Adjustment of Status

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Houston Adjustment of Status Attorneys

If you’re already living in the United States and ready to secure a future here, you may not have to leave the country to pursue your green card. Adjustment of status is the process that allows you to apply for permanent residence without needing to travel abroad for consular processing. For many families, this is a chance to build a stable future while staying close to the people and places they love.

We know that even without needing to travel internationally, this process can feel overwhelming. The forms, deadlines, and rules can raise more questions than answers, and the stakes are often deeply personal. At the Law Office of Marron Gebremeskel PLLC, we pair legal understanding with compassionate care to provide personalized immigration advice for your specific situation. We take the time to understand your circumstances, explain and guide you through each step, and keep you informed from the start to the very end.

Who We Serve

Wherever you are in the adjustment of status process, from just starting out to navigating RFEs, we’re here to help. We can assist:

  • Individuals applying for a green card from inside the U.S. You want to secure permanent residence without leaving the country for consular processing abroad.
  • Individuals unsure whether they qualify. You need to know if your immigration history, current status, or family or employment ties allow you to apply from inside the U.S.
  • Applicants adjusting status after marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. You are looking for guidance on relationship evidence, timing, and interview preparation.
  • Applicants now eligible to adjust status based on their specific visa. This could mean:
    • You’ve lived in the U.S. with asylum status for at least one year.
    • You are in the U.S. with T nonimmigrant status, and either three years have passed or your case has been resolved.
    • You have been in the U.S. with U nonimmigrant status for three years and have assisted law enforcement as required.
  • Current temporary visa holders. You are in the U.S. on a temporary visa, but your plans have changed, and you’re looking for options to stay as a permanent resident.
  • Applicants comparing adjustment of status and consular processing. You are trying to decide whether to start the green card process here or through an embassy abroad.
  • Immigrants with approved visas who need to apply for permanent residence. You’ve been granted an immigrant visa but delayed applying for your green card.

To improve your chances of success, we recommend always working with an adjustment of status lawyer, even if you think your case is simple. After all, just one small mistake can lead to a denial and a big headache.

The Adjustment of Status Process

1. Check Eligibility for a Green Card: The most common green cards are based on family, employment, or humanitarian grounds.

2. File an Immigrant Petition: Your sponsor (family or employer) will file the appropriate petition with USCIS, along with necessary supporting documents. Some of the documents you might need include:

3. Wait for Petition Approval: Once the petition is filed, it must be approved by USCIS before you can proceed. In certain cases, an adjustment of status application can be filed at the same time as the petition.

4. File Form I-485: After the petition is approved and a visa is available, your lawyer will file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, and Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.

5. Biometrics Appointment: You’ll attend a biometrics appointment for fingerprinting and other identification processing.

6. USCIS Interview: If required, you’ll attend an interview where a USCIS officer asks questions about your application.

7. Receive a Decision: After your interview and final processing, USCIS will approve or deny your application.

How Long Does Adjustment of Status Take?

Timelines vary based on your individual circumstances, the accuracy and completeness of your forms, and current USCIS processing times. Generally, it can take anywhere from several months to over a year to receive a decision. The USCIS website provides current processing times to help you make a more accurate estimate for your case. During this period, providing any requested documents promptly helps you avoid unnecessary delays.

The 90-Day Rule

The 90-day rule helps determine whether applicants misled government officers when they were initially granted visas or admitted to the country. If you take actions within 90 days of arriving in the U.S. that are inconsistent with your nonimmigrant status, you could become inadmissible for a green card, or even permanently barred from entering the U.S. Being transparent and compliant throughout your immigration journey matters immensely.

Why Work With Our Firm for Your Adjustment Case?

When an application represents your future, having the right legal advocate helping you with it is crucial. At the Law Office of Marron Gebremeskel PLLC, we bring a rare combination of insider knowledge and heartfelt dedication to every adjustment of status case. As a former USCIS Asylum Officer, Immigration Services Officer, and Federal Government Trial Attorney, Attorney Marron Gebremeskel understands how your I-485 will be reviewed and what it takes to present your case in the strongest possible light. Beyond her credentials, Marron approaches every case with genuine empathy and a deep understanding of what you and your family are walking through.

Our team takes a meticulous, personalized approach to every case, carefully reviewing your entry history, category, and goals to build an immigration strategy that’s uniquely yours. Our attention to detail helps you avoid the common errors that so often delay green card cases. Throughout the entire process, from petition to interview to final decision, you can count on clear and consistent communication that keeps you informed and reassured every step of the way.

Your Road to Permanent Residence Starts Here

Securing your future in the United States starts with the right guidance. Choose a team that treats your case with the care and attention it deserves. Whether you’re just beginning the adjustment of status process or facing an unexpected hurdle, the Law Office of Marron Gebremeskel PLLC is ready to help you find a way forward.

Book a consultation today with one of our experienced immigration lawyers. We’re here to help you take the next step toward permanent residence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stay in the United States while my adjustment of status application is pending?

In most cases, yes, a properly filed application will allow you to remain in the U.S. while USCIS reviews your case. However, your specific status and history matter, so it’s wise to confirm your situation with an attorney before making any long-term plans.

Can I work while I wait for a decision?

Many applicants are able to apply for a work permit, or an Employment Authorization Document, at the same time they file for adjustment of status. Once approved, it lets you work legally while your green card case is pending.

Will I have to attend an interview to adjust my status?

Sometimes. USCIS may schedule an interview to confirm your eligibility and, in marriage-based cases, to review the details of your relationship. We help you prepare so you know what to expect.

What if USCIS sends me a Request for Evidence (RFE)?

An RFE means USCIS needs more information before deciding your case. It isn’t a denial, but responding accurately and on time is essential. We help you understand exactly what’s being asked and put together a strong, complete response.

Does a past immigration issue mean I can't adjust my status?

Not necessarily. An overstay, a gap in status, or another past concern can affect your options, but many applicants may still have a path forward. A consultation with an immigration lawyer is the best way to review your history and understand what’s possible in your case.

Let’s Move Forward Together

Schedule a consultation today and take the first step with
a team that puts your story at the center of everything we do.

We’ll help you explore pathways to a brighter future.

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Call Us: 832-786-5527

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