For immigrants in California or elsewhere, seeking status adjustments is something most would like to do as soon as they are legally able. Obtaining an adjustment of status, however, can be quite the process. Having legal assistance along the way may prove to be extremely valuable, as the experience and knowledge offered can help prevent any errors and assist with any issues that may arise.
What is an adjustment of status and how is it achieved? An immigrant who would like to move from temporary status to permanent residency status generally must apply for a status adjustment. Just as everything else having to do with immigrantion, there are certain steps that must be taken, stipulations that must be met and specific procedures that must be followed in order to obtain an adjustment of status.
The first thing that must be done when seeking a status adjustment is determining one’s basis to immigrante — such as family or employment-related immigrantion. After this is determined, one must check his or her visa availability and then file the appropriate immigrantion petitions. After an application for status adjustment has been filed, some may be required to submit fingerprints, pictures and signatures. All of this can be done at an approved facility. Some individuals may also be asked to sit through an immigrantion interview.
After everything has been completed, an individual who has applied for an adjustment of status will receive the final decision in the mail. This process, in its entirety, can take some time. When all is said and done, if a petition is denied, it is possible to appeal the decision. The majority of applications that are denied are due to document error. Immigrants residing in California or elsewhere can seek legal assistance when submitting petitions for status adjustments in order to avoid such errors, appeal denied applications and complete this process as swiftly and smoothly as possible.
Source: uscis.gov, “Adjustment of Status“, Accessed on Oct. 18, 2015
