Adjustment of Status

Stay Legally. Adjust Confidently

Adjustment of Status (AOS) is the process that allows eligible individuals in the United States to apply for lawful permanent resident (green card) status without having to return to their home country for visa processing. This pathway is ideal for those who are in the US on a temporary visa and become eligible for permanent residency through family, employment, asylum, or other qualifying categories. To apply for an Adjustment of Status, one has to file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status).

Who can apply for AOS?

To apply for AOS, one must meet the following criteria:

1. Physically present in the United States.
2. Entered the US legally.
3. Must have an immigrant visa number.
4. Eligible under a qualifying immigrant category, such as:
   1. Family-based petition
   2. Employment-based petition
   3. Refugee or asylee status
   4. Diversity Visa Lottery winner
   5. Other special immigrant categories

If an individual is living outside the US, he/she has to complete the consular processing, which requires an immigrant visa interview at a US consulate.