Adjustment Of Status Attorney Helps Process A Green Card

Securing a Green Card in the United States is vital for many immigrants aspiring to live and work permanently in the country. The Adjustment Of Status (AOS) process is one of the primary avenues for obtaining this. An Adjustment Of Status Attorney can simplify this journey, offering assistance to ensure a smooth and successful application.

This article will explain the eligibility for a Green Card through the Adjustment Of Status. It will also describe an attorney’s role and the valuable support a reputable immigration law firm can offer.

Austin Adjustment Of Status Attorney Guides Green Card Process

Adjustment Of Status Attorney Guides You

An immigration attorney guides you throughout the Green Card application process. Their immediate responsibility is to help clients navigate the complex immigration laws. It includes providing advice on eligibility, preparing necessary documentation, and representing clients in interactions with immigration authorities.

The attorney also plays a vital role in identifying issues that could arise during the application. By addressing these proactively, they can help prevent delays or denials. Additionally, the attorney can provide support in case of any complications, such as requests for additional evidence or interviews with immigration officers. 

These attorneys’ competence ensures that clients are well-prepared and have the best possible chance of success. They also help navigate the pathway to a Green Card through the Adjustment Of Status.

AOS Provides A Pathway To A Green Card

Adjustment Of Status offers a pathway for eligible individuals to transition to a Green Card without leaving the United States. This process is available to various categories of immigrants. These include family U.S. citizens, employees sponsored by U.S. employers, and certain humanitarian immigrants, such as refugees and asylum seekers.

The process involves several stages, with the first step being determining eligibility. Once eligibility is confirmed, the applicant must submit Form I-485 with supporting documents. They may also attend a biometrics appointment and an interview with an immigration officer. 

If approved, the applicant receives a Green Card, granting them lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. Complying with the eligibility requirements increases the application’s chances of success.

The Eligibility Requirements Of AOS

Eligibility for Adjustment Of Status involves several factors, such as a Visa category, whether family, employment, or humanitarian. Each has primary requirements, and an immigration attorney can help you navigate them to ensure the success of your application.

Family-Based Eligibility

For family-based AOS, the applicant must be a close relative of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Immediate relatives, such as spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens, are typically eligible. Other family members may qualify under family preference categories, with limited Visas available yearly.

Employment-Based Eligibility

Employment-based AOS requires the applicant to have a job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor a Green Card. The applicant must also obtain a labor certification from the Department of Labor, demonstrating that no qualified U.S. workers are available. Further, they must meet the qualifications for the specific employment category.

Humanitarian Eligibility

Certain humanitarian immigrants may be eligible, including these three: refugees, asylees, and victims of human trafficking and other crimes. Refugees and asylees can apply for AOS one year after being granted status. Victims of trafficking or crime must meet additional requirements, such as cooperation with law enforcement.

Additional Requirements

Regardless of the category, all AOS applicants must meet general eligibility criteria. These include being physically present in the United States, having lawful entry, and not being inadmissible under immigration law. Applicants may need to obtain waivers for specific grounds of inadmissibility, such as criminal history or prior immigration violations.

The Process Of Obtaining A Green Card

Getting a Green Card through an Adjustment Of Status involves several essential steps. Each step ensures the application is successful and proceeds without unnecessary delays. An Adjustment Of Status Attorney guides applicants through each stage of the process.

Determine Eligibility

The first step is to confirm eligibility for AOS. This involves reviewing the applicant’s current immigration status, how they entered the U.S., and their specific immigration category. Consulting with an Adjustment Of Status Lawyer can help clarify eligibility and identify potential issues.

File Form I-485

Once eligibility is confirmed, applicants must submit Form I-485, also known as Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with supporting documents. The form typically includes proof of the applicant’s current status, evidence of a lawful entry, and documentation related to the specific immigration category.

Attend Biometrics Appointment

After filing Form I-485, the applicant will receive a notice for a biometrics appointment. The applicant’s fingerprints, photograph, and signature are collected during this appointment for background checks. Attending this appointment is vital, as missing it can delay the application process.

Respond To Requests For Evidence

If the immigration authorities require more documentation or information, they will issue a Request for Evidence or RFE. Replying promptly and accurately to an RFE is critical to avoid delays or denials. An Adjustment Of Status Lawyer can assist in preparing a comprehensive response.

Attend Interview

The applicant often must attend an interview with an immigration officer. During the interview, the officer will confirm the information provided and may ask additional questions. Preparation is vital; an immigration attorney can help the applicant prepare for the interview and understand what to expect.

Receive Decision

After the interview, the immigration authorities will review the application and make a decision. Upon its approval, the applicant will receive a permanent resident or Green Card, giving them lawful permanent resident status. The applicant can reapply or appeal the decision if denied, depending on the circumstances.

