From visa to green card—without leaving the U.S.

Confirm your eligibility

Verify lawful entry, current status, and the family relationship that qualifies you. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouse, parent, unmarried child under 21) qualify regardless of priority date. Other categories (F1–F4) require a current priority date.

File Form I-130 Petition

The U.S. citizen or permanent resident relative files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative (filing fee $675). The day USCIS receives it becomes your Priority Date—your place in line for a visa number.

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens may file Form I-130 and Form I-485 concurrently.

Prepare Form I-485 application

The principal application carries a $1,440 filing fee and requires:

• Form I-693 medical examination — see I-693 form & Find a Civil Surgeon
• Passport copy and I-94 entry record
• Birth Certificate
• Form I-864 Affidavit of Support — sponsor income at 125% of federal poverty line

Optional concurrent filings (not required, but recommended):

• Form I-765 Employment Authorization ($260)
• Form I-131 Advance Parole ($630)

File online or by mail

USCIS now allows two filing methods:

• Online filing (recommended): submit I-485 and concurrent forms via myUSCIS
• Paper filing: mail to the designated Lockbox address (varies by state of residence)

Once received, you obtain "authorized to stay" status and may remain temporarily in the U.S. while the case is pending.

⚠️ Critical: traveling abroad without an approved Form I-131 Advance Parole may cause USCIS to deem your I-485 abandoned.

File online via myUSCIS → I-485 Lockbox addresses →

Attend biometrics

Within 2–4 weeks of filing, you'll receive an Application Support Center (ASC) appointment for fingerprints and photos. Bring your ASC notice and a valid government-issued photo ID.

If the assigned time doesn't work, you can reschedule online before your appointment time.

Need to reschedule? →

Processing and possible interview

USCIS processes applications largely in the order received and decides case by case whether an interview is required. If an interview is scheduled, it takes place at a local Field Office (marriage-based cases are commonly interviewed to verify bona fides). USCIS may also issue Requests for Evidence (RFEs) where documentation is unclear.

Check your case status →

Decision

An approval grants permanent residence and your green card arrives within several weeks. A denial includes appeal rights and the underlying reason—at which point legal counsel becomes essential.

Speak with the attorney →