Form I-485 Processing Time And Application Timeline (2025 Update)

The Form I-485 Processing Time update is made based on the most recent USCIS field‑office data.

Form I-485, officially called the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is used by individuals in the United States to apply for a green card. In simple terms, it allows someone to transition from a temporary immigration status to lawful permanent resident status without leaving the U.S.

However, the processing time for Form I-485 can vary widely. The timeline depends on several factors, including:

• The type of green card you’re applying for (family-based, employment-based, asylum, etc.),
• The specific USCIS field office or service center handling your case,
• The overall workload at USCIS, and
• How complete and accurate your application package is.

Why Knowing the Timeline Matters

Understanding how long the I-485 process takes is important because it helps you:

• Plan for key milestones, like your biometrics appointment or interview,
• Prepare for work or travel if you’re waiting on a work permit (EAD) or advance parole,
• Avoid unnecessary delays by knowing when a case is outside normal processing time.

Since USCIS updates processing times regularly—and they vary by location—it’s critical to stay informed and track your case closely throughout the process.

Quick‑Glance Timeline

Check Your Eligibility

Before sending Form I‑485, confirm that a visa is immediately available in your category and that you meet all statutory and admissibility requirements. See our I‑485 Eligibility Checklist for a line‑by‑line walkthrough.

Below is a more detailed explanation of each stage shown in the Quick-Glance Timeline, including what to expect at every point in the I-485 process.

Form I-485 Timeline & Process Steps

After submitting Form I-485 to USCIS, your adjustment of status application will go through several key stages. Below is a breakdown of what typically happens at each step, based on standard processing timelines. These steps correspond with the summary shown in the Quick-Glance Timeline above.

1. Receipt Notice (Form I-797C)

Timeline: 2–4 weeks after filing
USCIS will send you a Receipt Notice confirming that they have received your Form I-485. This notice includes a receipt number you can use to track your case status online.

2. Biometric Services Appointment Notice

Timeline: 5–8 weeks after filing
Next, you’ll receive an appointment notice for biometrics. This is your fingerprinting appointment, typically held at an Application Support Center (ASC).

3. Biometrics Appointment

Timeline: Usually occurs within 1–2 weeks of the notice
At the appointment, USCIS will collect your fingerprints, photograph, and signature. These are used to run background checks with the FBI and DHS.

4. Employment Authorization Document (EAD) & Advance Parole (AP)

Timeline: 14–20 weeks after filing
If you applied for a work permit (Form I-765) or travel permit (Form I-131) with your I-485, you may receive a combo EAD/AP card. This allows you to work and re-enter the U.S. while your I-485 is pending.

5. Interview Notice

Timeline: 4–10 months after filing
If an interview is required, USCIS will send you a notice with the date, time, and location. Be sure to bring updated documentation, your original civil documents, and a copy of your application.

6. Adjustment of Status Interview

Timeline: Typically scheduled within 1–2 months of notice
During the interview, a USCIS officer will review your application and verify your eligibility. Not all applicants are interviewed—some may receive a waiver if their case is low-risk and well-documented.

7. Receive Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

Timeline: 8–14 months after filing
If your interview is successful (or waived), USCIS will approve your application and mail your green card. Congratulations! You are now a lawful permanent resident.

Note: The process steps and timeline mentioned above may vary depending on various factors such as your application status, individual circumstances, filing office, and workload of the USCIS.

Average Processing Times by Category (USCIS FY 2025 Q2)

Detailed USCIS Field Office Tables

Below you can find the complete categories, service centers, and their processing time for the form I-485. It is updated on July 03, 2025.

Employment-Based Form I-485 Processing Time

Family-Based Form I-485 Processing Time

Under the Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA) Form I-485 Processing Time

Asylum-Based Form I-485 Processing Time

Refugee-Based Form I-485 Processing Time

Based on an approved T Visa Form I-485 Processing Time

Based on an approved U Visa Form I-485 Processing Time

How to Check Your Case Status

• Locate your 13‑digit receipt number (e.g., MSC2190…).
• Visit the USCIS Case Status Tool to track your application with your receipt number. You can also check average timelines by category and office using the USCIS Processing Times page. For a full explanation of how USCIS calculates and updates these timelines, read our USCIS Processing Times Explained article.
• Sign up for automatic text/email alerts.
• If your case is outside the normal range displayed, submit an e‑Request or call the USCIS Contact Center.

Reasons for Form I-485 Application Delays

There are several reasons for the delay in processing your I-485 application form. The most common reasons are:

• You have received a Request for Evidence (RFE), which is asking for additional information to support your submission of Form I-485.
• The appointment for your biometrics has been rescheduled.
• Your case has been transferred to a different USCIS Service Center.
• There have been processing errors related to your Form I-485.
• The USCIS may conduct additional checks and investigations related to your case.
• You have changed your address, and it’s important to update it with USCIS.

What to Do When Your I‑485 Is Outside Normal Processing Time

1. Submit a “Outside Normal Processing Time” e‑Request (online).
   If you’re unsure whether your case is delayed, our guide on USCIS Processing Times Explained can help you interpret the published timelines more accurately.
2. Call USCIS at 800‑375‑5283 (have your receipt number ready).
3. Ask your congressional representative for assistance if the delay is extreme.
4. Consider an Ombudsman inquiry for systemic issues.
5. If urgent travel or job loss is at stake, discuss mandamus or writ of habeas actions with an immigration attorney.

FAQs on I-485 Processing Time

Let Us Help You Finish Your I-485 Application Successfully

If you take the extra time and care to complete your Form I-485, you can minimize the processing time for your application. ImmigrationDirect helps optimize your I-485 Form processing time with our best approach. We aim to help you prepare an application, including the I-485 Supplement B, that meets all eligibility requirements and is thoroughly documented, thereby reducing the likelihood of receiving Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or denials.

Our streamlined online system and attorney consultation service help you submit a complete, accurate Form I-485 that meets USCIS requirements—reducing RFEs and speeding up your path to a green card.