What is it?
Adjustment of status is the process that lets a person already in the United States apply for lawful permanent residence (green card) through Form I-485, without having to leave the country for a foreign consulate.
Who qualifies?
- Being physically present in the United States.
- Having entered lawfully, except for important exceptions we can assess.
- Having an eligible basis (family petition, employment, asylum or another category).
- Having a visa available at the time of filing, when the law requires it.
How we help
We review whether you qualify —including the exceptions to the lawful-entry requirement—, prepare the I-485 and associated benefits (work and travel permits), and guide you through the interview.
The process, step by step
- Confirm the eligible basis and visa availability.
- Gather the documentation and prepare Form I-485.
- Apply for work and travel permits while the case is pending.
- Biometrics appointment and, in many cases, an immigration interview.
Documents that usually help
- Passport and entry document (visa, I-94).
- Birth certificate and, if applicable, marriage certificate.
- The approved petition or another eligible immigration basis.
Frequently asked questions
The lawful entry requirement has important exceptions. Our office is equipped to review whether you qualify under any of them.