Adjustment of Status Procedures
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Once you know that you are eligible for U.S. lawful permanent residence (a green card), the question becomes how to apply for it. Some -- but not all -- applicants who are already in the United States may use a procedure called Adjustment of Status. This involves submitting all of your application materials to, and attending the interview at, an office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Adjustment of status applicants never need to leave the U.S. for an interview at a U.S. consulate in their home country, which can be a distinct advantage depending on the circumstances of their case. Find out how adjustment of status works here.
Adjustment of Status Eligibility
Not everyone who meets the basic qualifying criteria for a green card can apply for it without leaving the U.S. -- that is, adjust status.
All the forms, fees, documents, and other information you need to apply for a green card after one year as an asylee.
Adjustment of Status Forms and Documents
How to access the forms you need (for free!) and make sure you're paying the latest application fees.
No, you can't get a refund -- and other answers to popular questions about immigration filing fees.
You may be required to submit copies of a birth, marriage, death, divorce, or other certificate along with your immigration petition or application.
If you'll be submitting certificates in a foreign language with your immigration application, learn the rules for translations.
Tests, vaccinations, and other ways that the required medical exam checks into whether applicants are inadmissible to the U.S. on health grounds.
What to do when the certificate or document you need for your application cannot be found.
Instructions for green card seekers applying from within the U.S., through a USCIS office.
How to fill out the biographical information form required with many immigration applications.
Getting a U.S. doctor to fill out the required medical report for a green card application.
How to get a U.S. work permit while awaiting a decision on your adjustment of status application.
Despite your eagerness to submit an immigration petition or application, take these cautionary steps first.
Specific instructions for immigrants ready to apply for a green card within the United States.
What is offered by the card that combines employment authorization with advance parole.
If you want to travel before your green card application has been approved, you'll need to submit Form I-131 -- here are line-by-line instructions.
Financial Sponsorship Forms and Documents
The family sponsor of an immigrant needs to be able to support that person at a minimum level as required by the U.S. government.
What obligations you undertake by agreeing to be an immigrant's financial sponsor.
Preparing for the possibility that the U.S. government will need extra reassurance that the immigrant will not require government assistance.
How a family petitioner should prove financial sponsorship capacity using USCIS Form I-864.
Finding joint sponsors and other ways for U.S. petitioners of immigrants to compensate for a relatively low income.
Situations where green card applicants can avoid having the U.S. petitioner submit a promise of financial support.
Instructions for household members promising to add their income to the main petitioners for purpose of sponsoring an incoming immigrant.
Adjustment of Status Appointments and Interview
Steps to take to preserve your green card application.
If you don't speak English well, you may wish to bring a friend, or hire a professional, to translate at your green card interview.
It's more than just fingerprinting!
A step-by-step description of the typical adjustment of status interview (for a case based on family relationship).
Forgetting documents, saying too much, lying, and other issues can all create problems during this final phase of applying for your U.S. green card.
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