Houston Adjustment of Status Attorney

Edwin E. Reyes, PLLC, is your Houston adjustment of status attorney and advocate throughout this legal process. An adjustment of status allows some foreign nationals in the U.S. to apply for lawful, permanent resident status, such as obtaining a green card, without having to leave the country to do so. 

If you are in the U.S. on a temporary visa, you may not have to return to your home country to petition for a green card. Let our immigration attorney in Houston provide you with the guidance you need. 

What Is Adjustment of Status? 

An adjustment of status allows a person in the U.S. on a temporary visa to apply for lawful permanent resident status while living in the country. Through the adjustment of status application, you do not have to return to your home country to apply for a green card. You can do so while you are still in the U.S., according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Adjustment of Status Requirements 

An adjustment of status is typically made through an approved family-based petition or employment-based petition. To be eligible for an adjustment of status, you must:

• Be physically present in the U.S.
• Have an approved immigration petition.
• Have entered the U.S. legally or have been paroled. 
• You must meet other eligibility criteria to obtain an immigrant visa and not have any inadmissibility issues that cannot be waived.

To apply for an adjustment of status, you may do so through:

• A family sponsorship. For example, you are a spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen. 
• A first preference worker for an employment-based qualification.
• A victim of domestic abuse, certain crimes, or human trafficking, or as a refugee or someone who is seeking asylum. 
• A religious worker, such as a minister or non-minister.
• A juvenile requiring protection to avoid abuse or because they have been abandoned.
• A K1 visa adjustment of status for fiancées, including an adjustment of status after marriage.

If you are unsure if you meet these requirements, contact The Law Office of Edwin E. Reyes. We will work closely with you to provide clarity on your unique case.

Adjustment of Status Steps

To obtain an adjustment of status in Houston, there are several steps that must be taken. Our attorney will help you navigate each component, and in the ideal situation, you should reach out to your lawyer now to avoid any delays or errors in the process.

Where do you apply for your immigrant visa or adjustment of status?

It is nearly always best to work with an immigration attorney during this process. Because there are numerous nuances to the process, our legal team can ensure that you are providing all the information necessary. The following are steps to obtaining an adjustment of status:

Green card eligibility

Determine your green card eligibility. If you are unsure if you are eligible, our Houston green card attorney can assist you in applying for a green card or help you determine what your next steps are.

Sponsor application

Have a sponsor complete the necessary form to obtain a green card for you. 

• For a family green card, complete form I-130.
• For an employment-based application, complete form I-140.
• For special juvenile, ministers, or certain victims of abuse complete form I-360. 
• For a humanitarian aid application, complete I-730.

Once you file the petition, the USCIS must grant it. That process can take some time.

Adjustment of Status Processing Time: How Long Does It Take?

One of the most common questions people have is about the adjustment of status processing time. The difficult answer is that numerous factors can play a role in this process. Some of the factors that contribute include:

• The circumstances surrounding your application
• The green card category through which you are requesting entrance
• The country of origin

If you are applying with an immediate family member who is a U.S. citizen, there is generally no wait time. However, other applicants may wait months, years, or even decades.

Do I Need an Attorney for a Houston Adjustment of Status?

You do not legally have to have an attorney to help you with this process. In some situations, the process could be very specific and straightforward. In others, it could be quite complex. However, there are numerous reasons to consider using a lawyer.

Benefits of hiring an adjustment of status attorney

The following are some of the most important reasons to consider hiring an attorney to guide you through this process.

• Strategic advice: The reality is that not everyone will receive approval. However, your attorney will provide information and resources to help you make better decisions for your case. That may include presenting specific insights that could help support your claim.
• A trusted counselor: It can often feel like no one wants to help you through this process. Having a trusted, experienced attorney who wants to help you and who will do everything possible to help you can make a big difference in your success.
• Save time and stress: Our legal team is familiar with the process and will guide you through it step by step. You are not left alone to navigate this on your own. We save you time, especially in avoiding denials.

Our Houston adjustment of status attorney helps you avoid mistakes that may prevent you from gaining citizenship, including common errors that may jeopardize your green card.

Call Houston Adjustment of Status Attorney, Edwin E. Reyes

Our team is always upfront with you about the adjustment of status attorney fees. We will provide you with clarity on your rights, obligations, and opportunities.