Adjustment of Status Guide & FAQs

What is Adjustment of Status?

Adjustment of Status, or AOS, is the process of applying for U.S. permanent residence from within the United States. The application is filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services using Form I-485. If approved, you become a lawful permanent resident.

When you file an AOS application, you may also apply for related benefits while your case is pending:

• Employment authorization, which is requested using Form I-765 and allows you to work in the U.S.

• Advance Parole, which is requested using Form I-131 and allows you to travel internationally.

These applications are reviewed separately, and employment authorization and Advance Parole are often approved before the green card itself.

When can I file an AOS application?

You may file an AOS application only when you are eligible under the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin. Eligibility depends on several factors, including your priority date, preference category, country of birth, and which Visa Bulletin chart USCIS is using that month.

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, including spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents, are not subject to priority dates and may generally file without waiting for visa availability.

International travel while AOS is pending

International travel during the AOS process must be handled carefully. You may travel outside the United States only if you have approved Advance Parole or you are maintaining valid H-1B or L-1 status, have a valid visa stamp, and will return to the same employment.

Travel without Advance Parole or valid H-1B/L-1 status will result in abandonment and denial of the AOS application.

Documents and medical examination

Alma will provide a personalized document checklist through the client portal. Applicants must complete a medical examination with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. The medical exam must be submitted with the initial AOS filing in a sealed envelope.

Public charge questionnaire

USCIS requires background and financial disclosures, including arrests, household size, income, assets, debts, education, skills, and certain past public benefits. Financial documents are not required unless USCIS requests them.

Spouses and children

Eligible spouses and children may file together. Dependents may apply for work authorization and Social Security numbers. Marriages under two years require proof the marriage is bona fide.

After filing

USCIS will schedule biometrics, conduct background checks, and may require an interview. Processing times vary. Address changes must be reported within ten days.

Support

Alma monitors your case and provides guidance throughout the process.