Irvine Adjustment of Status Lawyer

Adjustment of status is a legal process that gives individuals who are already located in the United States the option to apply for permanent residency without having to leave the country. If you are living in Irvine or the surrounding areas and are ready to get your green card, an Irvine adjustment of status lawyer from U.S. Law Center can guide you through the process. Together, we can navigate this complex process with care and precision.

Our dedicated immigration team is proud to serve Irvine, which boasts a large population of immigrant families, skilled professionals, and international students. The city is home to 307,670 residents, with a median household income of $112,994. A significant 69% of the population over the age of 25 has a bachelor’s degree or higher. Irvine is an attractive hub for talented foreign nationals seeking long-term stability through lawful permanent residency.

If this is you, a knowledgeable attorney from our firm can see if you meet all the requirements. If so, they can help you file your application and monitor the process.

What Is Adjustment of Status?

Adjustment of status is a legal option for eligible non-citizens to apply for lawful permanent resident status, also known as green card holders. This whole process can be done without having to leave the United States and go through consular processing. Adjustment of status is an option for people who legally enter the U.S. and meet other criteria. In some cases, even those who entered without an inspection may be eligible under limited relief programs.

An adjustment of status allows individuals to stay together with their families, continue their studies or careers in the U.S., and avoid the significant stress associated with traveling and being subject to reentry risks.

The Adjustment of Status Process: Step-by-Step

As only 2% of the population aged 25 and up lacks a high school diploma, the highly educated immigrant population in Irvine commonly qualifies for an adjustment of status through family-based or employment-sponsored visas. From spouses of U.S. citizens looking to adjust through a family petition to international graduates of UC Irvine applying through H-1B sponsorships, our firm works with a diverse array of clients across this bustling region.
If you’re considering going through the adjustment of status processing in Irvine, we can help you navigate the following process:

File an Immigrant Petition

The first step is filing a qualifying petition with USCIS. Depending on the category of your application, your sponsor may be yourself, a relative, or an employer. An attorney from our firm can determine which petition is relevant to your case, such as:

• Form I-130 (Family)
• Form I-140 (Employment)
• Form I-360 (Special Immigrants)
• Form I-589 (Asylum)

Determine Visa Availability

To undergo the Adjustment of Status process, you must have a visa readily available for your category. Individuals applying through preference categories, such as employment or immediate family, will need to check the U.S. Department of State’s monthly published visa bulletin. It must be confirmed that a visa is available before Form I-485 can be filed.

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, such as spouses, parents, and unmarried children under the age of 21, always have visas available and can therefore file Form I-485 concurrently with their immigrant petitions.

File Form I-485

A crucial step in filing for adjustment of status includes submitting Form I-485, which is the official application to register for permanent residence. A detail-oriented attorney can make sure this application is filled out thoroughly and accurately. It needs to include crucial supporting documentation, such as evidence of eligibility, biographic information, and a medical exam.

Attend Biometrics Appointment

After filing your application, USCIS will give you a biometrics appointment at your local application support center. For Irvine residents, this is typically near Irvine or in Santa Ana. There, they’ll have their signature, photo, and fingerprints collected so authorities can run a background check.

Although not all applicants are required to go to an interview, many family-based cases do. Interviews typically happen at the Santa Ana USCIS Field Office. A skilled attorney can prepare you for this interview and collect all the relevant documentation you will need to support your testimony.

Receive Your USCIS Decision

If your application is approved, you will receive an approval notice with your green card following in the mail. If USCIS finds you ineligible, it will send a denial letter with reasons for the denial.

A dedicated attorney from our firm can handle any requests for evidence if more documentation is needed to support your application. We can also navigate the appeals process to overcome any issues that keep you from obtaining permanent residency.

FAQs About Irvine, CA, