Adjustment of Status: Becoming a Permanent Resident While in the United States

An immigrant is a foreign national who has been granted the privilege of living and working permanently in the United States. You must go through a multi-step process to become an immigrant.

In most cases, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) must first approve an immigrant petition for you, usually filed by an employer or relative. Then, an immigrant visa number must be available to you, even if you are already in the United States. After that, if you are already in the United States, you may apply to adjust to permanent resident status (If you are outside the United States, you will be notified to go to the local U.S. consulate to complete the processing for an immigrant visa.)

If you want to apply to adjust status and obtain a green card, start the process by reviewing the eligibility criteria and contacting D.Ray Mantle about your particular circumstances.

• How do I file?
• What happens after I file?
• How long will it take USCIS to process my application?
• Help with Adjustment of Status

How do I file?

General instructions are included with the I-485 Adjustment of Status application, and USCIS posts updates and fees on its web site. The I-485 application is a legal case and mistakes or misrepresentations can jeopardize your chances of ever immigrating to the United States. You should carefully review the eligibility requirements, then talk with an immigration lawyer about the specific circumstances of your case. D.Ray Mantle assists clients by making sure the application is complete and includes all of the necessary evidence to support your eligibility.

What happens after I file?

After your application is filed, USCIS will mail you an official receipt so you can track the processing of your case. If your application is incomplete, USCIS may have to reject it, or ask you for more evidence or information, which will delay processing. Working with an experienced immigration attorney from the beginning will help you avoid errors and delays.

You will also be scheduled for a biometrics appointment at a local Application Support Center, where your fingerprints and photo will be taken.

How long will it take USCIS to process my application?

Processing time depends on a number of factors. You can check USCIS current processing times on our web site. Due to government backlogs and limited resources, USCIS will often postpone processing a case if the priority dates listed on the Visa Bulletin for that category represent a long waiting line for available visa numbers.

Help with Adjustment of Status

D.Ray Mantle assists individuals and employers in obtaining positive immigration results in a timely, personal and professional manner. Your individual circumstances are carefully reviewed by an experienced immigration attorney to determine which options are available to you. Mr. Mantle provides guidance and help in gathering the necessary information and documents for your case, prepares all of the necessary application forms, and also ensures that your final application meets all government requirements. Learn how an experienced immigration attorney can help you reach your immigration goals: Why MantleWorks.

If you would like to understand more about the application process and to find out if you qualify for Adjustment of Status and a green card, please contact D.Ray Mantle for a consultation.