I-485 Part 1 Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

Filling out government forms can feel like taking a test you didn’t study for. When that form is the key to your future life in the United States, the pressure is even higher.

If you are applying for a marriage-based green card, Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) is the most critical document you will submit. It is the actual request to become a lawful permanent resident.

While the form is long—20 pages in its current 2026 version—it all starts with Part 1: Information About You.

It sounds simple enough. You know who you are, right? However, simple mistakes in this section, such as entering the wrong “Status on Form I-94” or misspelling a middle name, can lead to confusing Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or processing delays.

In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the I-485 Part 1 instructions specifically for couples, ensuring you start your application on the right foot.

What is Form I-485?

Before diving into the i-485 part 1 instructions, let’s clarify what this form does. The i-485 form is used by a person currently inside the United States to apply for a green card without having to return to their home country. This process is known as “Adjustment of Status.”

For couples, this form is usually filed concurrently (at the same time) with Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative).

I-130 and I-485 Concurrent Filing Guide: The Complete 2026 Process

Why Part 1 Matters

Part 1 acts as the foundation of your profile. It tells USCIS:

1. Who you are (Identity).
2. Where you live (Contact Info).
3. How you entered the U.S. (Eligibility).

If the information here contradicts other forms or government records, USCIS officers will pause your case to investigate.

Step-by-Step I-485 Part 1 Instructions

Let’s walk through the specific fields you will encounter in Part 1. Open your form, and let’s go line by line.

1. Your Current Legal Name

This asks for your name as it is right now.

• Family Name (Last Name): If you changed your name after marriage, use your new married name here, provided you have a marriage certificate as proof.
• Given Name (First Name): Use your legal first name.
• Middle Name: If you don’t have one, leave it blank. Do not write “N/A” or “None” unless your legal middle name is actually “None.”

Scenario: Maria Garcia married John Smith. She wants to take his name. On the I-485, she writes “Smith” as the Family Name. She includes her marriage certificate in the package to prove the name change from her birth certificate.

2. Other Names Used Since Birth

This is where you list your “past lives.” You must list:

• Maiden names.
• Previous married names (if divorced).
• Nicknames or aliases used on official documents.

If you have never used another name, you can leave this section blank or write “N/A” depending on the specific field instructions.

3. Date and Place of Birth

This section must match your birth certificate exactly.

• Date of Birth: Use the American format: mm/dd/yyyy.
• City/Town/Village of Birth: Write it exactly as it appears on your birth certificate, even if the city name has changed since you were born.
• Country of Birth: Use the name of the country as it was when you were born (e.g., if you were born in the USSR, list the current country name that corresponds to that territory, but check specific USCIS drop-down instructions if filing online).

4. Sex and Marital Status

• Sex: Check Male or Female.
• Marital Status: If you are applying for a marriage-based green card, you must check Married. Even if you just got married yesterday, you are married.

5. Citizenship and Nationality

• Country of Citizenship: List the country that issued your passport. If you hold dual citizenship, you can list both, or the one you used to enter the U.S.

6. Alien Registration Number (A-Number)

This is a common point of confusion in how to fill i-485.

• What is it? An A-Number is a 7, 8, or 9-digit number assigned to non-citizens. It usually starts with an “A”.
• Where do I find it? You might have one if you previously applied for OPT (Optional Practical Training) or had a previous immigration case. It is often found on an EAD card (Employment Authorization Document).
• What if I don’t have one? If you are here on a tourist visa (B-2) and this is your first interaction with USCIS, you likely do not have an A-Number. Leave this field blank. USCIS will assign you one after you file.

7. USCIS Online Account Number

If you have filed a form online previously (like an I-90 or DACA renewal), you have an account number. Log in to your USCIS online account to find it. If you have never had an online account, leave this blank.

8. U.S. Mailing Address

This is where USCIS will send your appointment notices and your actual green card.

• Reliability is crucial: If you move often, consider using a trusted friend or family member’s address (carefully noting “C/O” or Care Of).
• The “Safe” Address: If you are a victim of abuse (VAWA self-petitioner), there are special instructions here to keep your location safe.

