Form i-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

Evidence of Education or Work Experience 

Principal applicants must provide one of the following:

1. 

A high school diploma or its equivalent (Successful completion of a 12-year course of elementary and secondary 

education in the United States or successful completion of a formal course of elementary and secondary education in 

another country that is comparable to a high school education in the United States.  Only formal courses of study meet 

this requirement.  Correspondence programs or equivalency certificates, such as the General Equivalency Diploma 

(GED), are not acceptable); or

2. 

Two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or 

experience.

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Form I-485 Instructions   03/29/21    

Page 41 of 43

Continuous Residence in the United States Since Before January 1, 1972 (Registry)

Certain foreign nationals who entered the United States prior to January 1, 1972 and have maintained continuous U.S. 

residence since then may apply to register their lawful permanent resident status. 

Derivative applicants are not allowed in this category.