How Do I Adjust My Status to Become a Permanent Resident?

Imagine never having to worry about your immigration status again. Imagine the freedom to live, work, and travel anywhere in the United States. Imagine the joy of being able to reunite with family and put down roots in your new home.

That’s the dream of permanent residency (a “green card”). And if you’re already living in the U.S., adjusting status may be your ticket to making that dream a reality.

At Holden Law Firm, we’ve helped countless clients handle the adjustment of status process. Attorney Giovanna Holden knows firsthand the challenges and triumphs of the immigrant experience. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Adjustment of Status?

Adjustment of status is the process of applying for lawful permanent residence (a green card) from inside the United States. You can use adjustment of status if you:

• Entered the U.S. legally
• Are eligible for a green card (through family, a job, or another category)
• Meet all other requirements

Adjustment of status allows you to complete your green card process without traveling back to your home country for an interview at the U.S. consulate. For many people, adjustment of status is faster and more convenient than consular processing abroad.

Eligibility for Adjustment of Status

To qualify for adjustment of status, you must meet three key requirements:

1. You must be eligible for a green card in a category like:
   • Family (as the spouse, child, parent, or other close relative of a U.S. citizen or green card holder)
   • Employment (through a job offer or your extraordinary skills)
   • Humanitarian reasons, diversity visa lottery, or other special category
2. You entered the U.S. legally using a valid visa or visa waiver
3. You have a visa available in your category

If you don’t meet these criteria, you may need to use consular processing instead of adjusting status. An experienced immigration attorney can help determine the best route for your situation.

Applying for Adjustment of Status

The first step in adjusting status is often having a family member or employer submit an immigrant petition for you. The petition form depends on your green card category:

• Family: Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
• Employment: Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker
• Humanitarian: Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition

Once USCIS approves the petition, you must wait for a visa to be available in your category before filing Form I-485 to adjust status.

For some categories, a visa is available immediately after petition approval. Other categories involve a long wait.

When a visa is available, you can submit Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. With your I-485, include:

• Two passport photos
• Copy of government-issued ID like a passport
• Copy of birth certificate
• Form I-864, Affidavit of Support (for family categories)
• Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
• Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (optional but recommended)
• Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (optional but recommended)

After filing Form I-485, you’ll receive a notice for a biometrics appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken. USCIS will then review your application and may request more evidence or an in-person interview.

If all goes well, you’ll get an approval notice, followed by your green card!

Benefits of a Green Card

Becoming a permanent resident opens up exciting new opportunities! Green card holders can:

• Live and work anywhere in the U.S.
• Travel in and out of the U.S. more easily
• Petition for certain family members to immigrate
• Access some government benefits
• Attend college at the lower tuition rate for state residents
• Eventually apply for U.S. citizenship

Let Holden Law Firm Help You Adjust Status

We know how important getting a green card is for your life. You want the process to go smoothly, without delays or denials. That’s why having an experienced guide is so valuable.

The caring team at Holden Law Firm can help you:

• Determine if you’re eligible to adjust status
• Identify the right category and forms for your situation
• Avoid costly mistakes that could derail your application
• Prepare for your green card interview
• Troubleshoot any complications along the way

Don’t risk handling the adjustment of status process on your own. Get the support and experience you deserve.

Contact Holden Law Firm today for a private consultation, and let’s get started on your new life in the United States!