Adjustment of Status Lawyer
Your Path to Permanent Residency Without Leaving the U.S.
Applying for a green card through adjustment of status can be one of the most important milestones in an immigrant’s journey.
The process, however, involves detailed paperwork, strict requirements, and lengthy timelines. Working with an experienced adjustment of status lawyer can make the difference between a smooth approval and costly setbacks.
This guide explains eligibility, application steps, fees, processing times, and how an adjustment of status lawyer can help you achieve permanent residency in the United States.
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What is Adjustment of Status?
Adjustment of status is the process that allows certain immigrants already living in the United States to apply for lawful permanent residency (a green card) without having to return to their home country for visa processing.
Instead of completing the procedure abroad, the applicant files directly with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
An adjustment of status lawyer plays a critical role in ensuring the application is completed correctly, deadlines are met, and potential issues are addressed before they lead to delays or denials.
Who is Eligible for Adjustment of Status?
Eligibility depends on the applicant’s current status and immigration pathway. An adjustment of status lawyer can review your case to confirm if you qualify.
Common eligibility categories include:
- Family-Based Green Card Applicants: Relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, parents, children, and siblings) and lawful permanent residents (spouses and unmarried children under 21).
- Employment-Based Applicants: Individuals sponsored by U.S. employers for permanent residency, investors or those whose work is considered a national interest.
- Asylum or Refugee Applicants: Individuals who have been granted asylum or refugee status and meet the residency requirements.
- Other Special Categories: Certain humanitarian programs, special immigrants, or visa lottery winners.
Applicants must also meet additional requirements such as lawful entry into the U.S., valid immigration status at the time of filing (with some exceptions), and admissibility under immigration law.
How to Apply for Adjustment of Status
The application requires careful preparation and timely submission.
An adjustment of status lawyer typically assists applicants through the following steps:
- File Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status): This is the main application for adjustment of status.
- Submit Supporting Documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of lawful entry, and other evidence.
- Biometrics Appointment: USCIS requires fingerprints, photographs, and signature verification.
- Attend USCIS Interview: Most applicants must attend an interview at a USCIS field office.
- Receive Decision: USCIS will issue either an approval (green card granted), request for further evidence or deny your application.
Because errors or missing documents can cause delays, many applicants prefer working with an adjustment of status lawyer to ensure everything is filed correctly.
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How Long Does Adjustment of Status Take?
The answer to the common question of “how long does adjustment of status take,” unfortunately, varies.
Processing times vary depending on the applicant’s category, the USCIS field office, and case complexity.
On average:
- Family-based adjustment of status: 8 to 14 months
- Employment-based adjustment of status: 10 to 24 months
- Asylum/refugee-based adjustment of status: 12 to 24 months
An experienced adjustment of status lawyer can monitor your case, respond to USCIS requests promptly, and help minimize preventable delays.
While no attorney can shorten government timelines, they can ensure your application progresses smoothly without unnecessary setbacks.
Adjustment of Status Fee
As of 2025, the USCIS adjustment of status fee for Form I-485 is $1,440 and $950 (under 14).
Additional costs may apply for:
- Filing in immigration court
- Medical examination by a USCIS-approved doctor
- Translations of foreign-language documents
- Attorney’s legal fees
Fees are subject to change so please check the USCIS website for the most updated numbers. Working with a lawyer ensures that your investment in these fees is protected by reducing the risk of costly rejections or resubmissions.
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Common Questions About Adjustment of Status
Can I work while my adjustment of status is pending?
Yes. Applicants can file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) along with their adjustment of status application.
Can I travel outside the U.S. during the process?
Traveling without advance parole (Form I-131) can result in abandoning your application. Always consult an adjustment of status lawyer before making travel plans.
What happens if my application is denied?
Denials can occur for many reasons, including missing documents or ineligibility. An adjustment of status lawyer can help file an appeal, motion to reopen, or explore alternative immigration options.
Do children and spouses qualify under my adjustment of status application?
Yes, in many cases, family members can apply as derivative beneficiaries.
Why Hire an Adjustment of Status Lawyer?
An adjustment of status lawyer offers valuable guidance by reviewing eligibility, preparing the necessary forms and supporting documents, and providing representation during interviews or responses to USCIS requests for evidence. In more complex cases, such as those involving prior visa overstays or issues of inadmissibility, a lawyer’s support can make a significant difference.
At Lira Bravo Law, we provide this comprehensive legal assistance with a personal approach, ensuring that every client feels supported throughout the process. From the first consultation to the final decision, our goal is to give applicants confidence and peace of mind, knowing their case is handled with care, precision, and a commitment to reuniting families and securing their future in the United States. Schedule a consultation today!