Intro. Dr. I-485 is QuickFiling's all-in-one tool for preparing an Adjustment of Status (AOS) package to become a U.S. permanent resident from inside the United States. It works in two phases: your specialist first generates your complete, USCIS-ready package, then you polish and finalize it with built-in AI tools — document editor, USCIS form-filling, translation, and RFE-risk review — before you download and file. This FAQ covers the basics: what adjustment of status is, who can file, the priority-date requirement, the form bundle, timeline, and cost.
What is adjustment of status (I-485)?
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is the application you file to become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) without leaving the United States. It is the "adjustment" path — an alternative to consular processing at a U.S. embassy abroad. You must already be physically present in the U.S. in a qualifying status to use it.
Who can file?
Most people who adjust status through employment need an underlying immigrant petition — typically an approved or concurrently filed Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) in a category such as EB-1A, EB-2 (including NIW), or EB-3. Family-based and other categories exist as well. The two threshold questions are always:
Do you have a qualifying immigrant petition (or are you filing one concurrently)?
Is a visa available to you right now — i.e., is your priority date current?
Why the priority date has to be current
A green card can only be filed and approved when an immigrant visa number is available for your category and country of chargeability. You check this in the U.S. Department of State's monthly Visa Bulletin. If your priority date is current under the applicable chart, you may file your I-485 — and if the category is current, you can file the I-140 and I-485 concurrently (together). See Article 5 for how to read the bulletin.
The Dr. I-485 bundle
Form | What it does |
I-485 | The green card (adjustment of status) application |
I-765 | Employment Authorization Document (EAD) — work permit while you wait |
I-131 | Advance Parole — travel document while you wait |
Dr. I-485 prepares this common concurrent bundle so you can work and travel while your case is pending. You'll also need a medical exam (Form I-693, completed by a USCIS civil surgeon) — Dr. I-485 tells you when and how to obtain it.
Timeline
Preparing your package with Dr. I-485 takes a single working session in most cases. After you file with USCIS, EAD and Advance Parole often arrive within a few months, while the green card itself depends on your category, country, and the Visa Bulletin.
What does it cost?
Item | Cost |
Dr. I-485 (the I-485 Kit) | $299, flat |
When you pay | Only at download — free to start |
USCIS government filing fees | Separate, paid to USCIS |
Start and build your entire package for free; you pay the flat $299 only when you're ready to download. Government filing fees are set by USCIS and paid directly to the government.
FAQ
Do I need an approved I-140 first? Not always — if your priority date is current, you may file I-140 and I-485 concurrently. If it isn't current yet, you generally wait.
Is Dr. I-485 a law firm? No. Dr. I-485 is a preparation tool. Optional human services (including attorney Petition Review for I-485) are available separately at quickfiling.us/services.
Can I add a spouse or children? Derivative family members can file their own I-485s; ask your specialist how to include them.
Dr. I-485 and QuickFiling are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. This article is general information, not individualized legal advice.
Related: Complete Guide: Filing Your I-485 with Dr. I-485 · I-485, I-765 & I-131 Explained · When Can I File I-485? Priority Dates & the Visa Bulletin
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