Adjustment of Status Lawyer | Apply for a Green Card Inside the United States
Adjustment of Status (AOS), filed through Form I-485, allows eligible individuals already inside the United States to apply for a green card without leaving the country. This process is commonly used by spouses of U.S. citizens, family-based applicants, employment-based immigrants, and certain humanitarian categories.
At AB Legal Consult, we guide clients through the full Adjustment of Status process — from eligibility review to interview preparation — ensuring all documents are complete, accurate, and strongly supported.
What Is Adjustment of Status?
Adjustment of Status is the process of becoming a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) from within the U.S. Applicants who qualify for AOS can remain in the country while their green card application is processed.
Common categories eligible for Adjustment of Status include:
• Spouses of U.S. citizens
• Parents of U.S. citizens
• Certain employment-based applicants
• K-1 fiancé(e) visa holders after marriage
• Asylees and refugees
• Certain special immigrant categories
Unlike consular processing, AOS allows applicants to avoid international travel and embassy interviews.
Who Qualifies for Adjustment of Status?
To qualify, an applicant must generally meet the following requirements:
• Be physically present in the United States
• Have a valid basis for the green card (family, employment, etc.)
• Have been lawfully admitted or paroled into the U.S.
• Have an immigrant petition filed or approved (such as I-130 or I-140)
• Have a current priority date (if applicable)
• Not be barred from adjusting due to certain violations
Certain exceptions exist, and we evaluate eligibility carefully.
Required Forms for Adjustment of Status
A typical AOS package includes:
• Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
• Form I-130 (if not already approved, for family cases)
• Form I-765 (Work Authorization)
• Form I-131 (Advance Parole for travel)
• Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support)
• Form I-944 (if applicable)
• Medical exam form (I-693)
• Supporting documents and evidence
We prepare and organize all forms to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Benefits of Adjustment of Status
Adjustment of Status provides several important advantages:
• No need to travel abroad for a consular interview
• Work authorization available while the case is pending
• Travel permission (Advance Parole) may be granted
• Ability to remain legally in the U.S. during processing
• Interview typically occurs at a local USCIS office
• Direct transition to a green card upon approval
This process is especially beneficial to spouses of U.S. citizens, who may file AOS concurrently with the I-130.
Adjustment of Status for Spouses of U.S. Citizens
Spouses of U.S. citizens enjoy one of the fastest AOS processes because immigrant visas are immediately available to them.
This process often includes:
• Joint filing of I-130 and I-485
• Receiving work authorization in 3–6 months
• Local USCIS interview within several months
• If approved: 2-year conditional or 10-year permanent green card
We help couples prepare a complete package with strong relationship evidence.
Adjustment of Status for Employment-Based Applicants
Employment-based applicants may file for AOS once:
• The employer’s I-140 petition is approved (or filed concurrently, if eligible)
• The priority date is current under the visa bulletin
We help prepare complex employment-based filings and coordinate with employers where required.
Evidence Required for Adjustment of Status
Typical supporting documents include:
• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Passport and visa documents
• I-94 arrival record
• Proof of lawful entry
• Medical exam results
• Proof of financial sponsorship
• Evidence of qualifying relationship (for family cases)
We ensure all documents are properly translated, certified, and formatted.
Interview Preparation for Adjustment of Status
Most applicants must attend an interview at a local USCIS field office. Common interview topics include:
• Relationship history (for spouses)
• Prior immigration history
• Family background
• Employment information
• Security and admissibility questions
We prepare clients with sample questions and interview guidance.
Common Challenges in Adjustment of Status Cases
AOS cases may face delays or issues due to:
• Missing or outdated documents
• Unauthorized employment (sometimes forgiven for immediate relatives)
• Prior immigration violations
• Incomplete medical exams
• Weak relationship evidence
• Inconsistencies in forms or testimony
• Criminal or security concerns
We address these issues proactively and prepare strong submissions to avoid RFEs and denials.
How AB Legal Consult Helps With Adjustment of Status
We offer comprehensive support for the entire AOS process, including:
• Eligibility review and strategy
• Preparation and filing of all required forms
• Guidance on required documents and evidence
• Financial sponsorship review for Form I-864
• Interview preparation and follow-up
• Handling RFEs or complicated cases
• Support for marriage-based and employment-based AOS
Our goal is to provide a smooth, efficient, and successful path to permanent residency.
Start Your Adjustment of Status Process Today
Whether you are applying for a green card through marriage, family sponsorship, or employment, we are ready to assist. Our firm provides personalized, detail-oriented guidance to help you complete your Adjustment of Status application with confidence.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an Adjustment of Status lawyer.