Getting a Green Card with an Adjustment of Status Lawyer

A person in the U.S. may be eligible to file for permanent residency if they meet certain requirements. Learn how to apply for an adjustment of status.

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What Is Adjustment of Status? 

Adjustment of status is the process for applying for a green card within the United States. Even if your visa expires before your green card is approved, the adjustment of status process allows you to stay in the United States as your application is being processed.

Form I-485 is actually the primary form that an immigrant has to submit to USCIS to register permanent residence through the Adjustment of status process. If you are not eligible for adjustment, you must use consular processing.

 

Eligibility for Adjustment of Status

 

Not everyone can submit an adjustment of status application to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

You need to meet specific requirements before applying to adjust your status. Some of these requirements are:

  • You must be physically present in the United States with a valid immigrant visa
  • You have a lawful status
  • If you’re not filing concurrently, you have an approved I-140 or I-130 form
  • You have a visa number for your green card application type
  • You’re on a valid K-1 fiancé visa and married to a US-based spouse
  • It has been over a year since the USCIS granted you asylum or refugee status.
  • You meet all the Immigration and Nationality Act requirements under Section 245(i)

Depending on your visa type and circumstances, there are different forms and procedures you might have to undertake. This is why it is a good idea to have a Boyton Beach immigration lawyer guide you through the process.

How Can a Lawyer Help With an Adjustment of Status Lawyer?

If you would like to adjust your immigration status, contact the Law Offices of Leonelba Martinez. As someone who has filed numerous immigration petitions, Leonelba Martinez knows all the forms you need to submit, and she can quickly detect errors and correct them.

Our firm can help you to adjust status by:

  • Identifying the immigrant category that best matches your reason for adjusting your status
  • Obtaining the necessary forms for an immigration petition and checking your visa availability
  • Ensuring the forms are filled out correctly and filed on your behalf
  • Attending any USCIS appointments and interviews and responding to inquiries from USCIS
  • Assisting you with appeals in the event your application was denied

Let us guide you through the process of adjusting your immigration status. We are happy to help you throughout your immigration journey. Call us now to get started.

 

Who Pays the Adjustment of Status Fees?

 

Filing fees for I-485 are high based on age and certain other factors. The fee for most applicants is $1,140 as of 2022, along with the $85 you will have to add for fingerprinting (biometrics fee).

If you are filing to adjust your status and obtain a family-based green card, you will have to pay all the expenses yourself in most cases. However, a waiver is available to certain low-income applicants.

But, if you are adjusting your status based on a job offer that came from a U.S. employer, the employer will most likely pay filing fees.

Bear in mind that if you have been admitted as a refugee to the U.S., there is no need to file the I-485 form or pay the fee. But that doesn’t apply to people who were granted asylum at least one year ago. The filing fees are raised regularly, so make sure to check them on the USCIS website.

How Much Adjustment of Status Lawyers Charge for Their Services?

The immigration attorney fee for your adjustment of status depends on the law firm you choose. Your immigration attorney might charge you a flat fee or an hourly rate. If there is a possibility that your application process will take a long time, go for a flat fee. The attorney fee is in addition to any administrative fees, such as the filing fee.

 

Why Do You Need Adjustment of Status Attorney?

 

Your adjustment of status application can get complicated with various requirements of immigration law. You can even be denied your adjustment of status. When this happens, an immigration lawyer can help you work out what went wrong and whether you can file a new application.

The costs associated with filing an I-485 form are pretty high. But an experienced attorney can help you follow all the procedures and file all necessary documents. If everything is in order, you can save money down the road. On top of that, a qualified attorney can ensure you are eligible and spot any legal problems that may arise during the process.

An immigration lawyer can help you with every aspect of your adjustment of status procedure, from complete visa processing to immigration petition to attaining lawful permanent resident status. We maintain an excellent attorney-client relationship, helping with all your needs.