Instructions For Application To Register Permanent Residence Or Adjust Status (Form I-485) (Page 5 of 42) in pdf

Signature. Each application must be properly signed and filed. For all signatures on this application, USCIS will

not accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature. If you are under 14 years of age, your parent or

legal guardian may sign the application on your behalf. (See the Additional Instructions that relates to Individuals

Born Under Diplomatic Status in the United States, for one exception.) A legal guardian may also sign for a mentally

incompetent person.

Filing Fee. Each application must be accompanied by the appropriate filing fee and biometric services fee (if applicable).

(See the What Is the Filing Fee section of these Instructions.) If you file this application with an agency other than

USCIS, check with that agency to determine if and when you must submit biometric services fees.

Evidence. At the time of filing, you must submit all evidence and supporting documentation listed in the What Evidence

Must You Submit with Form I-485 section of these Instructions. Evidence requirements may vary depending on the

immigrant category you are applying under. See the Additional Instructions for information on whether any general

evidence requirements do not apply to you, or if you have other evidence requirements specific to your immigrant

category.

Biometric Services Appointment. USCIS may require that you appear for an interview or provide fingerprints,

photograph, and/or signature at any time to verify your identity, obtain additional information, and conduct background

and security checks, including a check of criminal history records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation

(FBI), before making a decision on your application, petition, or request. After USCIS receives your application and

ensures it is complete, we will inform you in writing if you need to attend a biometric services appointment. If an

appointment is necessary, the notice will provide you the location of your local or designated USCIS Application Support

Center (ASC) and the date and time of your appointment. If you are an applicant (principal or derivative) filing Form

I-485 with an immigration judge, you are required to comply with instructions you will receive during proceedings for

submitting Form I-485 to USCIS with all relevant fees and for providing biometric and biographic information to USCIS.

If you are required to provide biometrics, at your appointment you must sign an oath reaffirming that:

1. You provided or authorized all information in the application;

2. You reviewed and understood all of the information contained in, and submitted with, your application; and

3. All of this information was complete, true, and correct at the time of filing.

If you fail to attend your biometric services appointment, USCIS may deny your application. For applicants and

derivatives who appear before an immigration judge, failure to attend a biometric services appointment, without good

cause, may result in the immigration judge finding that your application was abandoned, and USCIS may also deny any

other application, petition, or request you filed with USCIS.

Copies. You should submit legible photocopies of documents requested, unless the Instructions specifically state that you

must submit an original document. USCIS may request an original document at the time of filing or at any time during

processing of an application, petition, or request. If USCIS requests an original document from you, it will be returned to

you after USCIS determines it no longer needs your original.

NOTE: If you submit original documents when not required or requested by USCIS or the Immigration Court, your

original documents may remain a part of the record, USCIS or the Immigration Court will not automatically return them

to you, and your original documents may be immediately destroyed upon receipt.

Translations. If you submit a document with information in a foreign language, you must also submit a full English

translation. The translator must sign a certification that the English language translation is complete and accurate, and that

he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English. The certification must include the translator’s

signature. DHS recommends the certification contain the translator’s printed name and the date and the translator’s

contact information.

Form I-485 Instructions 06/26/17 N

Page 5 of 42

Instructions For Application To Register Permanent Residence Or Adjust Status (Form I-485) Page 5