What is the difference between I-485 and Green Card?
Green Card
January 01, 2026
1,831 views
Answer
I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence):
- Application form to adjust status to permanent resident
- Filed when priority date is current
- Processing takes 6-12 months typically
- After approval, you get Green Card
Green Card (Permanent Resident Card):
- Physical card proving permanent resident status
- Issued after I-485 approval
- Valid for 10 years (or 2 years if conditional)
- Must renew before expiration
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