Arizona is a hub of immigration in the United States, not just from Mexico, but from all over Latin America and the world. Many of these individuals are here as legal permanent residents, starting the citizenship and naturalization process through an adjustment of status. If you wish to adjust your immigration status, it is important to have the guidance of a Glendale adjustment of status lawyer who can help you understand the process and provide services aimed at helping your immigration journey.
An adjustment of status is the process used when a person who is in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa applies for a green card that will provide them with permanent residency. This process allows people who want to remain in the U.S. to apply for permanent residency without having to return to their home country and attend interviews at the embassy there.
An adjustment of status is allowed by the federal government for those who already entered the country legally, carrying valid documentation and having had face-to-face communication with a U.S. immigration officer. Even if an individual’s visa has expired, they are often eligible to undergo an adjustment of status because the visa was valid when they entered the country. The process is usually open for a select few categories of immigrants, including those with family members who are citizens or green card holders, those who entered the country on K-1 fiancé visas, asylees or refugees, and those with employee-sponsored visas for permanent residency.
An experienced adjustment of status lawyer in Glendale, AZ can help interested clients understand if they meet the eligibility requirements for the process. Once that has been determined, the applicant or their immediate relative must file an I-485 Petition to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This petition may be part of a package that includes other forms and supporting documents. Once the petition is filed, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will schedule a biometric screening and an adjustment interview. In some cases, the interview may be waived. Most people undergoing the adjustment of status process will complete this process within one to one-and-a-half years.
In addition to guidance about your eligibility for the process, a Glendale adjustment of status lawyer can provide numerous other services, such as assistance in completing and filing the I-485, gathering supporting documents, representing the applicant during hearings and appeals, helping the applicant prepare for their interview, and much more.
The adjustment of status is the process many people use to obtain their green card so they can continue to study, work, and live in the U.S. while their residency application is pending. Obtaining a green card is a crucial step in becoming a citizen. Despite the importance of this process, people often struggle with understanding whether they’re even eligible for an adjustment of status, as well as completing the process on their own.
If you’re planning to move forward towards permanent residency, a Glendale adjustment of status lawyer from New Frontier can answer the questions about your case and help you understand your next steps. Contact us for a free consultation today.
