Adjustment of Status (AOS): Apply for a Green Card Inside the United States
Adjustment of status (AOS) is the process to apply for a green card without leaving the United States.
In many family cases, you file Form I-485 with USCIS and submit documents to prove identity, eligibility,
and your family relationship.
Quick help: Most delays come from missing documents, an incomplete financial sponsorship plan (I-864),
or problems with the medical exam (I-693).
Not sure if you should do AOS or consular processing?
See the comparison.
Official USCIS overview (for reference):
Adjustment of Status (USCIS)
On this page
- Who can use AOS?
- Step-by-step: how AOS usually works
- Common forms (I-485, I-864, work permit, travel)
- Common documents to include
- Do you need the Visa Bulletin?
- Medical exam (Form I-693) and civil surgeon tips
- Biometrics and what happens next
- Interview basics (family cases)
- Common mistakes that cause delays
- FAQ
Who can use adjustment of status (AOS)?
AOS is for people who are already in the United States and want to apply for a green card through USCIS.
Eligibility depends on your category and your immigration history.
| Common situation | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Spouse of a U.S. citizen inside the U.S. | AOS is often the main path (but eligibility still depends on the facts). Start here: Marriage Green Card. |
| Immediate relative cases (spouse, parent, child under 21 of a U.S. citizen) |
Often simpler than preference categories. Immediate relatives guide. |
| Preference category cases (F1–F4) |
Timing may depend on the Visa Bulletin (priority date). Visa Bulletin guide. |
Earlier in the process?
Step-by-step: how AOS usually works
- Confirm the category. Immediate relative vs preference category matters for timing.
- Prepare the forms. The main application is Form I-485.
- Prepare financial sponsorship. Many family cases require Form I-864.
- Prepare supporting documents. Identity, relationship, and eligibility documents.
- Medical exam (I-693). Follow USCIS instructions and use a designated civil surgeon.
- File the AOS package. USCIS issues receipt notices.
- Biometrics appointment. USCIS collects fingerprints/photos (if required).
- Optional: work permit and travel. Some applicants file I-765 (work permit) and I-131 (advance parole).
- Interview (many family cases). USCIS may schedule an interview.
- Decision. USCIS approves, requests more evidence, or denies (depends on the case).
Official form pages (for reference):
I-485 •
I-693 •
I-765 •
I-131
Common forms in family-based AOS
| Form | What it’s for (plain language) |
|---|---|
| I-485 | Main AOS application for a green card inside the U.S. |
| I-864 | Financial sponsorship (Affidavit of Support) in many family cases. |
| I-765 | Work permit (Employment Authorization Document, “EAD”) for eligible applicants. |
| I-131 | Travel document (often advance parole) for eligible applicants. |
| I-693 | Medical exam and vaccination record (completed by a designated civil surgeon). |
Keep it simple: Only file forms you actually need for your case.
Common documents to include (plain list)
Most AOS packets include
- Identity documents (example: passport biographic page, photo ID).
- Relationship documents (example: marriage certificate or birth certificate).
- Proof of any prior marriages ending (divorce decrees, death certificates), if applicable.
- Financial sponsorship evidence for I-864 (tax documents + proof of current income).
- Translations for any foreign-language documents (with a proper translator certification).
- Medical exam (I-693), if required and prepared correctly.
Spouse cases (extra items)
- Evidence the marriage is real (examples: shared finances, lease, insurance, photos, travel, children’s records).
- A simple relationship timeline.
Official checklist (for reference):
USCIS I-485 Initial Evidence Checklist
Do you need the Visa Bulletin to file AOS?
Some categories can file without waiting for a priority date.
Other categories must wait until a visa number is available under the Visa Bulletin rules.
Two practical steps
- Identify the category (immediate relative vs preference category).
- Use the USCIS “When to File” page (USCIS tells you which chart to use each month).
Official references:
USCIS: When to File •
USCIS: AOS Filing Charts
Medical exam (Form I-693): what to know
Many AOS applicants must submit a medical exam on Form I-693.
USCIS expects the exam to be completed by a designated civil surgeon.
Practical tips
- Use the correct doctor (civil surgeon) and the correct form edition.
- Bring vaccination records if you have them.
- Follow USCIS instructions carefully (including how the form is sealed/handled).
Official references:
USCIS: I-693 •
USCIS: Finding a Medical Doctor
Biometrics: what happens after you file
After you file, USCIS typically sends receipt notices and may schedule a biometrics appointment.
USCIS may also send requests for more evidence (an RFE) if something important is missing.
Work permit and travel (if eligible):
Many AOS applicants file I-765 (work permit) and I-131 (advance parole) to work and travel while the case is pending.
Always confirm filing fees before you submit:
USCIS Filing Fees •
USCIS Fee Calculator
Interview basics (family cases)
Many family-based AOS cases include an interview.
The officer may ask about your relationship, your forms, and your supporting documents.
Bring updated documents
- Original civil documents (and translations, if needed).
- Updated relationship evidence (spouse cases), including newer records and photos.
- Updated financial evidence (if income changed).
- Any notices from USCIS related to the interview.
Common mistakes that cause delays
- Missing required documents (especially financial evidence for I-864).
- Inconsistent names or dates across forms and civil records.
- Weak relationship evidence in spouse cases (not enough shared-life proof).
- Medical exam problems (wrong doctor, wrong form edition, or incomplete vaccination record).
- Filing at the wrong time for preference category cases (Visa Bulletin issues).
Want a quick review before you file?
We can review your forms, document list, and sponsorship plan before you submit—so you can file with confidence.
This site is intended as general information only. Not legal advice.
FAQ
Is AOS faster than consular processing?
It depends on the case and the category. AOS and consular processing have different steps and different timelines.
Compare them here: Consular vs AOS.
Do I need the I-864 in a family-based AOS case?
Many family-based cases require financial sponsorship. If the petitioner’s income is not enough,
a joint sponsor strategy may be needed.
See: I-864 guide.
Can I work or travel while my AOS is pending?
Many AOS applicants file I-765 (work permit) and I-131 (advance parole), if eligible.
Always confirm your plan before traveling.
What is the best way to reduce RFEs?
Use a checklist, verify your I-864 evidence, and make sure your names/dates match across forms and records.
Start here: Document checklist.
Related pages:
Family-Based Visas hub •
I-130 •
I-864 •
Consular processing •
Document checklist