The green card process.

Adjustment of status (Form I-485)

For a family member who is already physically in the United States in a valid status, the green card is obtained by adjusting status inside the country. The I-485 is typically filed alongside the I-130 family petition for immediate relatives, or once a priority date becomes current for preference categories.

Common companion filings include Form I-765 (work authorization) and Form I-131 (advance parole for travel), so the applicant can work and travel while the case is pending.

Consular processing

For a family member living abroad, the case is filed with USCIS, transferred to the National Visa Center, and completed at a U.S. consulate through an in-person interview. The immigrant enters the U.S. as a permanent resident.

The steps, in order

1. Form I-130 — the U.S. citizen or permanent resident files the family petition with USCIS.
2. Wait for a visa number — immediate relatives skip this; preference categories wait for a current priority date.
3. I-485 (adjustment) or DS-260 (consular) — depending on where the beneficiary is.
4. Form I-864, Affidavit of Support — the petitioner (and a joint sponsor, if needed) demonstrates the required income.
5. Biometrics, medical exam, and interview.
6. Decision — and the green card is issued.

How we help

We determine the right route, prepare every form and exhibit, handle the affidavit of support (including joint-sponsor strategy), and respond to any Requests for Evidence. See the official USCIS processes and procedures overview for reference.