Petition For Adjustment Of Status For Permanent Residency
Are you, or is a family member, seeking adjustment of status? There are many advantages to obtaining permanent residency. Our adjustment of status attorneys guide clients through the process of petitioning for green cards.
Since 1978, our attorneys have focused their practice solely in the area of immigration law. We pride ourselves on providing efficient, effective legal representation to our clients and their families.
Interested in your adjustment of status options? Please contact our law firm today at 727-416-7943 to schedule a consultation.
How Does Adjustment Of Status Work?
Adjustment of status is the process of changing your immigration status to lawful permanent resident.
Factors that determine eligibility for adjustment of status include:
- Your current status (such as whether you have an immigrant visa)
- How you entered the United States
- How long you have been in the country
Our immigration attorneys want you to enjoy the many benefits of permanent residency. We can help you determine if you are eligible and guide you through every step of the process.
Permanent residency offers several key advantages. Obtaining a green card gives you the opportunity to permanently live and work in the United States. You can also enjoy driving privileges, obtain a Social Security card, and secure employment. Perhaps most significantly, permanent residency provides a pathway to citizenship.
Eligibility For Permanent Residency
In order to petition for adjustment of status, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. An individual may be eligible for residency through family (such as by marrying a United States citizen), employment opportunities, or a variety of other special provisions and circumstances.
The immigration categories for permanent residency include:
- Family-based immigration
- Employment-based immigration
- Asylum or refugee status
- Special programs
Certain factors, such as a criminal conviction or unauthorized presence in the U.S., can prevent you from obtaining permanent residency. If you don’t follow the process completely or your application contains errors, you may not obtain approval.
Our attorneys assist clients in all phases of the process, from the initial petition to appeals.
Adjustment Of Status Petitions
An adjustment of status petition is officially known as the Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence of Adjust Status. USCIS officials review applications for adjustment of status in the United States. The process of petitioning for adjustment status can take anywhere from six months to a year or more.
There are many steps to the process, including :
- A medical examination
- Biometrics,
- A formal interview
- A criminal background check
There may be additional requirements, such as proof of a valid marriage when you are adjusting your status based on marriage.
You should be aware that certain issues could place you at risk of deportation for filing your petition. We will work to help you overcome your obstacles. For example, if you have a criminal conviction or an immigration violation, our St. Petersburg adjustment of status attorneys can recommend the best way forward without triggering a removal proceeding.
Consult With An Experienced Immigration Law Attorney In St. Petersburg
Call 727-416-7943 or email us to schedule a conversation with a lawyer who will listen carefully and advise you in a personalized manner.