What is an adjustment of status?

An adjustment of status is a process in which immigrants can apply to adjust their existing immigration status in California. This process can be used to obtain permanent residence, or a green card, for those who entered the U.S. lawfully or are already studying here. This is often used by family members of US citizens, legal permanent residents, working professionals, people with special skills, and other immigrants. When applying for an adjustment of status, applicants must prove that they are a part of a qualifying family. A qualifying family is defined as a family member who is a US citizen or legal permanent resident, such as a spouse, or a parent of a US citizen, or the parent of an unmarried child under 21. Additionally, applicants will need to demonstrate that they have a valid reason for entering the U.S. This may include a job offer or an invitation from a family member. Additionally, they will need to show that they do not pose a threat to security or public safety. They must also meet certain health and character criteria, and be financially capable of supporting themselves. Once the application is submitted, an officer will review the documents and decide whether or not to approve the applicants’ adjustment of status. If approved, the applicant will have permanent residence in the U.S. and will enjoy the same rights and privileges as any other legal resident in the country.

THELAW.TV ofrece respuestas en español a todas las preguntas sobre la ley de inmigración.

Un ajuste de estatus es un proceso administrativo que permite a un inmigrante que actualmente se encuentra en los Estados Unidos legalmente cambiar su estado migratorio de no-inmigrante a inmigrante autorizado. Esto se puede hacer a través de la Ley de Inmigración Familiar. Si una persona tiene un pariente que es ciudadano de los Estados Unidos, un hijo o un cónyuge, entonces pueden solicitar un ajuste de estatus para convertirse en residentes permanentes. Esto permite a la persona vivir y trabajar permanentemente en los Estados Unidos. El proceso de ajuste de estatus generalmente comienza con el pariente ciudadano presentando una petición de residencia con la Oficina de Ciudadanía y Servicios de Inmigración de EE. UU. (USCIS). Esta petición, si es aprobada, asegura que el inmigrante reciba una visa de residente permanente. Si el inmigrante ya se encuentra en los Estados Unidos, entonces puede solicitar un ajuste de estatus para convertirse en un residente permanente. El inmigrante debe presentar una Solicitud para un Ajuste de Estatus (Formulario I-485) junto con la documentación pertinente para solicitar una visa de residencia permanente. Si la solicitud es aprobada, entonces el inmigrante recibe una tarjeta verde, que le permite vivir y trabajar legalmente en los Estados Unidos.

Related FAQs

What is the process for replacing a passport?
What is the process for an immigrant coming to the US on a fiancé(e) visa?
How do I apply for a visa for a child of a US citizen?
How do I apply for the Violence Against Women Act?
What is the process for a spouse to become a US citizen?
What is the process for applying for a re-entry permit?
How do I apply for an immigrant visa for a child?
What is a conditional permanent resident status?
What is the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program?
What is the application process for deferred action?

What is an adjustment of status?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts