What Is an Adjustment of Status?
As an immigrant, there is likely nothing more important than becoming a permanent resident of the United States. This is why you must be well versed in the qualifications for an adjustment of status, along with what the process entails. Read on to discover more about adjustment of status and how a seasoned Lyndhurst adjustment of status attorney at the Law Offices of Salvatore A. Falletta, LLC, can work on your behalf in executing this.
What is the definition of adjustment of status?
If you wish to permanently live and/or work in the U.S., then you must work toward permanent residency. Oftentimes, an adjustment of status will allow you to work toward this while already being within U.S. borders. And once you achieve a permanent residency, you can completely establish your residency by obtaining a Green Card.
What are the qualifications for adjustment of status?
Firstly, to apply for an adjustment of status, you must live in the U.S. Then, you will be allowed to apply for a Green Card if you fall under any of the following categories:
- Family-based: if you are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, then you do not have to wait for a visa. Specifically, being an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen means that you are their parent, spouse, or unmarried child under the age of 21. Notably, in this category, there is no limit to the number of visas that can be issued.
- Job or employment-based: if you want to become a citizen due to an employment or job offer, you can apply for permanent residency. Importantly, there are a limited amount of visas that may be issued in this category.
- Refugee or asylum: if you were admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or were granted asylum, you can apply for permanent residency. That is, you can do so one year after you entered the U.S. Additionally, a qualifying spouse or your children can do the same.
What does the adjustment of status process entail?
Once you confirm that you fall under a category that allows you to apply for a Green Card, then you must begin the process of adjusting your status. Unfortunately, this process can be lengthy and entails additional requirements that you must complete. They read as follows:
- You must attend a biometrics appointment and/or medical exam.
- You must submit to a criminal background check.
- You must interview with a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services agent.
If you believe that you qualify for an adjustment of status and you would like to kickstart the process, do not hesitate in reaching out to one of our competent attorneys at our Lyndhurst family & individual immigration law firm today.
Contact our experienced New Jersey firm
If you need experienced legal counsel for matters regarding immigration, please contact the Law Offices of Salvatore A. Falletta, LLC today to schedule a consultation. Our firm is located in Lyndhurst, New Jersey.
