Adjustment of Status & Lawful Permanent Residency (Green Card)
Applying for a Green Card while living in the U.S. is known as “Adjustment of Status.” This process allows eligible individuals to become Lawful Permanent Residents—a major step toward stability, security, and eventually, U.S. citizenship.
A Green Card is not just a document. It’s proof of your right to live and work in the U.S. permanently. It also opens doors to sponsoring certain family members, qualifying for government benefits, and beginning the journey to naturalization.
Who Can Apply for a Green Card?
There are many ways to qualify for lawful permanent residency. Some of the most common include:
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Family Sponsorship – Through a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child.
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Employment-Based – Sponsored by a U.S. employer under categories like EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3.
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Refugee or Asylee Status – For individuals granted protection due to fear of persecution.
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Diversity Visa Lottery (DV) – For individuals selected through the annual visa lottery.
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Humanitarian Grounds – Including:
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Victims of crime (U Visa)
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Victims of trafficking (T Visa)
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VAWA petitioners (survivors of abuse by U.S. citizen or LPR family members)
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National Interest Waivers or Multinational Executives – For individuals with advanced skills or leadership roles.
Applying from Within the U.S.
If your visa petition has been approved and you’re already in the U.S., you may be eligible to file for adjustment of status without leaving the country.
In some cases, both the petition and adjustment application can be filed together—if visa numbers are available for your category and country of origin.
The Adjustment of Status Process:
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Complete Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
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Optional but recommended:
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Form I-765 – Employment Authorization (work while your case is pending)
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Form I-131 – Advance Parole (travel permission while your case is pending)
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Submit all forms, documents, and fees to USCIS
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Attend a biometrics appointment
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Add eligible family members (spouse or children under 21) to your application
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Keep your address up to date with USCIS to avoid delays in receiving your Green Card
Can You Self-Petition?
Yes—certain individuals may qualify to apply without a sponsor, including:
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VAWA self-petitioners (abused spouses/children of U.S. citizens or residents)
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Physicians under National Interest Waiver
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Religious workers
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Translators, broadcasters, NATO employees, and others under special programs
We’re Here to Guide You Every Step of the Way
Getting a Green Card is a major milestone—but the process can be complex, with strict eligibility rules and detailed paperwork. That’s why having an experienced legal team on your side can make all the difference.
At US Immigration Law Counsel, we’ve helped hundreds of people from all over the world adjust their status and secure lawful permanent residency in the U.S.