Adjustment of Status

Getting a Green Card if you are in the United States

Are you seeking to become a permanent resident in the United States? The adjustment of status process could be your key to achieving this goal, and our immigration law firm is here to help you every step of the way.

What is Adjustment of Status

Adjustment of Status is a crucial step in the immigration process, allowing individuals in the U.S. on a temporary visa to transition to lawful permanent residency. Applying for lawful permanent resident status is also known as applying for a Green Card. This process is complex, involving various forms, documentation, and legal intricacies. Our experienced immigration attorney will help to simplify this process and ensure a hassle-free experience for our clients.

Who Qualifies for Adjustment of Status

Adjustment of status is only available for persons who are present in the United States.

If you are currently in the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa, you may be able to stay and apply for adjustment of status. This will allow you to become a permanent resident and get a Green Card. Before you can apply for adjustment of status, you or someone else must file an immigration petition for you.

The Adjustment of Status Process

If you meet the eligibility requirements for Adjustment of Status, here are the steps that you will need to follow:

• File the Application: Submit Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, along with necessary supporting documents and fees.
• Attend Biometrics Appointment: You’ll be required to provide fingerprints, photographs, and a signature for background checks.
• Interview: Depending on your case, you may need to attend an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer.
• Receive a Decision: USCIS will review your application and supporting documents and will make a decision to approve or deny your request.

Form I-485 Now Must Be Filed Together with Form I-693

USCIS now requires that Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) be filed together with Form I-693 (Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) to avoid processing delays. Please see our page about the immigration medical exam for more information.

Adjustment of Status for Parents

Adjustment of status allows parents of U.S. citizens to apply for lawful permanent resident status (Green Card) without leaving the United States. To qualify, the U.S. citizen must be at least 21 years old, and the parent must meet eligibility requirements, such as lawful entry into the U.S. and no disqualifying factors like certain criminal records. The process involves filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), often concurrently. Supporting documents, including proof of relationship and financial sponsorship, are required.

Adjustment of Status for K-1 Visa Holder

After marrying the U.S. citizen petitioner within the required 90 days of entry, a K-1 visa holder can begin the adjustment of status process to obtain a Green Card and become a lawful permanent resident. To proceed, the K-1 visa holder must submit Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) along with supporting documents, such as the marriage certificate, birth certificate, vaccination records, and other required forms and fees. The adjustment of status process after marriage allows the applicant to transition from a K-1 nonimmigrant to lawful permanent resident status.

I-485 Processing Times

The processing time for Form I-485 can vary based on several factors, including:

• USCIS Service Center: Different service centers may have varying processing times.
• Application Type: Processing times may differ depending on whether you’re applying based on family, employment, asylum status, or other categories.
• Complexity of Your Case: Cases involving additional documentation or issues may take longer to process.
• USCIS Workload: The volume of applications and the current workload at the service center can impact processing times.

As of the latest update, the general processing time for Form I-485 typically ranges from 7 to 14 months. However, this timeline can fluctuate. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, you should check the USCIS website.

Key Timelines in the I-485 Process

1. Receipt Notice: After you file your Form I-485, USCIS will send a receipt notice confirming they have received your application. This usually arrives within 2-4 weeks.
2. Biometrics Appointment: You will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, photos, and a signature. This typically occurs within 1-4 months after receiving your receipt notice.
3. Request for Evidence (RFE): If additional information or documents are needed, USCIS will issue a Request for Evidence. Responding promptly to an RFE is crucial to avoid delays.
4. Interview: Most applicants will be required to attend an interview with a USCIS officer. The timing of this interview can vary but usually occurs within several months after your biometrics appointment.
5. Decision: After reviewing your application, biometrics, and interview results, USCIS will make a decision. If approved, you will receive your Green Card in the mail. If denied, you will be informed of the reasons and your options for appeal.

Adjustment of Status Medical Examination

The medical exam is an important part of the adjustment of status process for applicants seeking a Green Card in the United States. Applicants are required to have their exam conducted by a USCIS-authorized civil surgeon to ensure they meet health-related requirements. The adjustment of status medical exam includes reviewing vaccination records, completing necessary vaccinations, and screening for communicable diseases. The results are documented on Form I-693, which is now submitted together with Form I-485, the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This change simplifies the submission process but makes it even more critical to complete the medical exam accurately and on time to avoid delays or issues with the application. For more information, please visit our immigration medical examination page.

Current I-485 Processing Times

How to Check Your Processing Time

• USCIS Processing Times Tool: Visit the USCIS website and use their processing times tool to get an estimate for your specific service center and application type.
• Case Status Online: Use the USCIS Case Status Online tool to check the status of your individual application using your receipt number.

Top Reasons to Choose Our Immigration Lawyer for Adjustment of Status

Expert Guidance: our attorney has extensive experience in immigration law and have successfully assisted numerous clients in achieving their permanent residency goals through the adjustment of status process. Benefit from our in-depth knowledge of the ever-changing immigration landscape.

Personalized Approach: we understand that each case is unique, and our approach is tailored to your specific circumstances. Our adjustment of status attorney takes the time to comprehensively assess your situation, providing personalized guidance and crafting a strategy that aligns with your goals.

Timely and Efficient Service: we recognize the importance of a swift resolution when it comes to immigration matters. We work diligently to ensure that your adjustment of status process is handled efficiently, reducing unnecessary delays, and streamlining the path to permanent residency.

Clear Communication: dealing with immigration processes can be overwhelming, but our firm prioritizes transparent communication. We keep you informed at every stage, answering your questions, addressing concerns, and providing regular updates on the progress of your case.

How Our Immigration Lawyer Simplifies Your Adjustment of Status Process

1. Case Evaluation: Get a detailed assessment of your case to confirm eligibility for adjustment of status.
2. Document Preparation: Rely on our expertise to prepare and organize all required documents with precision and care.
3. Legal Representation: Our adjustment of status lawyer represents you throughout the process, advocating for your rights and interests.
4. Interview Preparation: Be ready for your adjustment of status interview with our comprehensive coaching and support.

Get Started Today

Start your adjustment of status process with confidence. Contact our immigration law firm today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a brighter future in the United States.

Page updated: March 16, 2025