Compassionate, Experienced Los Angeles Adjustment of Status Lawyer
For many people, pursuing adjustment of status is a key part of their immigration journey. It is not uncommon to enter the United States using a nonimmigrant visa, which allows an individual to remain in the country on a temporary basis. In these situations, adjusting the status of a visa is necessary to continue living in the United States. The adjustment of status process can be overwhelming, however, and legal complexities can result in costly errors. Seeking assistance from an experienced Los Angeles adjustment of status lawyer can help immensely to prevent these errors and avoid delays during the process. At Diaz Law Firm, we work closely with adjustment of status applicants to ensure success and smoothly secure permanent residence in the United States. To learn more about how DLF can help, consider contacting the Los Angeles office at (626) 261-0402 today.
What Is Adjustment of Status?
Adjustment of status refers to the legal process of applying for a Green Card while physically located within the United States. This is contrary to consular processing, which is used for individuals who are applying for their Green Card while outside of the United States. As such, location is key in these situations. To qualify for adjustment of status, a person must meet the eligibility requirements and not face legal bars that prohibit them from adjusting their immigration status.
Do I Qualify for Adjustment of Status?
The following individuals may qualify for adjustment of status under United States immigration law:
- Immediate relatives of United States citizens, including spouses, unmarried children, and/or parents. If you do not already have a family-based immigration petition, it is possible to file a petition at the same time as your application for adjustment of status.
- Family-based immigration visa holders who already have an approved application and have a current priority date for adjustment of status.
- Employment-based visa holders who have a labor certification (or are exempt from this certification), already have an approved employment-based petition and have a current priority date for adjustment of status.
- The dependents of Green Card holders, including spouses or unmarried children who already have an approved family-based petition and a current priority date for adjustment of status.
- Spouses who entered the United States with a K-1 visa (and their children).
- Refugees and asylees
- Cuban citizens who have resided in the United States for one year, as well as any spouses or children who have already resided in the country for a year.
- Foreign nationals who have continuously resided in the United States since January 1, 1972.
Navigating the eligibility requirements for adjustment of status can be confusing and it is advised to speak with an experienced Los Angeles adjustment of status lawyer to ensure that you qualify before filing your application. There is a range of criteria that render a person ineligible for adjustment of status, which a knowledgeable attorney can provide insight on during your initial consultation.
How Can Diaz Law Firm Help?
Having spent well over a decade providing legal counsel and representation to individuals applying for adjustment of status, DLF is acutely aware of the common pitfalls that arise and the unforeseen complications that often occur during the process. Some of the most common issues that the firm handles for clients include the following:
- Completing and filing Form I-485, Application to Rergister Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, according to the rules and requirements of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Compiling any necessary evidence pertaining to your case.
- Concurrent filing of all relevant official forms and immigration petitions.
- Providing guidance on the expectations of the adjustment of status interview to ensure success.
- Resolving issues that arise during the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
As an experienced Los Angeles adjustment of status lawyer, Cheryl Deptowicz-Diaz has spent years working alongside applicants to obtain permanent residence in the United States. The following include three of the most frequently asked questions regarding the adjustment of status process.
What Is the Adjustment of Status Timeline?
The timeline for adjustment of status applications varies from case to case. On average, however, the process takes between 8 months to over a year. While initial notices, biometrics appointments, and the interview may happen rapidly, the USCIS often takes 5-10 months to issue a final decision. To prevent delays and ensure the fastest processing time for your case, it is critical to properly prepare your application package and mitigate errors in all submitted forms and paperwork.
What Are Immigration Strategies for Adjusting Temporary Status?
There are a range of immigration strategies available to individuals who wish to adjust their temporary status in the United States. Ultimately, your attorney should provide guidance on which strategies will most effectively benefit your specific case. Every situation is unique, and your lawyer should always tailor their legal strategies to match.
Across the board, however, it is supremely important to gather and compile relevant documentation to support your case. The evidence and documentation that you submit will play a critical role in the success of your adjustment of status application. Your Los Angeles adjustment of status lawyer can provide further insight regarding the type of evidence necessary to support your application and which legal strategies will increase your likelihood of a successful outcome.
What If Your Visa Expires While Waiting for an Adjustment of Status?
Fortunately, your immigration status is protected while applying for adjustment of status. If your visa expires while waiting for adjustment of status, you will still be permitted to remain in the United States until the USCIS finishes processing your application. In essence, as long as you entered the United States legally, you should not face any issues if your visa expires while waiting for adjustment of status.
Hire an Attorney Experienced in the Adjustment of Status Processes Near You
More often than not, the adjustment of status process is extensive and intricate. Even the smallest missteps during the process can result in serious delays or even outright denial of your application. Hiring an attorney experienced in adjustment of status processes near you can help to avoid these disastrous outcomes and ensure your success. To learn more about how a Los Angeles adjustment of status lawyer at Diaz Law Firm can help you obtain your Green Card, consider contacting the Los Angeles office at (626) 261-0402 today.