pay stubs, employer verification letter, and proof of citizenship or permanent residency status.

Can I file I-485 without birth certificate? Birth certificates are required, but countries lacking proper registration systems may submit alternative evidence like church records, school records, or sworn affidavits with explanation why primary documents are unavailable.

Do I need to include passport copies with I-485? Yes, submit passport biographical page and any pages with visa stamps, entry stamps, or annotations, including both current and expired passports showing complete travel and immigration history.