Adjustment Of Status Attorney Strategies

Immigration attorneys employ various strategies to enhance the chances of a successful Green Card application. These strategies are tailored to each client’s seeds and circumstances, ensuring a personalized approach.

Thorough Documentation

One of the most critical strategies is ensuring thorough and accurate documentation. An AOS attorney helps clients gather and organize all necessary documents, ensuring everything is complete and correct. It includes evidence of eligibility, proof of lawful entry, and any required waivers for inadmissibility.

Proactive Issue Identification

Another strategy is proactively identifying and addressing issues that could arise during the application process. By anticipating problems and preparing solutions in advance, the attorney can help prevent delays or denials. It includes reviewing the applicant’s background, identifying any grounds of inadmissibility, and preparing necessary waivers.

Preparation For Interviews & RFEs

Preparation is essential for interviews and responses to Requests for Evidence (RFEs). An attorney provides clients with detailed guidance on what to expect and how to respond to RFEs effectively. It includes practicing common interview questions, reviewing the application for consistency, and preparing any additional documentation that may be required.

Staying Informed On Policy Changes

Immigration laws and policies are changing, and staying informed is crucial for a successful application. An attorney keeps up-to-date with the latest changes and ensures the application complies with current laws and regulations. It includes understanding new policies, procedural updates, and any shifts in enforcement priorities.

Advantages Of An LPR Immigration Status

Achieving lawful permanent resident (LPR) status through the AOS process offers numerous benefits to immigrants. These benefits extend beyond the legal right to live and work in the United States, enhancing the overall quality of life of Green Card holders.

Legal Residency

LPR status grants immigrants the legal right to reside permanently in the United States. It provides security and stability, allowing them to plan for their future without fear of deportation. With fewer restrictions, Green Card holders can live and work anywhere in the country and travel abroad.

Employment Opportunities

Individuals can access a broader range of employment opportunities with a Green Card. Unlike temporary Visa holders, Green Card holders can work for any employer without sponsorship. It opens up new career prospects and the potential for higher wages and job benefits.

Pathway To Citizenship

LPR status is a significant step towards U.S. citizenship. After holding a Green Card or lawful permanent residency for a certain period (usually five years), individuals can apply for naturalization. Becoming a U.S. citizen offers additional rights and privileges.

Access To Benefits

Green Card holders or LPRs are eligible for several benefits, such as Social Security, Medicare, and other public assistance programs. They have the privilege of in-state tuition at public colleges and universities, making higher education more affordable. Additionally, LPR status provides protection under U.S. labor laws, guaranteeing fair treatment in the workplace.

Abogada Kate Supports AOS Process

How An Adjustment Of Status Attorney At Abogada Kate Helps With Green Cards

Abogada Kate is dedicated to helping clients successfully navigate the Adjustment Of Status process. With an in-depth knowledge of immigration laws and a commitment to client success, the law firm offers personalized support throughout the application process.

Personalized Guidance

Abogada Kate provides personalized guidance to each client, taking the time to understand their unique circumstances and needs. This tailored approach ensures every aspect of the application is handled with care and precision. Clients can rely on the law firm for honest advice and support.

Comprehensive Support

From determining eligibility to preparing for interviews, Abogada Kate offers comprehensive support throughout the process. The law firm assists clients in gathering necessary documentation, responding to RFEs, and preparing for interviews. It makes the process smooth and stress-free, helping clients obtain a Green Card.

Commitment To Client Success

Abogada Kate is committed to her client’s success. The law firm stays informed on the latest immigration laws and policies, ensuring that each application complies with current regulations. Its dedication and skills give clients the confidence and peace of mind to navigate the complex process successfully.

Summary

Securing a Green Card through Adjustment Of Status is complex and requires careful navigation of immigration laws and procedures. An adjustment Of Status attorney plays a crucial role in guiding applicants through this journey, from determining eligibility to preparing for interviews and responding to requests for evidence. 

By employing tailored strategies and staying informed on policy changes, the attorney enhances the chances of a successful application. Achieving lawful permanent resident status is significant, providing stability, employment opportunities, and a pathway to U.S. citizenship.

About the Author: Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch

I am the managing partner of Lincoln-Goldfinch Law. Upon graduating from the University of Texas for college and law school, I received an Equal Justice Works Fellowship in 2008, completed at American Gateways. My project served the detained families seeking asylum. After my fellowship, I entered private immigration practice. My firm offers family-based immigration, such as green cards and naturalization, deportation defense, and humanitarian cases such as asylum, U Visa, and VAWA. Everyone at Lincoln-Goldfinch Law is bilingual, has a connection to our cause, and has demonstrated a history of activism for immigrants. To us, our work is not just a job.

Share this story!