🏡 Already in the U.S. and eligible for a green card? Adjustment of Status (AOS) allows you to apply without returning to your home country. This pathway is ideal for family members, spouses, workers, and humanitarian visa holders already legally in the United States.
Let BorderlessLawyers walk you through eligibility, documents, timelines, and strategy for a successful AOS application.
What Is Adjustment of Status?
đź“Ś Adjustment of Status (AOS) is the legal process that allows certain non-citizens to become permanent residents (green card holders) while staying in the U.S.
It differs from Consular Processing, which requires applying from outside the country at a U.S. embassy.
Who Qualifies for AOS?
âś… Common AOS applicants include:
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Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, children, parents)
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Fiancé(e)s (K-1 visa holders) after marriage
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Employment-based visa holders (H-1B, L-1)
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Asylees or refugees after 1 year in status
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Certain humanitarian visa holders (U, T, VAWA)
âť—You must generally:
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Be physically present in the U.S.
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Have entered lawfully (with inspection)
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Be eligible for an immigrant visa category
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Not have violated immigration status (exceptions apply)
Step-by-Step: How AOS Works
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đź“„ Determine Eligibility & Category
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Based on marriage, family, employment, asylum, or special programs
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đź“ť Prepare Application Package
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Core forms: I-485, I-130 (if family-based), I-864 Affidavit of Support
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Include work/travel permit requests: I-765, I-131
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đź’µ Pay Filing Fees
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~$1,440 for adults, includes biometric fee
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🧬 Biometrics Appointment
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USCIS collects fingerprints and photos
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🗣️ Interview with USCIS
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Usually required for family-based cases
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âś… Receive Green Card
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If approved, you’ll receive a 2-year (conditional) or 10-year green card
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Documents You’ll Need
đź“‘ Key AOS documents include:
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Passport and visa copies
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I-94 arrival record
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Marriage/birth certificates
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Medical exam form (I-693)
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Proof of lawful entry
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Proof of relationship or job offer
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Photos and affidavit of support
Can I Work or Travel During AOS?
🛂 Yes, if you apply for:
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Work permit (EAD) with Form I-765
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Advance Parole travel document with Form I-131
These are usually processed within 3–6 months and are valid until your green card is issued.
BorderlessLawyers Can Help With:
🧑‍⚖️ Legal strategy to avoid rejections
📦 Organizing a complete AOS package
đź’¬ Interview preparation
⚖️ Waivers (if you overstayed or entered unlawfully)
⏳ Expedited processing (where applicable)
We ensure your status is protected and your application is airtight.
FAQs
Q: What if I overstayed my visa?
✳️ Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens may still be eligible. Others may need a waiver.
Q: Can I adjust status from a tourist visa?
⚠️ Only if you didn’t enter with the intent to immigrate. Timing matters—speak to a lawyer.
Q: What if USCIS denies my AOS?
🛑 You may lose lawful status and face removal proceedings. Always work with legal professionals.
Stay Where You Belong—Here
Don’t risk leaving the U.S. when you can adjust your status safely with legal guidance. BorderlessLawyers supports you from day one until you hold your green card in hand.