Adjustment of Status After a K-1 Visa
Form I-485, the 2-Year Conditional Green Card, and What Happens Next
After entering the United States on a K-1 visa and marrying your U.S. citizen petitioner within 90 days, the next major step is:
Adjustment of Status (AOS) to become a lawful permanent resident.
This is done by filing Form I-485 with USCIS.
Many K-1 couples think the hard part is over after the wedding.
In reality, this step is just as important.
What Is Adjustment of Status?
Adjustment of Status allows a K-1 beneficiary to:
- Apply for a Green Card without leaving the U.S.
- Receive work authorization
- Receive travel permission while waiting
Forms Included in the AOS Packet
Most K-1 applicants file these together:
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- I-485 – Application for Green Card
- I-864 – Affidavit of Support from the U.S. spouse
- I-765 – Work permit (optional but recommended)
- I-131 – Travel document (Advance Parole)
Required Documents for I-485
- Marriage certificate
- Copy of K-1 visa and entry stamp
- I-94 record
- Birth certificate (translated if needed)
- Medical vaccination worksheet from St. Luke’s
- Passport photos
- Proof of bona fide marriage
- Petitioner’s tax transcript and proof of income
- Every case is different; there may be more needed.
The 2-Year Conditional Green Card
Because the marriage is less than 2 years old at the time of approval, USCIS issues:
A Conditional Green Card valid for 2 years
This is normal and expected for all K-1 marriages.
Work Permit and Travel While Waiting
While the I-485 is processing, USCIS will issue:
- EAD (work permit)
- Advance Parole (travel permission)
Do not leave the U.S. until you receive Advance Parole.
The AOS Interview
Most K-1 couples attend a USCIS interview where officers ask about:
- Your marriage
- Your living situation
- Your relationship history
- Your shared documents
Bring updated proof of your marriage.
What Happens After the 2 Years? (I-751)
Before the 2-year card expires, you must file:
Form I-751 – Removal of Conditions
This proves the marriage is still real and ongoing.
Failure to file on time can cause loss of status.
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Common AOS Mistakes
▪️ Forgetting the I-864 financial evidence
▪️ Not including the vaccination worksheet
▪️ Traveling before Advance Parole arrives
▪️ Weak marriage evidence
▪️ Forgetting to file I-751 later
Timeline Overview
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Enter U.S. on K-1 | Must marry within 90 days |
| After marriage | File I-485 packet |
| 3–6 months | Receive work/travel permit |
| 8–18 months | Green card interview & approval |
| 2 years later | File I-751 to remove conditions |
What USCIS Wants to See
They want proof that:
You share a life financially and emotionally
You married for real reasons
You live together as a couple