Can I adjust my status if I entered the U.S. without a visa?

Yes, it is possible to adjust your status if you entered the U.S. without a visa. However, this must be done through marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Under Washington State law, individuals who have entered the country without a visa and subsequently marry a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident are eligible to adjust their status from an undocumented immigrant to a Lawful Permanent Resident(LPR). This is possible because the spouse who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident can act as a “sponsor” and sponsor their undocumented spouse’s adjustment application. The adjustment application is then reviewed by the Department of Homeland Security and, if approved, the alien is allowed to remain in the U.S. and in some cases, even receive a green card. For the adjustment of status to be approved, the marriage must be genuine and not merely for the purpose of the alien obtaining a green card. It is important to note that the application process can be complex and an experienced attorney with knowledge of marriage-based immigration is recommended for the best chance for success.

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En Washington, una persona puede solicitar una ajuste de su estado migratorio si ha entrado a Estados Unidos sin visa. Esto se conoce como ajuste de estado basado en el matrimonio, y es uno de los principales procesos de inmigración. En primer lugar, la persona que desea ajustar su estado migratorio debe primero casarse con un residente legal o un ciudadano de Estados Unidos. Para completar el proceso, será necesario presentar una serie de documentos para demostrar que el matrimonio es legítimo. Estos documentos deberán incluir una copia del certificado de matrimonio, pruebas de relación (como tarjetas de amor, mensajes electrónicos, fotos o cartas de amor), pruebas de residencia conjunta, entre otros. Además, el solicitante deberá presentar formularios de solicitud apropiados para ajustar su estado migratorio. Estos pueden ser Formulario I-130 Respecto a un Familiar Extranjero, Formulario I-485 Solicitud para Obtener Estatus de Residencia Permanente, Formulario I-765 Solicitud de Autorización de Trabajo, entre otros. Finalmente, el solicitante debe asegurarse de que cumple con todos los requisitos de elegibilidad para calificar para ajustar el estatus. Esto incluye no haber entrado ilegalmente a Estados Unidos ni haber infringido la ley de inmigración estadounidense. Si el solicitante cumple con todos los requisitos, entonces es posible que pueda ajustar su estatus migratorio una vez que se complete el proceso.

Related FAQs

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What documents do I need to provide when filing for a marriage-based visa?
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Can I adjust my status if I am already in the U.S.?
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