Adjustment of Status Through Marriage: Understanding the I-485 Process

Manny Ramirez
Dec 18, 2025
2 min read

Adjustment of Status Through Marriage: Image of Couple at their Wedding Ceremony

Adjustment of status through marriage allows a foreign national who is already in the United States to apply for permanent residence without leaving the country. This process is completed by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

How Soon After Marriage Can the I-485 Be Filed?

In most cases, the I-485 can be submitted as soon as the marriage is legally valid. There is no mandatory waiting period after the wedding. Once a marriage certificate is available and the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse is eligible to file a petition, the adjustment of status through marriage process may begin.

Many couples choose to file the I-485 at the same time as Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, which establishes the qualifying marital relationship.

Evidence Commonly Requested for Adjustment of Status Through Marriage

USCIS reviews marriage-based cases carefully to confirm that the marriage is bona fide. Typical evidence requested with an I-485 filing includes:

A valid marriage certificate
Proof of lawful entry, such as a visa and I-94 record
Birth certificates with certified translations if applicable
Government-issued identification and passports
Documents showing a shared life, which may include:
- Joint lease or mortgage
- Joint bank accounts or credit cards
- Insurance policies listing both spouses
- Utility bills sent to the same address
- Photos of the couple together over time
- Affidavits from friends or family, when appropriate

Providing consistent and well-organized evidence can help reduce delays or requests for additional documentation.

Forms That Can Be Filed Together With the I-485

One benefit of adjustment of status through marriage is the ability to file multiple forms concurrently. Common additional forms include:

Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, which allows the applicant to work while the case is pending
Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, which allows travel outside the United States with advance parole
Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, completed by a USCIS-authorized civil surgeon

Filing these forms together can help applicants maintain stability while waiting for a final decision.

What Happens After Approval?

If the marriage is less than two years old at the time permanent residence is granted, the applicant will receive conditional permanent resident status valid for two years.

To remain a permanent resident, Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, must be filed during the 90-day period before the conditional card expires. This filing again requires evidence that the marriage is ongoing and genuine.

When Can Naturalization Be Filed?

After adjustment of status through marriage, a permanent resident married to a U.S. citizen may be eligible to apply for naturalization using Form N-400 after three years of permanent residence, provided the marriage continues and all eligibility requirements are met. Other permanent residents generally qualify after five years.

Final Note

Understanding the timing, documentation, and follow-up requirements involved in adjustment of status through marriage can help applicants plan ahead and avoid common filing issues. Staying informed and preparing accurate paperwork from the beginning can make the process more manageable and less stressful.