Adjustment of Status: Get your green card without leaving the country
Adjustment of status is the process that lets you become a permanent resident without having to return to your country of origin. If you are already in the United States and have an eligible route, we help you handle it from start to finish.
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What is adjustment of status?
Adjustment of status is the official process to become a legal permanent resident (green card holder) while inside the United States. The big advantage is that you do not have to leave the country or do paperwork at a consulate. The main form for this process is I-485. However, it is not filed alone: you need an eligible route (family, employment, humanitarian, asylum, etc.) and must meet several admissibility requirements. The one who files it is the applicant, not the petitioner. That is, if your citizen spouse petitions for you, your spouse files the family petition (I-130) and you file the adjustment of status (I-485). In many cases they are filed at the same time.
Who can qualify
To adjust status inside the United States you need:
If you entered without documents, you may still qualify in some cases: we explain which apply to you in the consultation.
How the process works
Confirm eligibility
We review how you entered the country, what petition you have, your immigration history and your background. We tell you honestly if you qualify.
Gather documents
Birth certificate, passport, medical exam with up-to-date vaccinations, evidence of the underlying relationship or route, affidavit of support (if applicable), among others.
File the I-485 package
We file your application together with all complementary forms: work permit (EAD), travel permit (Advance Parole) and affidavit of support.
Biometrics
Immigration calls you to a nearby office for fingerprints and a photo. It is usually 4 to 8 weeks after filing.
Work and travel permit (while you wait)
Generally 5 to 10 months later you receive your EAD and Advance Parole. This lets you work legally and leave the country without losing your case.
Interview (if applicable)
In marriage cases there is almost always an interview of both spouses. In other cases it may not be required. We prepare you personally.
Decision and delivery of the green card
If everything proceeds correctly, you receive your permanent residence by mail.
How long does the process take?
Typical times are:
- Work permit (EAD): 5 to 10 months after filing.
- Travel permit (Advance Parole): 5 to 10 months.
- Final adjustment decision: 8 to 14 months for marriage-to-citizen cases. Other cases can take longer.
While you wait for the final decision, you can already work and travel legally with the interim permits.
How much does representation cost?
After evaluating your circumstances, we will explain the recommended legal strategy, total fees, and available payment-plan options. The final cost depends on whether we also file the underlying family petition, whether there are waiver requests, or whether the case requires extra preparation. We give you clear numbers in the consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to start your adjustment of status?
Evaluate your case in a free, confidential consultation. We tell you if you qualify, what documents you need and how long it can take.
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