What is adjustment of status?

What the process for obtaining permanent residence without leaving the United States involves, and what documentation is usually needed.

In short

Adjustment of status is the process by which certain people already in the United States apply for permanent residence without leaving the country. It is normally decided by USCIS; in some cases, by an immigration court.

It usually rests on an earlier petition — often a family one — establishing the relationship through which the person can apply.

How it differs from consular processing

Who can use each path depends on specific legal circumstances. That determination belongs to a licensed attorney.

At a glance

Applications often filed alongside

Two further applications are commonly filed with the main one: work authorization, and permission to travel while the case is pending. Whether they apply in your situation is a legal question.

• I-485 — the application for permanent residence.
• I-765 — work authorization while it is pending.
• I-131 — travel document while it is pending.
• I-693 — the medical exam, which must be done by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon, not just any doctor.
• I-864 — the sponsor Affidavit of Support. In family cases it is required, and the sponsor must meet a minimum income level; if they do not, a joint sponsor may be needed.

Documentation usually involved

• Identity — passport, birth certificates, identification.
• Entry to the country — record of the most recent entry.
• Relationship — documentation of the petition behind the case.
• History — addresses, employment and travel.
• Financial circumstances — sponsor documentation where it applies.

How it usually unfolds

1. Preparation — all documentation is gathered and organized.
2. Filing — the complete package goes to USCIS.
3. Biometrics — attend the appointment assigned.
4. Request for evidence — if the government asks for more, respond in time.
5. Interview — where one is required.
6. Decision — the government resolves the case.

How long it takes

It varies by case type and by the office handling it, and it changes often. USCIS publishes its processing times. We do not promise deadlines: we tell you what is published when your documentation is prepared.

What most often delays a file

• Forms whose details do not match each other.
• Documents missing a translation where one is needed.
• Missing an appointment, or not answering a request for evidence.
• Changes of address that were never reported.

Frequently asked questions

Can anyone adjust their status?

No. Who can do so depends on specific legal circumstances, above all on how you entered the country. Filing puts your full history in front of the government, and a denial can lead to removal proceedings — so eligibility is worth checking before, not after. Consult a licensed attorney.

Can I travel while it is pending?

There is a specific application for that, and travelling without the right authorization can have legal consequences. Speak to an attorney before making plans.