Changing your legal status in the United States through marriage to a U.S. citizen can feel overwhelming. You may have entered the country on a K-1 visa or a tourist visa (or any other legal status), and now you want to adjust your status to become a lawful permanent resident. This step-by-step guide walks you through the adjustment of status (AOS) process, including the documents you need, the fees involved, where to file, and the official government resources to help you navigate this important journey.

What is Adjustment of Status (AOS)?

Adjustment of status lets you apply for a green card without leaving the United States. If you are married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you can file for AOS to change your current visa or legal status to that of a lawful permanent resident. This is different from consular processing, where you would apply for a green card from outside the U.S.

You must meet eligibility requirements, including having entered the U.S. legally and being married to a U.S. citizen or resident.

Step 1: Gather your documents

Before filing your AOS application, collect all the necessary documents. These prove your eligibility and support your case.

Essential documents:

  • Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status - the main form for AOS.
  • Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization - gives you work authorization before you get a green card.
  • Form I-131, Application for Travel Document - lets you travel outside the U.S. before you get a green card.
  • Form I-864, Affidavit of Support - filed by your spouse to show they can support you financially.
  • Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, or the I-130 receipt notice (not needed for a K-1 visa) - filed by your U.S. citizen/resident spouse to establish the family relationship.
  • Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions (for each form that has its own filing fee). USCIS no longer accepts personal or business checks, money orders, or cashier's checks.
  • Form G-1145, e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (for each I-485, I-765, I-131) - to receive your case number by text message in case the paper notice is lost in the mail.
  • Proof of your spouse's U.S. citizenship - U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate.
  • Marriage certificate - the official document proving your marriage.
  • Divorce decrees or death certificates (yours and your spouse's), with a certified English translation if not in English.
  • Form I-94 (proof of lawful entry) - your arrival/departure record or visa stamp.
  • Proof of the approved I-129F petition (for AOS through a K-1/K-2 visa) - the second notice from USCIS stating your I-129F was approved.
  • Passport photos - two recent passport-style photos of the applicant.
  • Government-issued ID (passport) - such as the passport biographic page.
  • Birth certificate, with a certified English translation if not in English.
  • Form I-693, Medical Examination Report (if the medical was not completed for K-1/K-2, or your AOS is not through a K-1/K-2 petition) - completed by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon.
  • Evidence of a bona fide marriage - joint bank accounts, a lease, photos together, affidavits from friends or family.

Additional documents, if applicable: certified court records for any previous marriages (divorce decrees or death certificates); name changes; any other documents USCIS requests.

Step 2: Understand the fees

Filing fees can change, so always check the USCIS website for the latest amounts. As of now, the typical fees are:

  • Form I-485: $1,440 on paper / $1,390 online; a child under 14 filing with a parent: $950 on paper / $900 online.
  • Form I-864: no fee, included with the I-485 package.
  • Form I-765 (work permit) with a pending I-485: $260.
  • Form I-131 (travel document) with a pending I-485: $630 on paper / $580 online.
  • Form I-130: $675 paper filing / $625 online (not needed for a K-1 visa).
  • Medical exam (Form I-693): varies by provider, usually $200 to $900, paid to the USCIS-approved civil surgeon.

Fee waivers are rarely granted for marriage-based AOS.

Step 3: Complete and submit your forms

Filling out Form I-485: answer every question truthfully and completely, use black ink if filling by hand, sign and date the form, and attach all supporting documents and photos.

Filing Form I-130: your spouse files this to prove your marriage relationship. Include proof of citizenship and marriage. You can file I-130 and I-485 together (concurrent filing).

Step 4: Where to file

You must send your application package to the correct USCIS address; the filing location depends on your state of residence. Use the USCIS Direct Filing Addresses page to find the right address for Form I-485. You can always file Form I-130 online. Send your package via a trackable service like USPS Priority Mail, FedEx, or UPS.

Step 5: Biometrics appointment

After USCIS receives your application, they schedule a biometrics appointment. You go to a local Application Support Center (ASC) to provide fingerprints, a photo, and a signature. This is mandatory and lets USCIS run background checks. Bring:

  • Your biometrics notice (fill in your info on page 2).
  • Your passport.
  • Your marriage certificate with your U.S. citizen spouse.

Step 6: Prepare for the interview

USCIS schedules an interview for you and your spouse at a local office. The interview confirms the legitimacy of your marriage and verifies your application. Tips: bring the originals of everything you submitted, arrive early, be honest and clear, bring evidence of your life together (photos, leases, joint accounts), and remember your spouse must attend with you.

Step 7: Receive your green card

If USCIS approves your application, your green card arrives in the mail. The first green card is usually conditional if your marriage is less than two years old - you will file Form I-751 to remove the conditions later, about 3 months before the first green card expires.

Helpful government links

Final thoughts

Changing your legal status through marriage takes careful preparation and attention to detail. By following these steps you can confidently gather your documents, complete your forms, and navigate the process with fewer surprises. Use official USCIS resources and keep copies of everything you submit.

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