Adjustment of Status Lawyer

Trusted Chicago Adjustment of Status Attorneys

In Q3 of fiscal year 2024, over 216,000 noncitizens successfully adjusted their status within the United States through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), marking an impressive 28% year-over-year increase. This statistic highlights the growing importance of the adjustment of status (AOS) process for those seeking permanent residency.

At SimVisa, we understand that these numbers tell a much bigger story — they represent the personal and emotional journeys of individuals and families striving for a better future. As immigrants ourselves, we’ve walked this path and know firsthand the challenges and hopes that come with seeking a new life in the United States.

With over 17 years of experience, our team combines deep legal knowledge with genuine empathy to guide you through the adjustment of status process. We’ve helped thousands of families achieve their dreams of permanent residency, and we’re ready to help you, too.

Partner with SimVisa and let us be your trusted ally on your path to living the American dream.

Who Is Eligible for an Adjustment of Status?

Eligibility for adjustment of status depends on various factors, including your immigration status and category. There are certain exceptions for non-immigrant visa holders who meet specific eligibility criteria.

Generally, individuals who are eligible for AOS include:

• Immediate relatives: Spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens are among the most common petitioners.
• Family preference categories: Certain family members of U.S. citizens and permanent residents may qualify for AOS.
• Employment-based immigrants: Individuals with approved employment-based petitions or extraordinary abilities may be eligible.
• Asylees and refugees: Asylum-seekers and refugees can apply for AOS after one year of continuous presence in the country.
• Diversity visa lottery winners: DV lottery winners meeting certain eligibility requirements can have their status adjusted.
• Special immigrants: Certain categories like religious workers and Afghan/Iraqi nationals may seek adjustment of status.
• Crime victims and abuse survivors: U visa or VAWA provisions apply to eligible victims.

Talk to a qualified immigration attorney today to learn more about the requirements for each of these groups.

Not Sure If You’re Eligible for AOS?

Contact SimVisa today to set up a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your case.

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Benefits of Adjustment of Status

• Legal status: Adjustment of status permits you to pursue legal residency while being physically present in the United States.
• Reside with family: You may live with immediate family members who are lawful permanent residents or citizens of the U.S.
• Work permission: After your application for AOS has been pending for 180 days, you may potentially apply for and receive a work permit.
• Permission to travel: You can travel outside of the U.S. without repercussions if you have been granted advanced parole or a travel document.
• Social benefits: Lawful permanent resident status can avail various social benefits, such as education, healthcare, and Social Security benefits.
• Path to citizenship: For many, AOS is a crucial step on the way toward becoming naturalized citizens.
• Educational opportunities: Educational opportunities, like scholarships and in-state tuition, are available for green card holders.
• Career advancement: Once you have a green card, opportunities for career advancement will open up.
• Sponsor family members: When you have a green card, you are eligible to sponsor other family members to come to the United States.
• Stability and security: With a successful AOS, you will experience stability and security from knowing you are legally in the country and safe from deportation.

Adjustment of Status Process

For those already in the U.S., the adjustment of status process offers a convenient alternative to consular processing for obtaining an immigrant visa. Adjustment of status can be a simpler path to permanent residency.

The following is a brief overview of the steps involved in a typical adjustment of a status case:

• Review eligibility: Confirm that you are indeed eligible for adjustment of status, which requires that you have family or employer sponsorship as well as maintain a qualifying immigration status.
• File the immigration petition: The next step involves the filing of an immigrant petition by you or a family member, depending on your eligibility category.
• Collect required documents: Gather the documents that will be necessary for your cases, including IDs, proof of familial relationship or marriage, medical exam results, and employment verification documents.
• Fill out and submit Form I-485: Form I-485 is the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status and must be completed and filed with the appropriate fee with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Attend your biometrics appointment: Once your application has been submitted, you will be required to attend a biometrics appointment, where your fingerprints, signature, and photo will be taken for a background check.
• Sit for an interview (if relevant): Some applicants are required to sit for an interview with the USCIS. If you are called to do so, prepare with an attorney beforehand and bring all documents relevant to your application.
• Await USCIS decision: After your application, biometrics, and interview (if applicable) are complete, you will receive a USCIS decision regarding the adjustment of status. An approval means you will receive your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). If the USCIS needs more info, you will receive a request for evidence (RFE).
• Appeal or reapply if denied: In the event that your application is denied, you will likely have the option to appeal or reapply, depending on the circumstances surrounding your denial.

Always remember that the AOS process can be complex and is unforgiving of mistakes. Mistakes can lead to denial of your application or at least a major delay. Seeking help from an experienced immigration lawyer will help you avoid mistakes on the way to acquiring legal permanent resident status.

How SimVisa Immigration Lawyers Can Help You

Are you seeking an adjustment of status and not sure what to do next? Don't panic. It is normal for applicants to be confused; immigration laws are complex. But remember that when you choose SimVisa, we help you at every stage of the process so you get it right the first time, saving you time and money and sparing you disappointment and stress.

Some of the essential tasks we engage in for your case include:

1. Evaluation of your case and assessment of your eligibility.
2. Thorough and comprehensive document preparation and review.
3. Guidance in identifying and gathering evidence to support your case.
4. Assistance with filling out forms and submitting them correctly.
5. Representation during and preparation for USCIS interviews.
6. Handling and responding to requests for evidence (RFE).
7. Review and appeal your case if it is denied.
8. Client support and updates on the progress of your case.

Delays and rejections are common among those who try to go through an adjustment of status alone. Why not get it right the first time? Choose SimVisa to help you with the adjustment of status. Although results can never be guaranteed, we have a 99% success rate with our immigration services.