It can be difficult to understand how to adjust one’s immigration status in the United States. There are tons of different laws and policies that change so often that the general public doesn’t keep up with them. Whether you are aiming to become a lawful permanent resident or modify an existing visa status, an adjustment of status lawyer can provide the support you need to manage your adjustment of immigration status.
An adjustment of status refers to the specific procedure that allows certain undocumented immigrants who are already in the United States to apply for permanent residency. Rather than having to return to their home country to complete the visa processing, this enables them to adjust their status while staying in the U.S.
The forms and fees, as of September 2025, that you’ll need for adjusting your immigration status may include the following. The Form I-485 fee increased under the August 29, 2025, USCIS Fee Schedule, rising to $1,440 for most adults and $950 for children under 14 filing with a parent.
The length of time it takes to adjust your immigration status depends on the category of your application, the location of your USCIS field office, and whether a visa number is immediately available. For immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, the process moves more quickly because the visas are not subject to caps.
These applicants may see decisions within eight to 14 months, depending on the office. For family preference categories (such as spouses of green card holders), applicants must wait for their priority date to become current under the Department of State Visa Bulletin, which can add years to the process.
To be eligible for an adjustment of status, you must be eligible to receive a green card in these areas. This process involves filing Form I-485, the official application to register for permanent residence or adjust status:
Successfully adjusting your immigration status requires careful filings backed by documentation. Central to any application would be forms and identification, such as Form I-485, a government-issued ID, a passport, a visa, and Form I-94, along with a birth certificate. Employment-based cases require proof of job offers or labor certification evidence. Missing or outdated forms can trigger delays. Missing information can lead to delays and setbacks.
Adjustment applications are frequently delayed or denied for avoidable reasons. Common mistakes applicants make include using an outdated version of Form I-485, submitting incomplete documentation, or failing to file Form I-693 correctly.
Applicants often overlook visa priority date backlogs or forget to update address changes. Traveling abroad without advance parole can also result in applications being deemed abandoned. Even seemingly minor mistakes, like inconsistent information across all forms, can raise red flags.
If you are seeking to adjust your immigration status, your top priority should be to hire an immigration lawyer who understands immigration laws and how to help clients successfully navigate complex immigration cases. In 2024, USCIS welcomed 818,500 new citizens, marking a 7% decline from the previous year.
Immigration remains challenging, which is why having an immigration attorney is critical for anyone wanting to join or remain as part of the 47.8 million immigrants residing in the U.S. Cases are handled at the USCIS Los Angeles Field Office (300 North Los Angeles Street) and the USCIS San Francisco Field Office (630 Sansome Street), among other California office locations.
Adjustments to immigration status require careful attention to detail and patience. From the moment you initiate the process until it is completed, having legal representation enables you to understand the process and avoid making costly mistakes that could lead to delays and other significant setbacks.
A: There has been a 35% increase in the adjustment of status fee since the previous year, putting the total cost at $1,540 for most adult applicants. There are scenarios where this fee may be reduced, such as when the applicant is a child under the age of 14 or a senior over the age of 79.
The fee has been known to change annually, and there are other costs associated with this process as well. Consulting with an adjustment of status lawyer can give you access to the most current and accurate fee details. They can also provide support throughout your application.
A: There are a few different reasons why these types of applications could be denied. First, it may be determined that the individual has not reached all the criteria needed for acceptance. This could include:
Incomplete applications will also be denied, even if just one minor detail is overlooked. To avoid these problems, it’s highly advised that you connect with an attorney who can oversee this entire process on your behalf.
A: Not all applicants for an adjustment of status are required to attend a formal interview. Typically, these types of interviews are only mandated for family-based adjustments or in some employment cases. The purpose of these interviews is to verify the authenticity of an applicant’s relationship or employment claim.
If there is any cause for concern, there may be a reason to dismiss the request. However, the USCIS has full discretion to waive the interview for certain applicants if there is sufficient evidence to grant the request.
A: Yes, there are some pathways for F-1 students to request a green card for permanent residency in the United States. For example, one common path is when someone with an F-1 student visa decides to marry a U.S. citizen. This potential also exists when an employer is willing to sponsor a green card in exchange for the individual’s employment.
It’s important to note that F-1 students must be careful to maintain their status until the adjustment request has been officially approved. An immigration lawyer can review the details of your current status to ensure that nothing changes until a final decision has been reached.
If you are seeking an adjustment of status in the United States, contact the experienced immigration law attorneys at U.S. Law Center today. Our reputable law firm has been supporting immigrants throughout their entire journey to citizenship, especially when adjustments are needed to their current immigrant status. Allow us to be on your team and secure the support you need to stay in the country.
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