Adjustment of Status
The process by which foreign nationals who are present in the U.S. obtain permanent residence (the “green card”) is called adjustment of status. To adjust status, one must generally possess an approved immigrant visa petition and a current priority date. In most cases, this option is only available to individuals who were properly “inspected and admitted” into the United States with, for example, a tourist or other temporary visa.
Adjustment of status may also be available to those who entered the United States without inspection (i.e., entered illegally), but who had immigrant visa petitions filed on their behalf on or before April 30, 2001. Qualifying individuals may be able to adjust status by submitting additional paperwork and paying a fine to the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS).
This summary of Adjustment of Status does not represent legal advice to any specific case. Interested applicants are advised to consult with an immigration attorney prior to initiating the process.
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