Adjustment of Status (Green Card From Inside the U.S.)
Adjustment of status lets some people already in the United States apply for a green card without traveling abroad. Whether it is the right path depends on how you entered and your history, so it helps to map it out early.
Adjustment vs. consular processing
Adjustment of status is handled by USCIS inside the country; consular processing is handled at a U.S. consulate abroad. Which one applies — and whether you qualify — turns on your category, how you entered, and whether any bars apply. Choosing wrong can cause long delays, so this is worth confirming before you file.
How we help
We confirm your eligibility, prepare the application and supporting evidence, and get you ready for the interview. If anything in your history needs attention, it is far safer to address it before filing. Se habla espanol.
Frequently asked questions
What is adjustment of status?
Adjustment of status is the process of applying for a green card from inside the United States, using Form I-485, without having to return to your home country for consular processing. Not everyone qualifies, so eligibility depends on your category and how you entered the U.S.
What is the difference between adjustment of status and consular processing?
Adjustment of status lets eligible applicants get their green card while remaining in the U.S., while consular processing means completing the final steps at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Which one applies depends on where you are, how you entered, and your eligibility, and a consultation can help you choose the right path.
Who is eligible to adjust status inside the U.S.?
Eligibility generally depends on having a basis (such as a family petition or approved category), a visa being available, and usually having entered the U.S. lawfully. Certain issues, like how you entered or your immigration history, can affect eligibility. Because the rules are detailed, it’s best to confirm with an attorney.
Why does how I entered the U.S. matter?
Adjustment of status usually requires that you were “inspected and admitted or paroled” when you entered, meaning you passed through a port of entry lawfully. If you entered without inspection, adjustment may not be available in the same way, though exceptions and other paths may exist. This is a key issue to review with an attorney.
Can I adjust status if I entered without inspection?
It is more complicated, and in many cases entering without inspection means you cannot adjust inside the U.S. through the normal route. However, certain exceptions, waivers, or other paths may apply depending on your situation. Do not assume you have no options — a confidential consultation can explain what may be possible for you.
What is Form I-485?
Form I-485 is the application to register permanent residence or adjust status, filed with USCIS by applicants seeking a green card from inside the U.S. It is submitted with supporting documents and, in many cases, alongside or after an approved underlying petition.
How long does adjustment of status take?
Processing times vary based on your category, the USCIS office handling your case, and current workloads. An attorney can give you a realistic estimate based on your specific category and location.
How much does adjustment of status cost?
There are USCIS filing fees for the application and related benefits, and they can change over time. Some applicants may qualify for a fee waiver depending on their circumstances, which a consultation can help you explore.
Can I work while my adjustment of status is pending?
Many applicants can request a work permit (employment authorization) when they file, allowing them to work legally while the green card application is pending, though approval takes time. A consultation can confirm whether this applies to you.
Can I travel abroad while my adjustment of status is pending?
Traveling while your I-485 is pending without the proper travel document (advance parole) can be treated as abandoning your application, and for some applicants it can create additional problems. Always get the right travel permission and check with an attorney before making plans.
What is advance parole?
Advance parole is permission to travel outside the U.S. and return while your adjustment application is pending, without abandoning it. Even with advance parole, re-entry is not always guaranteed for everyone, so it is important to understand the risks before you travel.
Do I have to attend an interview for adjustment of status?
Many applicants attend an in-person interview at a USCIS office, though some cases may be waived. For marriage-based cases, the interview usually focuses on confirming the relationship is genuine. An attorney can help you prepare so you feel confident. Se habla espanol.
What is the medical exam for adjustment of status?
Applicants generally must complete a medical examination by a USCIS-designated doctor, who documents required vaccinations and screens for certain health-related issues on the official form. Using an authorized physician is important, since exams from other doctors are not accepted.
Can I apply for adjustment of status if my visa or status expired?
It depends. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens often have more flexibility even if their status lapsed, while others may face restrictions. Because unlawful presence and status issues can affect eligibility, this is an important point to review privately with an attorney.
Do I need a lawyer for adjustment of status?
It is not required, but the I-485 process involves detailed forms, evidence, and eligibility rules where mistakes can cause delays or denials. An attorney can review your history and help you avoid problems. Only a licensed attorney or accredited representative can give legal advice, not a notary or “notario.”
What happens if my adjustment of status is denied?
A denial does not always mean removal, but the consequences depend on your situation and why it was denied. Options may include a motion, an appeal in some cases, or pursuing another path. It is wise to speak with an attorney promptly to understand where you stand.
Can my family members adjust status with me?
In many categories, a spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included as derivatives and adjust status along with the main applicant when a visa is available. Each family member has their own forms and eligibility, so it helps to plan the family’s applications together with an attorney.
What is the Affidavit of Support in adjustment of status?
For family-based cases, the sponsor generally must file Form I-864, a legally enforceable promise to financially support the immigrant and meet a minimum income level. If income is short, a joint sponsor or certain assets may help.
Does a criminal record affect adjustment of status?
It can, because certain offenses may make someone inadmissible or require a waiver, while others may have little effect. The consequences are fact-specific and can be serious, so you should not guess — a confidential consultation with a licensed attorney can help you understand your options.
Can I adjust status if I have a pending case in immigration court?
Sometimes, but if you are in removal proceedings, the immigration judge (EOIR), rather than USCIS, may handle your application, and the process differs. This is a delicate situation where timing and strategy matter a great deal, so it is important to consult an attorney right away.
This is federal law — but where you are still matters
What is on this page applies the same way in every state. Which office and court handle your case, how detention works where you are, and how far local police cooperate with immigration enforcement are not the same across California, Arizona and New Mexico. Pick your state for that.