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Adjustment of Status: What Does it Mean to You?

In General
October 27, 2020
Adjustment of Status

The US government issues 140,000 green cards to those looking for employment in America every year.

While this might sound like a lot, it only meets about half of the demand for these residency permits. If you want to enter America in this way, you could have a challenging time.

Getting a green card is also called adjustment of status. This is because the process serves to change your status to that of a lawful permanent resident.

Read on to learn more about adjustment of status and how the process might work for you.

What Is Adjustment of Status?

The process of applying for and securing a green card is known as adjustment of status. Once you’ve successfully done this, you’ll be a permanent resident of the United States of America.

Who Can Apply for Adjustment of Status?

You can apply for adjustment of status if you meet one of three criteria. These are as follows.

Family

If you are a close relative of a US citizen or green card holder, you may apply for adjustment of status. “Close relative,” in this context, usually refers to a spouse, child, or parent.

Employment

This is the main reason why people seek US green cards. If an American employer sponsors you to get a green card, you may be successful in becoming a resident. Even if an employer does not choose to sponsor you, you can apply for a green card on foot of your own professional abilities and capacity for contribution to the American labor market.

Other Reasons

Other than family or employment reasons, there are some limited circumstances under which you might be able to secure adjustment of status. The most common of these are humanitarian grounds. There is also a diversity lottery under which applicants can gain access, though this has been partially suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions.

What Does Adjustment of Status Cost?

There are a number of different expenses associated with an adjustment of status application. You’ll initially have to pay an application fee to accompany your petition, which may not be refundable if your application is unsuccessful.

Once this initial petition is approved, you’ll have to pay to file your green card application. You’ll also have to pay to have your biometrics recorded at this point.

Neither the filing fee nor the biometrics fee will apply to you if you’re applying for a green card as a refugee.

Getting US Residency in 2020

2020 has been a crazy year for everyone. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve your dream of US residency. If you successfully apply for adjustment of status, you’ll be able to enjoy all the perks of life in America.

The information we’ve shared here will provide you with a great first step toward getting your green card!

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