US Immigration Attorney in Birmingham, Alabama
Adjustment of Status – What is it?
Adjustment status is a legal process that individuals undergo if they were born outside of the United States, and do not have permanent and legal resident status. This process is for them to remain in the US by complying with the required criteria.
Status adjustment typically entails a parolee or nonimmigrant visa holder shifting to immigrant status to get a lawful permanent residence or green card.
Citizens outside the United States who are disqualified for status adjustment will be forced to apply for an immigrant visa while in their native country and enter the United States via consular processing.
Only a small number of immigrants qualify for status adjustment in the United States. If you apply for status adjustment while not meeting the necessary requirements, you will most likely suffer serious consequences, or worse, you may be deported.
That’s precisely why, before undertaking any step, it is crucial to speak to an experienced US Immigration Attorney in Birmingham, Alabama. You should seek prudent legal advice, not only to be eligible for adjustment of status but also to avoid severe consequences in the future. If you have any questions about the adjustment of status in Alabama, schedule a consultation with us today!
Who Can Be Eligible For Immigration Status Adjustment?
If you want to change your immigration status, you must first enter and remain legally in the United States. Your entitlement to have a green card will be based on the following classification of immigration by the United States immigration law:
- Immigration based on family
- Immigration based on employment
- Special Immigrant
- Asylee Status or Refugee
- Crime Victims and Human Trafficking
- Abused Victims
- Other classifications recognized by the USCIS
- Registry
The immigration process of adjustment of status is indeed complex. You have to deal with a lot of legal terms and procedures. If you are searching for an experienced US Immigration Attorney in Birmingham, Alabama, you can always rely on Petro Immigration Attorneys. Contact us today to get a case evaluation.
How does the Application Process for Status Adjustment Work?
You may now proceed with the green card application after meeting the eligibility requirements. The important steps below should serve as your guide before proceeding with the application.
However, getting to know the entire process alone will not suffice. To get excellent results, consulting with an experienced US Immigration Attorney in Birmingham, Alabama will greatly help. If you need to adjust your status in the United States quickly and without hassle, it is better to work with an immigration attorney than to do it yourself.
Submit an Immigrant Petition
Many people who want to obtain a green card will need to fill out both an immigrant petition form and a green card application form. In most cases, another person must file the petition on your behalf. However, in some instances, you can file both the petition form and Form I-485 at the same time.
Confirmation of Visa Availability
In most cases, you cannot file Form I-485, unless there is an available visa for your category. There are limitations imposed as to the number of available visas in every category. As a result, it would be helpful to ensure that there will be an available immigrant visa prior to submitting your application for permanent lawful residence. You may visit the USCIS page to see the Visa Availability & Priority Dates.
Submit an Application to Adjust Status or Register Permanent Residency
You must file Form I-485 to apply for permanent residence, regardless of whether the petition should be filed concurrently or not. Certain categories might necessitate a different type of form.
Proceed to the nearby Application Support Center
You will be notified through email when you may submit your biometric information, such as fingerprints, photos, and signatures, among other things. These details are used to confirm your identity and protect your security.
Attend the Interview, whenever applicable
The officials of USCIS will then evaluate your application and determine whether it is necessary to conduct an interview. This interview is done to let you answer questions under affirmation or oath. If applicable, you will get a notification regarding the date, location, and time of the interview. You need to prepare the original documents you submitted, along with Form I-485 before going to the interview. This includes travel documents, a passport, and Form I-94.
Wait for the USCIS’ Final Decision
You will receive a notification in writing as to whether your petition for status adjustment has been granted or not. If approved, you will obtain your Green Card or Permanent Resident Card, a few days after your approval notification. If your application was not granted, you will receive a letter outlining the reasons why. In that situation, you have the option of filing an appeal.
Complying with these processes can be difficult and confusing without the legal aid of an experienced Immigration Lawyer. You deserve legal assistance that strives for excellence. Hiring Petro Immigration Attorneys will leave you with no regrets. Because of our vast experience assisting clients in Alabama, we are knowledgeable and skilled in the complex legal process and immigration laws.
Call our US Immigration Attorney in Birmingham, Alabama Now!
This page might answer some of your questions, but there are a lot of complexities along the road once you apply for adjustment status. You don’t want to face severe consequences or deportation as this can greatly affect your immigration journey.
If you or someone you know requires further help in applying for permanent resident status, talking to an experienced US Immigration Attorney in Birmingham, Alabama will help you save more money and time. Some processes might seem straightforward at first, but there are things that no one can figure out. Hence, your lawyer will help you to prevent future conflicts and make the entire process hassle-free.
Petro Immigration Attorneys is an immigration law firm that you can trust – if you are looking for excellent immigration attorneys, choosing us is a wise decision. We are committed to assisting you from start to finish, and we strive for excellence in order to achieve the best results. If you need help relative to the foregoing, schedule a consultation with us, and let’s discuss your case!