Green Card / Adjustment of Status
Your Path to Permanent Residency
Adjustment of status is the process to apply for lawful permanent residence while inside the United States. A green card (Permanent Resident Card) gives you official immigration status, entitles you to certain rights, and is required to naturalize as a US citizen. Unlike consular processing, you do not have to return to your country of citizenship — a process that can save considerable time and expense.
How to Apply for a Green Card
Most applicants need to complete at least two forms: an immigrant petition and a green card application. Another person usually files the petition on your behalf as the sponsoring petitioner. The federal government states that being a permanent resident is a privilege, not a right.
Green Card Categories
- Family-based: immediate relatives of US citizens (spouse, unmarried child under 21, parents of adults); family preference categories; fiancé(e)s (K-1/K-2); widow(er)s; VAWA self-petitioners
- Employment-based: EB-1 through EB-5 based on qualifications — extraordinary ability, outstanding researchers/professors, multinational managers, advanced degree professionals, skilled workers, and EB-5 investors
- Special immigrants: Special Immigrant Juveniles; Afghan/Iraqi translators; religious workers; international organization employees
- Refugee or asylee status (granted asylum or admitted as refugee at least one year ago)
- Victims of human trafficking or crime (T and U visas)
- Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (lottery)
- Cuban Adjustment Act and other special programs
The Application Process (Inside the US)
- 1File an immigrant petition with USCIS (e.g., Form I-130 for family-based, Form I-140 for employment-based)
- 2Check visa availability using the DOS Visa Bulletin
- 3File Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status)
- 4Attend a biometrics ASC appointment
- 5Attend an interview when applicable
- 6Respond to any requests for evidence
- 7Receive a decision
The Application Process (Outside the US — Consular Processing)
- 1File an immigrant petition
- 2Wait for the petition decision
- 3Receive NVC notification
- 4Attend a consular office appointment at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate
- 5Receive your green card
Our firm will take the time to explain every single action that is happening in your case and how we are working for you. You can call (213) 388-1821 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Los Angeles green card/adjustment of status attorney.