Adjustment of Status
(Family-Based)
Become a U.S. Permanent Resident
Without Leaving the Country
At Kameli Law, we help individuals and families obtain lawful permanent residence through Adjustment of Status (AOS) — the process of becoming a U.S. permanent resident from within the country. Our services include eligibility analysis, strategic filing, document preparation, interview readiness, and post-approval compliance.
Start Your Adjustment of Status Application Today
We emphasize accuracy, transparency, and adherence to all USCIS and INA requirements to ensure a smooth path toward permanent residence. Our attorneys will guide you through every step — from eligibility review to interview preparation.
What Is Adjustment of Status?
- Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, parents, unmarried children under 21).
- Family preference beneficiaries when their priority date becomes current under the Visa Bulletin.
Who Is Eligible?
Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens
Spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of citizens aged 21+. These categories are not subject to annual limits.
Family Preference Beneficiaries
Subject to numerical caps; visa availability is governed by the Visa Bulletin.
Lawful Admission or Parole
Applicants must generally prove lawful entry or parole; exceptions apply under certain statutory provisions.
Admissibility
Applicants must not be inadmissible under INA §212 or must qualify for a waiver.
Bona Fide Relationship
Particularly for marriage-based cases, strong evidence of a genuine relationship is required.
Step-by-Step Process
Eligibility & Strategy Review
Evaluate admissibility, relationship, and filing options.
if not previously approved
Form I-130 Filing
Determine Concurrent Filing Eligibilit
immediate relatives only
Includes I-864 (Affidavit of Support), civil documents, and photos (medical exam may be deferred).
Prepare & File the I-485 Package
Receive Receipts & Biometrics Appointment
Official confirmation notices and fingerprinting at a support center
if desired
Apply for EAD (I-765) and Advance Parole (I-131)
Respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
if issued
Focused on relationship verification and admissibility
Attend Interview
Approval & Green Card Issuance
Final decision made and permanent resident card mailed to you
Track conditional card expiration (if marriage-based) and file I-751 when required
Post-Approval Compliance
Required Forms and Supporting Documents
Core Forms: I-130, I-485, I-864, I-765 (optional), I-131 (optional), I-693 (medical), and G-1145 (e-notification).
Supporting Documents:
- Passport biographic page, entry stamp, and I-94 record
- Birth certificate (with certified translation if applicable)
- Marriage certificate / divorce decrees
- Petitioner’s proof of citizenship or green card
- Proof of bona fide marriage (joint finances, housing, photos, insurance)
- Financial evidence (tax transcripts, W-2s, employment verification)
- Prior immigration documents (approvals, notices, RFEs)
Understanding Visa Availability and Priority Dates
For family preference categories, visa availability depends on the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin, which lists:
- Dates for Filing (when applicants may submit I-485)
- Final Action Dates (when USCIS can approve)
Each month, USCIS designates which chart applies.
Immediate relatives are not subject to numerical limits and can file as soon as their I-130 is ready for concurrent submission.
Concurrent Filing
(I-130 + I-485)
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens may submit both forms at the same time, allowing faster processing and eligibility for work and travel authorization while awaiting approval.
Family preference applicants must wait for visa availability before filing.
Professional review prevents rejections and filing delays.
Unsure If You Can File Concurrently?
We’ll determine if you qualify for same-day filing and guide you through required documentation.
Typical Timeline (Approximate)
| Step | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Receipts | 2–4 weeks |
| Biometrics | 1–2 months |
| EAD / Advance Parole | 4–8+ months |
| Interview | 8–20+ months (varies by field office) |
| Green Card Issuance | Shortly after approval |
Complete, accurate filings help minimize RFEs and processing delays.
Work and Travel While Pending
Applicants may:
- Work with an approved EAD (Form I-765).
- Travel abroad with Advance Parole (Form I-131).
Leaving the U.S. without Advance Parole typically abandons the I-485, except for specific dual-intent visa holders (e.g., H-1B, L-1).
Always consult an attorney before traveling.
Common Issues and Preventive Measures
| Common Issue | Kameli Law Strategy |
|---|---|
| Missing or uncertified civil documents | Document review and certified translation validation |
| Low sponsor income | Joint sponsor identification and asset supplementation |
| Weak marriage evidence | Curated bona fide exhibit matrix and affidavits |
| Priority date miscalculation | Visa Bulletin tracking and timeline modeling |
| Prior violations or inadmissibility | Early eligibility analysis and waiver planning |
| Our structured preparation prevents delays and avoids unnecessary RFEs. | |
Fees Overview (Summary)
Typical government costs include:
- I-485 filing fee (varies by age, includes biometrics)
- I-130 filing fee
- Optional I-765 / I-131 (may be bundled under current rules)
- Medical exam (I-693) and translations
- Joint sponsor documentation if required
Always confirm the latest USCIS fee schedule before filing.
When to
Seek Legal Guidance
You should consult an attorney if you:
Get Legal Guidance Before You File
Kameli Law provides eligibility assessments, waiver strategies, and document reviews to protect your status and timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel while my I-485 is pending?
International travel requires Advance Parole. Departing without it usually abandons your case.
Do I need to include the I-693 medical exam initially?
Not required at filing; many applicants submit it later during an interview or RFE response.
How do I know if my priority date is current?
Check the Visa Bulletin and USCIS’s monthly guidance.
Can immediate relatives file I-130 and I-485 together?
Yes, visas are always available for immediate relatives.
What if I overstayed my visa?
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens may still adjust; other categories need further review.
What evidence proves a bona fide marriage?
Joint accounts, leases, taxes, insurance, travel records, photos, and affidavits demonstrating shared life.
Adjust Your Status with Confidence
With nearly 30 years of immigration experience, Kameli Law provides strategic, transparent, and compliant Adjustment of Status representation for families across the U.S.