9. Recent Immigration History (The Tricky Part)

This section of the i-485 guide requires your passport and I-94 record.

• Passport Number Used at Last Arrival: Enter the number of the passport you showed the officer when you last entered the U.S.
• Travel Document Number: Usually left blank if you have a passport.
• Expiration Date of this Passport: Enter the date from the passport.
• Country that Issued this Passport: Self-explanatory.

The I-94 Information

You will need to retrieve your “Most Recent I-94” from the Official CBP Website.

• Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record Number: This is the long number at the top of your I-94 printout.
• Date of Last Arrival: The date you physically landed in the U.S.
• Place of Last Arrival: The airport or border crossing code (e.g., JFK, LAX, SFO).
• Status on Form I-94: This describes the “class” of admission.
  • Tourist: Usually “B-2” or “WT” (Waiver Tourist / ESTA).
  • Student: “F-1”.
  • Work Visa: “H-1B”.
• Expiration Date of Authorized Stay:
  • Tourists: This is a specific date on your I-94.
  • Students (F-1): This is usually “D/S” (Duration of Status). If your I-94 says D/S, check the box that says “D/S” on the form.

Common Mistake: Do not confuse your visa expiration date with your I-94 expiration date. Your visa might be valid for 10 years, but your I-94 authorized stay might only be for 6 months. Use the date on the I-94.

10. Address History

USCIS requires a list of everywhere you have lived for the past 5 years.

• Chronological Order: Start with your current address (Address 1) and work backward.
• No Gaps: The dates must connect. If you moved out of Apartment A on June 1st and into Apartment B on June 2nd, the dates should reflect that.
• Foreign Addresses: If you lived abroad within the last 5 years, include those addresses too.
• Format: If a foreign address doesn’t fit the U.S. format (State/Zip), use the fields provided for Province/Postal Code.

11. Employment History

Similar to addresses, list your employment for the last 5 years inside and outside the U.S.

• Include periods of unemployment, being a student, or homemaker.
• Provide the employer’s name and address.

What is EAD (Employment Authorization Document)?

Fees and Processing Times in 2026

When following these i-485 part 1 instructions, it is important to know what comes next.

The Cost

As of 2026, USCIS fees are substantial.

• I-485 Filing Fee: generally $1,440.
• Biometrics Fee: This is often included in the new fee structure, but always verify the current G-1055 Fee Schedule before writing your check.

The Timeline

Processing times vary by your local field office. In 2026, the average processing time for a marriage-based I-485 ranges from 10 to 20 months.

Errors in Part 1—like getting your I-94 number wrong—can add months to this timeline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Part 1

We see these errors frequently at Greenbroad:

1. Typing “N/A” incorrectly: Don’t put “N/A” in the Middle Name field unless your middle name is legally “N/A”.
2. Date Format Errors: Using Day/Month/Year instead of Month/Day/Year (U.S. format).
3. Missing Apartment Numbers: If you live in Apt 4B, and you just write the street address, your green card might get returned as undeliverable.
4. Leaving Gaps in Address History: USCIS wants to know where you were. A gap of 6 months looks suspicious.

Conclusion

Filling out the i-485 part 1 instructions correctly is the first step toward securing your future in the United States. By taking your time, verifying your I-94 data, and ensuring your name and address history are accurate, you significantly reduce the chance of rejection.

Remember, this form tells the story of you. Make sure it’s a story USCIS can easily read and verify.

Don’t Leave Your Future to Chance

While you can fill out the I-485 yourself, the stakes are incredibly high. A single checked box in the wrong place can lead to months of delays or even a denial.

Greenbroad is here to take the weight off your shoulders. For a flat fee of $749, our service guides you through every question, generates the completed forms for you, creates a customized document checklist, and provides filing instructions. We help you get it right the first time.

Get Started with Greenbroad Today

Disclaimer: I am not an attorney. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules can change. If your case involves criminal history, previous immigration violations, or complex legal issues, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney.