If your tourist visa expires while your green card application is pending, you generally remain in the U.S. legally while awaiting a decision. Filing the I-485 grants you a period of authorized stay, even if your visa expires, as long as the application was properly filed and is still under review.

When you apply for a green card through adjustment of status, your presence in the U.S. becomes authorized by the pending application, even if your original visa status expires. However, it's crucial that you were in valid status at the time of filing your green card application. If you overstayed your visa before applying, your eligibility could be affected unless you are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, in which case certain exceptions may apply.