Becoming a permanent resident of the United States is a considerable accomplishment, no matter your reason for immigrating. Unfortunately, working your way through the complex rules and numerous forms that U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) imposes on prospective immigrants can be frustrating without the assistance of dedicated legal representation.
Achieving adjustment of status in Wheaton could be a lot easier if you seek help from an experienced green card lawyer. A seasoned attorney could give you a much better chance of navigating procedural obstacles and assembling an airtight application.
The first step to adjusting legal status is acquiring an immigrant visa. The process for doing so changes based on a person’s eligibility. Most people who obtain green cards do so through sponsorship, either by a prospective employer or by a family member who is already a resident of the U.S.
Alternatively, some applicants may qualify for self-sponsorship based on special circumstances. For example, someone fleeing persecution or physical harm in his or her country of origin may be eligible for immigrant visas and future lawful status by applying for asylum or refugee classification.
Immigrant visas are also reserved specifically for qualifying victims of human trafficking, abuse, or other criminal behavior, as well as juveniles who immigrated to the U.S. with parents and need court protection from domestic mistreatment. Finally, certain individuals may be eligible for adjustment of status through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, although substantial political and judicial opposition makes the future of this option unclear.
A well-practiced attorney in Wheaton could determine whether you are eligible to acquire a visa, which could later help you adjust your immigrant status.
A person seeking adjustment of status through a sponsor must have that individual begin the visa application process on his or her behalf by filing Form I-130 for family-based immigration, or Form I-140 for employment-based migration. A person seeking another type of visa can file different forms based on the specific permit he or she seeks. For example, asylum applicants would need to file Form I-589.
After confirming his or her eligibility for a green card based a visa or other qualifying criteria, the next step for someone seeking adjustment of status is submitting a completed Form I-485 to USCIS, along with other relevant documentation proving eligibility. Once USCIS receives, processes, and approves this paperwork, the agency will mail the applicant a notice to appear for biometrics screening at the nearest Application Support Center.
Many green card applicants also must appear for an interview at a USCIS office. Some might also need to submit additional paperwork, depending on the agency’s specific requests. Once USCIS makes a final decision, the organization will send a written notice and if applicable, an official green card.
A detail-oriented lawyer in Wheaton could help someone understand the stages associated with adjusting status, to avoid any procedural complications.
Establishing yourself as a lawful U.S. resident can be a life-changing experience, but it can also be a challenging process to get through alone. Guidance and support from someone who has helped people in your situation before can make all the difference.
If you want to pursue adjustment of status in Wheaton, you should prioritize speaking with an adaptable lawyer about your rights, options, and the various requirements associated with the application process. Contact the office to get started on your case.
