Immigration and Nationality Law Firm

Adjustment of Status is the procedure where you apply for immigration status while already in the United States. Persons admitted to the United States in a nonimmigrant, refugee, or parolee category may have their status adjsusted to that of lawful permanent resident if they are meet the eligibility requirements to receive an immigrant visa and an immigrant visa is immediately available and the person remains admissible under established criteria under section 245 or 209 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.  The form commonly used for Adjustment of Status is Form I-485.

Benefits of Adjustment of Status

• You can maintain valid status in the U.S. while your Adjustment of Immigration Status application is being processed
• You are permitted to apply for an employment authorization document and become employed while your Adjustment of Status application is pending
• You can file for Travel Documents such as Advance Parole that allow you travel overseas and re-admission to the United States while your application is pending
• A police clearance certificate is not required for previous residences in the U.S.
• You can file a Motion to reopen a  denied Adjustment of Status unlike a denial of a visa at the consulate overseas