Adjustment of Status Lawyer in Fresno

For immigrants who want to make their home in the United States and legally live and work here permanently, possibly becoming full U.S citizens at some point in the future, applying for a Green Card can be the first step. If you are applying from within the U.S., this process is called “adjustment of status.” There are a number of ways to become eligible for this process.

Some of these include having a close relative who is a U.S. citizen, doing certain kinds of work or working for certain employers, having a refugee status or having been granted asylum, or having been harmed by crime, abuse, or human trafficking in your home country.

These are just some of the categories of eligibility; there are others that are more specific to individual situations. An experienced adjustment of status attorney from Bains Law Offices can not only help you determine your eligibility for the adjustment of status application but can also guide you through the complicated process of applying for Lawful Permanent Resident status in the United States.

Call our Fresno office today at 559-890-1007 to get started.

How Do I Obtain a Green Card Through Family?

While there are exceptions for certain specific situations, most immigrants seeking a Green Card based on family connections go through the following process. If you have a sibling, parent, or spouse who is a citizen of the United States, that person can sponsor you in your quest for a Green Card, if they are willing.

This sponsor will most likely file an immigrant petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) asking that you be considered for the adjustment of status. If you are the spouse, a child under age 21, or parent of a U.S. citizen, the process will be faster than if you are a more distant relative or applying under employment eligibility.

Once that petition is approved (or at the same time as your initial petition in some cases), you will fill out an application for a Green Card. After that, you will be notified of other requirements, possibly such as providing fingerprints, signing documents, and appearing for an interview.

Not all applications require these steps, so be sure to read any communication from USCIS very carefully, or consult your adjustment of status lawyer for assistance.

What are the Benefits of Adjustment of Status?

While achieving Lawful Permanent Resident status has many benefits, there are some benefits that come from applying for adjustment of status, even before the Green Card is approved. You must apply for these additional benefits, and can do so at the same time as your adjustment of status application.

One such benefit is called “advanced parole.” Advanced parole means that while your adjustment of status is pending, you can travel outside the United States freely without the travel affecting your application.

You may then re-enter the U.S. without having to apply for or receive a non-immigrant visa to re-enter. A pending adjustment of status application also can allow you to obtain an Employment Authorization Document, commonly known as a work permit, so that you can work for any employer in the U.S.

Finally, your pending adjustment of status application allows you to stay in the United States even if you have no other valid immigration status.

In addition to these benefits, applying for adjustment of status helps you avoid the need to leave the country for consular processing, which can be time-consuming and complicated. This means you can remain physically present in the U.S. while your application is processed, maintaining your legal status and avoiding disruptions to your daily life, work, and family commitments.

Moreover, having a pending adjustment of status application can provide certain protections against removal proceedings, which can be crucial if your current visa is expiring or if you have encountered any immigration issues. It also opens the door to potential eligibility for certain waivers and reliefs that might not be available if you were applying from outside the U.S.

Additionally, once your adjustment of status is approved, you become a lawful permanent resident, or green card holder, which grants you the right to live and work permanently in the United States. This status also serves as a pathway to U.S. citizenship after meeting specific residency and eligibility requirements.

Overall, the benefits of adjustment of status extend beyond just obtaining a green card—they provide important interim protections and opportunities that can make the immigration process smoother and more secure for applicants.

What May I Be Required to Provide for My Adjustment of Status Application?

Besides the petition and application forms, there are some other things that may be required in the processing of your adjustment of application status. Biometric information, such as fingerprints may be required in addition to a medical report and vaccination record ensuring that public health requirements are met.

A criminal background check conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through its National Name Check Program (NNCP) may also be required. Gathering all of the necessary information to support your adjustment of status application can be time consuming and complicated. One of our skilled and knowledgeable adjustment of status lawyers can help. Call Bains Law Offices today at 559-890-1007.

United States immigration law is complicated and changes often. For an immigrant who may not be familiar with all of the complex qualifications involved in applying for adjustment of status, the process can be overwhelming.

Applicants may also need to provide evidence of their eligibility category, such as proof of family relationship if applying through a family member, or employment verification if applying through a job offer. Additional supporting documentation might include tax returns, proof of continuous residence, or affidavits from acquaintances attesting to the applicant’s character and circumstances.

In some cases, applicants might be required to submit translations of foreign documents, certified by a qualified translator, to ensure USCIS can fully understand the materials. It is also important to keep track of filing fees associated with the application, as failure to pay the correct fees can result in delays or denial.

Scheduling and attending a biometrics appointment is a mandatory step where USCIS collects fingerprints, photographs, and signature. This allows for background and security checks to be completed. Depending on the applicant’s history, additional security clearances may be required by Homeland Security.

Because the requirements can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances and the category under which you apply, having an experienced adjustment of status attorney can be invaluable.

They can help you compile all necessary documents, prepare for interviews, and respond to any requests for additional evidence from USCIS, ensuring your application proceeds as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

Should You Hire a Adjustment of Status Attorney?

Having an attorney that handles immigration law cases with the education and experience needed to help you navigate the tangle of forms and requirements can give you the best chance of success in your adjustment of status case.

An experienced adjustment of status attorney can provide valuable legal representation throughout the entire status process. They understand the nuances of immigration law and can help ensure that all necessary forms are completed accurately and submitted on time, minimizing delays caused by errors or omissions.

How can a Immigration Lawyer Help with the Immigration Process

Moreover, an attorney can assist in gathering and organizing all required supporting documents, such as proof of eligibility, identity, and any other documentation required by immigration authorities. This preparation is critical to presenting a strong case to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

In addition to helping with paperwork, a knowledgeable immigration lawyer can prepare you for the USCIS interview, which is often a crucial step in the green card application process. They can advise you on what to expect, how to answer questions clearly and confidently, and how to handle any concerns that may arise during the interview.

If complications occur, such as requests for additional evidence or legal issues related to your application, having a skilled attorney can make a significant difference. They can respond to USCIS requests promptly and appropriately, helping you avoid potential denials or delays.

Contact an Immigration Attorney for your Adjust of Status Case Today

Hiring a lawyer also means having an advocate who can protect your legal rights throughout the process, including in case of removal proceedings or appeals. Their expertise can help you navigate complex immigration courts and federal courts if necessary.

Overall, working with an adjustment of status attorney provides peace of mind and increases the likelihood of a successful outcome in your quest to become a lawful permanent resident and eventually a United States citizen.