Family-Based Adjustment of Status (Form I-485)
Victoria Barr Law helps individuals adjust their status through family-based green card petitions, securing lawful permanent residency in the U.S.
What Is Family-Based Adjustment of Status?
Family-Based Adjustment of Status allows eligible individuals already in the U.S. to apply for lawful permanent residency (a green card) without leaving the country. This process applies to immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and other eligible family members under specific family-based immigration categories.
Who Is Eligible for Family-Based Adjustment of Status?
- Immediate Relatives: Spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens.
- Other Eligible Family Members: Family preference categories, including adult children and siblings of U.S. citizens, and spouses and children of lawful permanent residents.
- Lawful U.S. Entry: Applicants must have entered the U.S. legally.
- Petition Approval: Must have an approved family petition (Form I-130) or file Form I-130 concurrently.
Required Documents for Form I-485
- Completed Form I-485 signed by the applicant
- Approved Form I-130 (if not filing concurrently)
- Proof of lawful U.S. entry (passport, I-94)
- Evidence of family relationship (marriage or birth certificates)
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
- Medical Examination (Form I-693)
- Two passport-style photos
Family-Based Adjustment of Status Process
- File Forms I-485 & I-130 (if applicable): Submit the required forms and supporting documents to USCIS.
- Receive USCIS Receipt Notice: USCIS sends a confirmation of application acceptance.
- Attend Biometrics Appointment: Attend a fingerprint and photo appointment.
- Complete Interview: Attend an in-person interview with a USCIS officer (if required).
- Receive USCIS Decision: Approval leads to receiving the green card; additional review or denial may result in further action.
Why Choose Victoria Barr Law?
- Family Immigration Experts: We handle complex family-based adjustment cases with professionalism and care.
- Accurate Documentation: We prepare thorough, well-documented applications to meet USCIS requirements.
- Full Representation: We represent clients in interviews and respond to USCIS inquiries promptly.
- Bilingual Legal Services: We provide services in both English and Spanish for clear communication.
Start Your Family-Based Adjustment Process Today
Our experienced attorneys are ready to help you adjust your status and secure lawful U.S. residency. Contact us for a personalized consultation today.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Family-Based Adjustment of Status (I-485)
Form I-485 allows eligible individuals to apply for lawful permanent residency (Green Card) while staying in the United States, avoiding the need to return to their home country.
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, such as spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21, as well as those in preference categories, may be eligible.
The process typically takes between 12 to 24 months. Times can vary depending on USCIS caseloads and the applicant’s location.
Required documents include proof of eligibility (I-130 approval), birth certificates, valid visas, medical exam results, and proof of financial sponsorship (Form I-864).
Yes. You can apply for a work permit by filing Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) alongside your I-485 application.
Adjustment of status is filed within the U.S., while consular processing requires applicants to attend interviews at U.S. consulates abroad.
Yes, but you must obtain Advance Parole (Form I-131) before leaving the U.S. to avoid abandoning your I-485 application.
Yes, most applicants must attend an interview at their local USCIS office as part of the adjustment of status process.
The current filing fee for Form I-485 is $1,225, which includes the biometrics fee. Fees may vary based on your age and eligibility category.
Yes, spouses and unmarried children under 21 can be included in your adjustment of status application as derivative beneficiaries.