Green Card Through I-485 Adjustment of Status — DMV Region
Form I-485 is the application that converts an immigrant petition (I-130, I-140, asylum, or other) into lawful permanent resident status without leaving the United States. Hasan Legal PC files I-485 packets for clients across the Washington DC field office, the Baltimore Maryland field office, and the Fairfax Virginia field office — including federal employees, military spouses, healthcare workers, and tech professionals throughout the DMV.
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Who can file I-485 in 2026
You may file I-485 if you are physically present in the United States, have an approved (or concurrently filed) immigrant visa petition, and a visa number is immediately available for your category according to the monthly Department of State Visa Bulletin. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21) always have an available visa number.
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Concurrent filing — I-765 and I-131
When you file I-485, you should almost always file I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) and I-131 (Application for Travel Document / Advance Parole) at the same time. When filed concurrently with a pending I-485, the filing fees for I-765 and I-131 are waived. Your EAD permits work for any U.S. employer; Advance Parole permits international travel without abandoning the I-485.
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Processing times at DMV USCIS field offices
The Washington DC field office is currently processing I-485 applications in approximately 14.5 months. The Baltimore field office and the Fairfax field office report similar 12 to 16 month timelines. Employment-based I-485 cases routed to a service center may move faster. Concurrent EAD and Advance Parole are typically issued within 3 to 5 months of filing.
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The adjustment-of-status interview
Most family-based I-485 applicants are scheduled for an in-person interview at their local USCIS field office (Washington DC, Baltimore, or Fairfax). USCIS will review your relationship documentation, ask routine eligibility questions, and verify identity. Employment-based I-485 interviews have been reduced but may still occur.
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Travel and work while I-485 is pending
Once your EAD is approved you may work for any employer in the United States. Once your Advance Parole is approved you may travel internationally and re-enter without abandoning the I-485 — but TPS, asylum, and certain other categories have additional rules. Departing the U.S. without an approved Advance Parole document while I-485 is pending is treated as abandonment of the application.
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Common pitfalls
Frequent reasons for I-485 denials or RFEs include unfiled tax returns, public charge concerns under updated 2026 USCIS guidance, gaps in the I-693 medical examination (must be signed within 60 days of filing in most cases), missing I-864 Affidavit of Support evidence, and travel without Advance Parole. Hasan Legal PC reviews every packet against current USCIS Policy Manual chapters before filing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does I-485 take at the Washington DC USCIS field office in 2026?
The Washington DC USCIS field office is processing I-485 Adjustment of Status applications in approximately 14.5 months as of 2026. Baltimore and Fairfax field offices report similar 12 to 16 month timelines. Complex cases or RFEs can extend this.
What is the I-485 filing fee in 2026?
The I-485 filing fee is $1,440 for applicants ages 14 to 78 and includes biometrics. Applicants under 14 filed with a parent's I-485 pay $950, and applicants over 78 also pay $950. When I-765 and I-131 are filed concurrently with the I-485, those fees are waived.
Can I work in Virginia or Maryland while my I-485 is pending?
Yes. After filing I-485 you can file I-765 to receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). EADs are typically issued in 3 to 5 months and let you work for any employer in the United States until your green card is approved.
Can I travel internationally while my I-485 is pending?
You must file I-131 for Advance Parole before traveling. Departing the United States without an approved Advance Parole document while I-485 is pending is treated as abandonment of the application. Asylum, TPS, and certain other categories have additional travel restrictions.
Will I have an in-person interview at my local USCIS field office?
Most family-based I-485 applicants in the DMV are interviewed in person at the Washington DC, Baltimore, or Fairfax field office. Employment-based I-485 interviews have been reduced since 2023 but may still be scheduled at USCIS discretion.
What documents do I need for an I-485 packet?
A complete I-485 packet typically includes the underlying immigrant petition (I-130 or I-140), Form I-485 with $1,440 filing fee, Form I-693 sealed medical examination, Form I-864 Affidavit of Support (family-based), two passport photos, birth certificate with translation, marriage certificate (if applicable), tax transcripts, and identity and immigration status documents.
Last updated April 28, 2026 Source: USCIS.gov Not legal advice
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Hasan Legal PC attorneys handle USCIS petitions, family immigration, employment-based green cards, and naturalization across Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland.