U.S Immigration Guide
I-485 Documents for EB-2
Your quick guide to required documents for EB-2 adjustment of status
FAQs: Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) — EB-2 Employment-Based Category
🧾 Section 1: General Eligibility and Overview
1. What is Form I-485?
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is used by eligible foreign nationals who are already in the United States to apply for lawful permanent residence (Green Card) without having to return to their home country for consular processing.
2. Who can apply for I-485 under the EB-2 category?
Applicants eligible for EB-2 (Employment-Based Second Preference) are professionals with advanced degrees (master’s or higher, or bachelor’s + 5 years progressive experience) or individuals with exceptional ability in their field. You must have an approved or concurrently filed Form I-140 in the EB-2 category and an available visa number.
3. Can I file I-485 at the same time as my I-140?
Yes. If your priority date is current according to the USCIS Visa Bulletin (Chart A or B), you may file I-485 concurrently with I-140 (called “concurrent filing”). Otherwise, you must wait until your date becomes current.
4. What’s the difference between EB-2 and EB-2 NIW?
EB-2 requires a job offer and PERM labor certification unless waived. EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) allows applicants to self-petition without a job offer if their work benefits the U.S. national interest.
5. How can I check if my priority date is current?
Check the monthly Visa Bulletin on the U.S. Department of State website under “Employment-Based Second Preference (EB-2)” for your country of chargeability.
📄 Section 2: Required Forms and Supporting Documents
6. What forms are required when filing I-485 under EB-2?
Form I-485 — Application to Register Permanent Residence
Form I-140 Approval Notice or concurrent filing receipt
Form I-693 — Medical Exam
Form I-765 (optional) — Employment Authorization
Form I-131 (optional) — Advance Parole
Form I-485 Supplement J (if confirming job offer)
Form I-864 is not required for employment-based applicants
7. What supporting documents must accompany I-485?
Copy of passport biographic page and visa page
Form I-94 record (arrival/departure)
Birth certificate (with certified English translation if needed)
Two passport-style photos
Employment verification letter (if required)
Proof of lawful status (I-20, DS-2019, I-797 notices)
Proof of relationship for dependents (marriage/birth certificates)
8. Do I need to include a medical exam (Form I-693)?
Yes. The sealed Form I-693 from a USCIS-approved civil surgeon must be submitted either with the I-485 or later in response to an RFE. Including it upfront speeds up adjudication.
9. Do dependents (spouse and children) file separate I-485 forms?
Yes. Each derivative applicant must file a separate Form I-485 with individual filing and biometrics fees.
10. Are translations required?
Yes. Any non-English document must be accompanied by a certified English translation signed by the translator.
💼 Section 3: Employment and Job Offer
11. What is Form I-485 Supplement J?
Supplement J confirms the existence of a bona fide job offer with the employer who filed your I-140, or requests job portability under INA §204(j). It’s usually required unless you are self-petitioning under NIW.
12. Can I change jobs while my I-485 is pending?
Yes, under the 180-day portability rule (AC21), you may change jobs if your I-485 has been pending for at least 180 days and the new position is in the same or similar occupational classification as your original job offer.
13. What happens if I lose my job before I-485 approval?
If the I-485 has been pending for less than 180 days, it may be denied unless a new qualifying employer files a Supplement J. If it’s beyond 180 days, portability protection may apply.
💰 Section 4: Fees and Processing
14. What are the current filing fees for I-485?
As of 2025, the USCIS filing fee for I-485 (employment-based) is approximately $1,440 for applicants aged 14–78. Children under 14 filing with a parent pay a reduced fee. Biometrics fees may apply separately.
15. Where do I file my I-485 package?
The filing address depends on whether your I-140 was approved or filed concurrently. Always check the USCIS Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-485 page for the correct address based on category and location.
16. How long does EB-2 I-485 processing take?
Typical processing ranges from 8 to 20 months, depending on USCIS workload, field office, and whether an interview or RFE is required.
17. How can I track my case?
Use your I-485 receipt number at the USCIS Case Status page or create an account at my.uscis.gov for real-time updates.
📬 Section 5: After Filing
18. What happens after I file Form I-485?
You’ll receive:
I-797 Receipt Notice
Biometrics Appointment Notice
EAD/AP (if filed)
Interview Notice (for most applicants)
Approval Notice (if granted) or RFE/denial if issues arise
19. Do I need to attend an interview?
In most cases, yes. USCIS interviews employment-based applicants to verify identity, admissibility, and ongoing job offer. Some cases may be waived.
20. What if I move while my I-485 is pending?
File Form AR-11 (Change of Address) online within 10 days to update USCIS records and avoid missing critical mail.
🩺 Section 6: Health, Security, and Inadmissibility
21. What health-related grounds can cause denial?
Communicable diseases of public health significance, missing required vaccinations, or drug abuse/addiction may lead to inadmissibility. A sealed I-693 helps prove you meet health requirements.
22. What criminal history must be disclosed?
All arrests, charges, or convictions — even if expunged — must be disclosed with certified court dispositions. Certain offenses can make an applicant inadmissible.
23. Are background and security checks conducted?
Yes. USCIS runs fingerprint, name, and security checks through the FBI and other databases for every I-485 applicant.
👨👩👧 Section 7: Derivative Applicants (Spouse & Children)
24. Who qualifies as a derivative under EB-2?
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may apply for Green Cards as derivatives once your I-140 is approved and your priority date is current.
25. Can my child age out (turn 21) while waiting?
The Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) may protect your child’s eligibility by “freezing” their age during certain processing periods.
26. Do dependents receive EAD and Advance Parole?
Yes. Each dependent can apply for their own EAD (I-765) and Advance Parole (I-131) along with the I-485.
🛂 Section 8: Travel, EAD, and Maintenance of Status
27. Can I travel while my I-485 is pending?
Only if you have Advance Parole (Form I-131) or valid H-1B/L-1 visa status. Traveling abroad without authorization will abandon your I-485.
28. Can I continue working on H-1B while I-485 is pending?
Yes. You may maintain valid H-1B or L-1 status while your I-485 is pending. This is often recommended for flexibility.
29. When can I apply for EAD and Advance Parole?
You can apply concurrently with your I-485 using Forms I-765 (EAD) and I-131 (Advance Parole). Typically, combo cards are issued within 3–6 months.
🟢 Section 9: After Approval
30. What happens when my I-485 is approved?
You’ll receive an approval notice followed by your Green Card in the mail (Form I-551). You become a lawful permanent resident (LPR) immediately.
31. Can I change employers after Green Card approval?
Yes, but it’s advisable to remain with your sponsoring employer for at least 6 months to show good faith in the job offer used for sponsorship.
32. What are my next steps after receiving a Green Card?
Update your Social Security record
Apply for a driver’s license renewal
Maintain residence in the U.S.
After 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), you may apply for naturalization (Form N-400)
🧠 Section 10: Common Issues and Tips
33. What are common reasons for I-485 RFEs or denials?
Missing medical exam or translations
Expired priority date
Job offer withdrawn before 180 days
Incomplete or inconsistent forms
Unresolved inadmissibility grounds
34. How can I expedite I-485 processing?
There’s no guaranteed expedite process, but responding quickly to RFEs, filing a complete application, and keeping biometrics and medicals up to date can help.
35. Should I hire an attorney for I-485 EB-2 filing?
It’s strongly recommended, especially if filing with dependents or using job portability, to ensure accuracy and compliance with evolving USCIS guidance.
📚 References
USCIS: Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
Department of State: Visa Bulletin
USCIS: Supplement J Instructions