Tampa Adjustment of Status Lawyer
Helping Clients With The Adjustment of Status Process in Washington, D.C. & Nationwide
Adjustment of status is a process that allows certain nonimmigrants to change their status to that of a lawful permanent resident (LPR) without leaving the United States. This process is available to individuals already in the United States who meet certain eligibility requirements. The result is the issuance of a “green card,” also known as a Permanent Resident Card, which gives you the right to live and work here permanently and travel in and out of the U.S. without restriction.
Working with an immigration lawyer when applying for an adjustment of status is essential to give you the best chance of success. At Little Law, P.A., our immigration attorney can ensure you understand your eligibility for LPR status, gather the necessary documentation, ensure that your application is complete and accurate, and navigate any challenges or obstacles that arise during the legal process.
As an immigrant to this country herself, Attorney Jamila Little understands the intricacies of the complex immigration system. She has personal and legal experience that can be critical in pursuing your immigration goals.
Send us an email on our contact form or call us at (813) 279-1140 to book a consultation with our Tampa adjustment of status attorney today. Se Habla Español.
Understanding Green Cards & Adjustment of Status
Green cards are typically issued to individuals approved for immigrant visas based on family ties, employment, refugee or asylum status, or other eligibility criteria. For example, an individual may be eligible for adjustment of status if they are the spouse or child of a U.S. citizen or LPR or if they have been offered a job in the United States. Other green cards exist, including conditional green cards issued to immigrant investors who have invested a substantial sum of money in a U.S. business.
Green card holders may eventually be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship if they meet certain residency requirements.
Green cards are an important form of identification for LPRs in the United States, and they are often required for a variety of purposes, such as obtaining a driver’s license, opening a bank account, or applying for certain types of government benefits. In addition, green card holders are generally subject to many of the same state and federal laws and regulations as U.S. citizens, including paying taxes.
Who is Eligible For an Adjustment of Status?
Eligibility for adjustment of status generally depends on the applicant’s immigration category. Here are the primary categories and their requirements:
Family-Based Immigration: Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens aged 21 or older). Other family members who fall under family preference categories, such as unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens, married children of U.S. citizens, and siblings of U.S. citizens (if the U.S. citizen is 21 or older).
Employment-Based Immigration: Individuals with approved employment-based immigrant petitions (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, etc.). Certain special categories, including religious workers and those with extraordinary abilities.
Special Immigrants: Individuals such as religious workers, special immigrant juveniles, certain international organization employees, and their families.
Refugees and Asylees: Refugees and asylees can apply for adjustment of status after one year of being accepted to the U.S. as a refugee or being granted asylum.
Humanitarian Programs: Individuals who qualify under certain humanitarian programs, such as those covered by Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
General Eligibility Requirements:
The applicant must be physically present in the United States.
The applicant must have been inspected and admitted or paroled into the United States.
The applicant must be eligible to obtain an immigrant visa and be admissible to the United States.
The immigrant visa must be immediately available to the applicant at the time of filing.
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Adjustment of Status Applications
Adjusting one’s status begins by determining if you qualify for a green card. If so, you would apply to adjust your status with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This involves Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
The application must be accompanied by supporting documentation, such as proof of identity, proof of legal entry into the United States, and evidence of eligibility for LPR status.
The timeline for processing an adjustment of status application can vary depending on a number of factors, including USCIS processing times, the complexity of the case, and any issues or delays that arise during the process. In general, however, the process can take several months to complete.
If an individual’s adjustment of status application is denied, they may have options for appeal or reconsideration. However, it is important to note that denials can be difficult to overcome, particularly if the individual has committed a serious violation of U.S. immigration law or has a criminal record.
Contact Our Tampa Adjustment of Status Attorney Today
Navigating the adjustment of status process can be complex and challenging, particularly for individuals unfamiliar with the U.S. immigration system. Common pitfalls include incomplete or inaccurate applications, missed deadlines, and failure to provide sufficient supporting documentation.
For these reasons, it is important to work with an experienced immigration lawyer who can guide you through the process and help you avoid costly mistakes. Our attorney brings valuable competence and skills to the task and has helped countless individuals secure their green cards through the adjustment of status process.
Get started with help from our Tampa lawyer for adjustment of status by contacting us at (813) 279-1140.
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