If you are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, you can become a lawful permanent resident (get a Green Card) based on your family relationship if you meet certain eligibility requirements. You are an immediate relative if you are:

• The spouse of a U.S. citizen
• The unmarried child under 21 years of age of a U.S. citizen
• The parent of a U.S. citizen (if the U.S. citizen is 21 years of age or older).

In order to be eligible for a Green Card as an immediate relative, you must meet the following requirements:

• You properly file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
• You were inspected and admitted or inspected and paroled into the United States
• You are physically present in the United States at the time you file your Form I-485
• You are eligible to receive an immigrant visa
• An immigrant visa is immediately available to you at the time you file your Form I-485 and at the time USCIS makes a final decision on your application
• Note: A visa is always available for immediate relatives.
• The relationship to the family member who filed Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, for you still exists
• None of the applicable bars to adjustment apply to you
• You are admissible to the United States for lawful permanent residence or eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility or other form of relief

If you are currently in the United States and you meet certain other requirements, you may file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status to apply for a Green Card without leaving the country.  This is called “adjustment of status.”

As an immediate relative, you may file your Form I-485 together with the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative filed on your behalf, while the Form I-130 is pending, or after the Form I-130 is approved (and remains valid).