If you or a loved one is seeking permanent residency in the U.S., adjusting your immigration status can be a major step toward that goal. Adjustment of status allows eligible individuals already in the country to apply for a green card without having to return to their home country for consular processing. Unfortunately, the process is not always simple.
Working with a Phoenix adjustment of status lawyer can make a significant difference in the process of your case. No matter why you are applying for permanent residency, having some guidance from a citizenship and naturalization attorney can improve your odds of success.
Adjustment of status (AOS) is the process of applying for lawful permanent resident status, otherwise known as a green card, from within the United States. Adjustment of status is typically associated with individuals who marry U.S. citizens, as well as immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, certain employment-based visa holders, refugees, and asylees.
In some cases, there is overlap. For instance, a software engineer working in Phoenix on an H-1B visa may have recently married a U.S. citizen. They may want to remain in the country with their new spouse. Instead of returning to their home county, they may be eligible to adjust their status without leaving the state.
Not everyone can adjust status, even if they’re currently in the United States. In order to apply for adjustment of status, applicants must have entered the country legally. They must still be in lawful immigration status, and a visa must still be available before applying. Finally, there must be no serious immigration violations, which could include unauthorized employment and overstaying a visa. A Phoenix attorney can help assess your eligibility for an adjustment of status and address any red flags early in the process.
The adjustment of status process is complex and paper-heavy. An immigration attorney can guide you through every step, which typically includes determining eligibility and filing the proper forms. These may include Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) or Form I-140 for employment-based cases. Applicants must also submit an Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
The next steps are more involved for most applicants. For instance, they must attend a biometrics appointment to gather fingerprints and other data. They may also be asked to complete an interview and respond to requests for evidence if documentation is not sufficient. Ultimately, the applicant will receive a decision on their green card application.
While you are not required to hire a lawyer to adjust your status, working with an experienced Phoenix adjustment of status attorney offers major benefits. Each case is different, and a lawyer can provide a tailored legal strategy, offering interview preparation and ensuring all paperwork is complete and accurate. Missing just one deadline or completing one document incorrectly can lead to complications and delays in your case.
Whether you’re adjusting status through marriage, employment, or asylum, having a knowledgeable and compassionate legal team on your side makes the process smoother. In many cases, hiring a lawyer can improve your chances of success. Contact New Frontier Immigration today to take the next step toward permanent residency.
