For many immigrants already living in the United States, obtaining a Green Card without leaving the country is a major priority. One of the most important legal pathways available is Adjustment of Status . Many individuals choose to navigate the process with legal guidance from qualified immigration professionals such as Adjustment of Status to reduce errors, avoid delays, and increase approval success. Adjustment of Status gives immigrants the opportunity to apply for permanent residency without having to return to their home nation for consular processing. For families and workers hoping to build a long-term life in the United States, this process can be the key to stability and future citizenship.
What Adjustment of Status Means
Adjustment of Status (often referred to as AOS) is a legal immigration procedure that allows eligible applicants already present in the U.S. to shift from their current visa status into lawful permanent residency—commonly known as receiving a Green Card. Instead of traveling abroad to a U.S. consulate for interviews and medical exams, applicants complete the entire process through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The process benefits many different groups, including:
- Spouses of U.S. citizens
- Family-sponsored relatives
- Employment-based applicants
- Diversity visa lottery winners
- Refugees and asylees
AOS has grown in popularity because it simplifies the process for those who are already living legally in the country and don’t want to interrupt their life or job by traveling internationally.
Basic Requirements for Adjustment of Status
While Adjustment of Status provides major advantages, an applicant must meet certain eligibility requirements, including:
- Physical presence inside the United States
- Legal entry into the country, often with a valid visa
- A qualified immigrant petition, such as Form I-130 or Form I-140
- An available immigrant visa number
- No grounds of inadmissibility, such as certain criminal convictions or serious immigration violations
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens have the advantage of always having a visa number available, which makes their process significantly faster. Others—especially employment-based and extended family applicants—may face waiting periods depending on quota limits.
Common Immigrant Categories That Use AOS
Adjustment of Status applies to a wide range of immigration paths. The most common include:
Family-Based Applications
These are among the most frequent. Eligible applicants include:
- Spouses of U.S. citizens
- Parents of U.S. citizens
- Unmarried children under age 21
- Other family categories depending on visa availability
Marriage-based Adjustment of Status is one of the most widely processed types in the country.
Employment-Based Applications
U.S. employers may sponsor workers for permanent residency, and employees already in the U.S. can often complete the final stage through AOS.
Humanitarian Categories
Individuals granted asylum or refugee status may file for Adjustment of Status after one year of lawful presence.
Diversity Visa Lottery Winners
Winners physically in the U.S. may file locally instead of traveling abroad.
Forms and Documentation Required
Adjustment of Status involves structured paperwork and supporting evidence. Key forms include:
- Form I-485 – Main application to adjust status
- Form I-130 or I-140 – Immigrant petitions, depending on the category
- Form I-765 – Optional application for work authorization
- Form I-131 – Optional application for travel permission (Advance Parole)
- Form I-864 – Affidavit of financial sponsorship
- Medical examination from a USCIS-approved civil surgeon
- Documents verifying legal entry, identity, and immigration history
The strength and completeness of these documents significantly affect the success of the application.
How the Adjustment of Status Process Works
1. Determine Eligibility
Before applying, the immigrant or their attorney verifies eligibility and confirms that a visa is available, either immediately or after a waiting period.
2. Submit the Immigrant Petition
In most cases, a sponsor files a petition:
- A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident files Form I-130 for a family member
- An employer files Form I-140 for an employee
In some cases, petitions may already be approved by the time Form I-485 is submitted.
3. File Form I-485
The applicant submits Form I-485 with financial, medical, legal, and background evidence. Forms I-765 and I-131 may be filed at the same time if the applicant wants permission to work or travel while waiting.
4. Biometrics Appointment
USCIS schedules a fingerprint and security screening appointment. This usually takes only a few minutes and is required for background checks.
5. USCIS Wait Period and Case Updates
While waiting, applicants may receive:
- Requests for additional evidence
- Work authorization
- Advance parole travel documents
- Automated case status updates
6. Interview
Most Adjustment of Status applicants must complete an in-person interview at a local USCIS office. Marriage-based applicants should expect questions to verify the authenticity of their relationship.
7. Approval and Green Card Issuance
If approved, the applicant becomes a permanent resident and receives their Green Card in the mail. If the case is denied, USCIS provides written reasoning, and the applicant may have options for appeal or refiling.
Processing Times
Processing times vary widely based on local office workload and immigration category. Typical timelines include:
- Marriage-based AOS: Approximately 8 to 20 months
- Employment-based AOS: 8 to 24 months
- Humanitarian cases: Variable
- Other categories: May depend on visa availability
Applicants can check case progress online through USCIS case tracking.
Reasons Adjustment of Status May Be Denied
Denials can happen for several reasons, including:
- Missing or incorrect forms
- Insufficient supporting documents
- Incomplete medical records
- Financial sponsorship not meeting income requirements
- Prior immigration violations
- Criminal issues
- USCIS determining a marriage is not genuine
Because of strict regulations, many applicants seek legal support to avoid preventable mistakes.
Benefits of Adjustment of Status
Adjustment of Status offers substantial advantages over consular processing:
- No need to leave the United States
- Eligible applicants may work legally while waiting
- Advance Parole allows international travel
- No embassy interviews abroad
- Family unity is maintained throughout the process
- Provides a direct path to citizenship after permanent residency
These benefits make AOS one of the most attractive options for eligible immigrants inside the country.
How to Improve the Chances of Approval
Applicants can strengthen their case by:
- Submitting clear, organized documentation
- Keeping copies of all filings
- Responding promptly to USCIS notices
- Avoiding international travel without Advance Parole
- Preparing carefully for the interview
- Consulting with professionals for complicated situations
Proper preparation can reduce delays and increase approval outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Adjustment of Status remains one of the most important legal paths for immigrants in the U.S. who wish to become permanent residents without leaving the country. It offers convenience, stability, the ability to work and travel during processing, and a long-term route to citizenship. With accurate paperwork, strong supporting evidence, and thorough preparation, many applicants successfully secure their Green Card and begin their new life as permanent residents of the United States.
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