Question 1

What is the adjustment of status process?

Accepted Answer

The adjustment of status process is the process by which a foreign national who is already in the United States can apply for lawful permanent resident status (a green card). To be eligible for adjustment of status, an individual must have been inspected and admitted or paroled into the United States, must be eligible to receive an immigrant visa, and must not be inadmissible to the United States.

Question 2

Who is eligible for adjustment of status?

Accepted Answer

To be eligible for adjustment of status, an individual must have been inspected and admitted or paroled into the United States, must be eligible to receive an immigrant visa, and must not be inadmissible to the United States.

Question 3

How do I apply for adjustment of status for parents?

Accepted Answer

To apply for adjustment of status for parents who currently reside in the United States, you must file Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative). Once your I-130 is approved, you will submit Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status).

Question 4

How do I know if I am eligible for adjustment of status?

Accepted Answer

There are a number of ways to determine if you are eligible for adjustment of status. You can consult with an experienced immigration attorney or you can review the eligibility requirements on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

Question 5

What are the benefits of adjusting my status?

Accepted Answer

There are a number of benefits to adjusting your status, including being able to remain in the United States while your application is pending, being able to work in the United States without having to obtain a separate work permit, and having your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age included in your application.

Question 6

How do I adjust my status?

Accepted Answer

The first step in adjusting your status is to file an I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and then Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) with USCIS. This application must be accompanied by supporting documentation, including evidence that you are eligible for an immigrant visa and that you are not inadmissible to the United States.

Question 7

What happens after I file my AOS application?

Accepted Answer

After you file your application, USCIS will review your case to determine if you are eligible for adjustment of status. If USCIS determines that you are ineligible for adjustment of status, they may deny your application or refer your case to Immigration Court for removal proceedings. If USCIS determines that you are eligible for adjustment of status, they will schedule you for an interview at a local USCIS office.

Question 8

What happens at my AOS interview?

Accepted Answer

At your interview, a USCIS officer will ask you questions about your application and your eligibility for adjustment of status. The officer may also ask you questions about your background and personal history. It is important to be honest and forthcoming during your interview, as any misrepresentations or false statements could result in your application being denied or referred for removal proceedings.

Question 9

What happens after my AOS interview?

Accepted Answer

After your interview, the USCIS officer will make a decision on your case. If the officer approves your application, you will be issued a green card and will become a lawful permanent resident of the United States. If the officer denies your application, you may appeal the decision or file a motion to reopen or reconsider your case. You may also be placed in removal proceedings if the officer believes that you are ineligible for adjustment of status or if you have made false statements during your interview.

Question 10

Can I work before my adjustment of status is approved?

Accepted Answer

Generally, yes. If you have applied to adjust your status while in the U.S. and your application is pending, you may apply for employment authorization by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.

Question 11

What’s the difference between adjustment of status and consular processing?

Accepted Answer

Adjustment of status is a process used by certain foreign nationals already in the United States to apply for permanent residence. Consular processing involves applying at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad for an immigrant visa. Learn more here.

Question 12

Can I travel while my adjustment of status is pending?

Accepted Answer

Generally, no. If you leave the United States while your application is pending, USCIS will consider that you have abandoned your application and it may be denied. However, there are some exceptions, such as if you have received permission to travel from USCIS or if there is an emergency situation that requires you to travel.

Question 13

What is a legal permanent resident?

Accepted Answer

A legal permanent resident (LPR) is a citizen of another country who is permitted to live and work lawfully in the United States.

Question 14

Who can apply for a green card?

Accepted Answer

There are many different types of green cards, all with different eligibility requirements. For instance, relatives of U.S. citizens and green card holders can apply for a family-based green card.

Question 15

How much does a green card cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost to obtain a green card depends on the type of green card you’re applying for. For example, the government filing fee for a family-based green card is $3005 for an applicant applying from within the United States, and $1340 for an applicant living outside the United States.

Question 16

How long until I can apply for citizenship after getting a green card?

Accepted Answer

You may apply for U.S. citizenship if you have had a green card for five years (or three years for a marriage green card).

Question 17

How do I get a green card?

Accepted Answer

The process for obtaining a green card can be complex and varies based on the category under which you’re applying. Read more about each category in the guide above. Here’s a general overview of the process:

Determine Your Eligibility
You must fit into one of the categories listed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These are each explained in the guide above:
Family-sponsored
Employment-based
Refugee or asylee status
Human trafficking and crime victims
Victims of abuse
Other categories (e.g., Diversity Visa, former U.S. citizens, etc.)
2. File the Necessary Petition
Most categories require a qualifying family member or employer to first file a petition on your behalf. For family or employment categories, the sponsor files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and for employment-based green cards, file Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker).

Some categories allow you to petition for yourself.

3. Wait for a Decision on Your Petition
USCIS will notify the petitioner of its decision. If denied, they will provide reasons for the denial.

4. Wait for a Visa Number
If your petition is approved and you’re outside the U.S., you’ll have to wait for a visa number to become available. The U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin provides visa availability updates.

5. Attend a Consular Interview
If you’re outside the U.S., you’ll attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your country.

6. Pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee
Before traveling to the U.S., most individuals must pay this fee. See more about immigration fees.

7. Receive Your Green Card
If you’re outside the U.S., you’ll receive your green card after you arrive. If you’re already in the U.S., you’ll need to apply to adjust your status, and you’ll receive your green card after your application is approved.

Question 18

Do I need an immigration lawyer to get a green card?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the complexity of your case, or if you simply want additional peace of mind during the process, it may be helpful to enlist an immigration lawyer’s expertise for your green card. Boundless put together a detailed guide on when to hire an immigration lawyer here.

NOTE: Boundless offers two different service options for green card help, so you can decide whether you’d like to apply with attorney support or not, depending on your budget, case complexity, and immigration goals. Learn more!

Status Adjustment: Complete Step-by-Step Process

What Is Adjustment of Status?

Important Update

Easy applications. Professional support. Approval assurance.

Adjustment of Status Timeline

Spouse AOS Processing Timeline

K1 to AOS Timeline

AOS Tip

Adjustment of Status: 90-Day Policy

Document your shifted plans

AOS Application Process

Securing Permanent Residency Through AOS

File Form I-130 and I-485 concurrently when eligible

Adjustment of Status Fees Explained

Crossway can help you pay your government fees on a schedule that works for you.

Adjustment of Status Eligibility Criteria

Other Adjustment of Status Requirements

Special Case: Spouses of U.S. Citizens

Green Card Availability and Priority Dates

How to Check the Status of Your AOS Application

What Happens After a Change of Status?

Important:

Crossway offers unlimited support from our team of immigration experts, so you can apply with confidence and focus on what’s important: your life in the U.S.

Adjustment of Status FAQs