US makes it simpler and easier for US Green Card seekers without having to return to their home country to complete visa processing. Effective January 22, 2025, USCIS has waived any requirements that applicants for ‘adjustment of status’ to that of a lawful permanent resident present documentation on their Form I-693, that they received the COVID-19 vaccination. Form I-693 is used as a report of the Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.

USCIS will not issue any Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny related to proving a COVID-19 vaccination. Further, USCIS will not deny any adjustment of status application based on the applicant’s failure to present documentation that they received the COVID-19 vaccination.

Adjustment of status is the process that you can use to apply for lawful permanent resident status (also known as applying for a Green Card) when you are present in the United States. If you are outside of the United States, you must obtain your visa abroad through consular processing.

Steps for Adjustment of Status

Determine if you are eligible to apply for a Green Card

U.S. immigration laws provide a variety of ways for people to apply for a Green Card. The eligibility requirements for adjustment of status may vary depending on the immigrant category you are applying under. The first step in the adjustment of status process is to determine if you fit into a specific immigrant category. Once you find your immigrant category, you can then go to the specific page that lists what the eligibility requirements are.

You or someone else must file an immigrant petition for you (if applicable)

Most people who apply for a Green Card will need to complete at least two forms—an immigrant petition and a Green Card application. Someone else usually must file the petition for you (often referred to as sponsoring or petitioning for you), although you may be eligible to file for yourself in some cases.

Most categories require you to have an approved immigrant petition before you can file a Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. However, some categories may allow you to file your Form I-485 at the same time that the immigrant petition is filed or while the immigrant petition is pending. This is called “concurrent filing.

Check visa availability (if applicable)

In general, you may not file your Form I-485 until a visa is available in your category. For information on visa availability, you will have to refer to the Visa Availability and Priority Dates page on USCIS website, the Adjustment of Status Filing Charts, and the Department of State website to view the Visa Bulletin.

File Form I-485

If you are in the United States and are eligible for adjustment of status, you may file a Form I-485. You need to read the Form I-485 instructions on how to complete your application and properly file it with USCIS.

Go to your Application Support Center appointment

After you file your Form I-485, USCIS will mail you a notice for your biometrics services appointment at a local Application Support Center (ASC) to provide your fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature. The notice will include the date, time, and location of the appointment. USCIS uses your biometrics to verify your identity and conduct required background and security checks.

Go to your interview (if applicable)

USCIS officials will review your case to determine whether an interview is necessary. If USCIS schedules you for an interview, you will be required to appear at a USCIS office to answer questions under oath or affirmation regarding your Form I‑485. When you come to your interview, you (and the family member who filed the immigrant petition for you, if applicable) must bring the originals of all documentation submitted with the Form I-485 application. This includes passports, official travel documents, and Form I-94, whether or not they are expired.

Check your case status

You may check your case status online or call our USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 to check the status of your Form I-485

Receive a decision

When USCIS decides on your application, they will send you a written decision notice. If USCIS approves your application, you generally will receive an approval notice first and then receive your actual Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) a little later. If USCIS denies your application, the decision notice will tell you the reasons why your application is denied and whether you may appeal the decision.

Generally, you cannot appeal the decision to deny an adjustment of status application. Even if you cannot appeal the denial, you may still be eligible to file a motion to reopen or reconsider.