Adjustment of Status / Permanent Residency

Adjustment of status is the process of changing one's temporary non-immigrant visa status to a permanent green card holder. A lawful permanent resident, or immigrant, is a foreign national who has been granted the privilege of living and working permanently in the United States. Individuals must go through a complex multi-step process to become an immigrant and receive a U.S. green card.

Adjustment of Status allows individuals who have already been inspected and admitted, or paroled into the United States, and are in legal status to pursue a green card while living temporarily, in the United States. They are authorized to reside in the United States until their case is decided. This is contrasted with consular processing, which requires a person to apply at a visa office abroad, prior to being stamped as an immigrant and admitted to the United States.

In most cases, individuals are eligible to begin the process through sponsorship by a United States employer or by a U.S. citizen family member. However, there are many different green card categories carved out by the law. We encourage you to contact our office to learn more about the green card process and your options.