CORONA VIRUS / COVID-19 ADVISORY

Due to the health risks posed by the Corona Virus tragedy, our office is following the directives of the governor of California in order to minimize the risks to our staff, our clients and our community. Our office will continue to operate fully, as it has thus far, observing our normal schedule, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We will continue to schedule appointments to meet with clients and will do this via ZOOM or Telephone only.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with any of our lawyers or staff members, please do so by calling our office at 619-291-1112. You can also contact us via e-mail at [email protected]janbejar.com

Thank you for your understanding.

AVISO DE CORONA VIRUS / COVID-19

Debido a los riesgos para la salud planteados por la tragedia del Virus Corona, nuestra oficina está siguiendo las directivas del gobernador de California para minimizar los riesgos para nuestro personal, nuestros clientes y nuestra comunidad. Nuestra oficina seguirá funcionando a pleno, como lo ha hecho hasta ahora, cumpliendo con nuestro horario habitual, de lunes a viernes de 8:30 a.m. a 5:30 p.m. Continuaremos programando citas para reunirnos con los clientes y lo haremos solo a través de ZOOM o por teléfono.

Si desea programar una cita con alguno de nuestros abogados o miembros del personal, hágalo llamando a nuestra oficina al 619-291-1112. También puede contactarnos por correo electrónico a [email protected]

Gracias por su comprensión.

Resolving Immigration ProblemsIn An Honest & Responsible Manner

The steps to adjust your status to become a Green Card holder

Having a Green Card makes you a permanent resident of the United States. You can legally stay in the country without any requirement to leave or to renew a visa. There are certain rights that you still don’t have, including the right to vote and to hold public office. Still, a permanent resident can live in the United States indefinitely if they avoid criminal charges and similar issues.

Becoming a permanent resident means that some of your family is eligible for immigration through your support or sponsorship. In order to go from a visa holder to a Green Card holder, you have to ask for the change. This process starts with the adjustment of your status. How do you adjust your status as a legal resident of the United States?

The process starts with paperwork

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the government organization responsible for analyzing visa applications and requests from those who would like to become citizens. As with most USCIS proceedings, the first step involves filing paperwork with the government.

You will have to file Form I-485. Usually, this step happens some time after you have approval for a visa, although some people apply for entry and permanent residence at the same time.

USCIS will require biometric data

Part of the adjustment of status process involves a thorough background check both internationally and here in the United States. To prevent abuses and keep people from tricking the system, USCIS typically also requires biometric information from applicants. This could include fingerprints, photos and signatures.

You may need to do an interview

If you have already secured a visa, then the chances are good that you have already sat through at least one USCIS interview. You may need to undergo another one as part of the adjustment of status process. You may have to provide additional evidence. Some people who get denied can possibly secure a Green Card when they appeal.

If you successfully complete all of these steps, you may then be eligible for your Green Card. Requesting the adjustment of your status is simply the first step in the process of staying in the United States. It could also be one step on your path to citizenship.

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We are open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

For our clients’ convenience we offer English and Spanish speaking services.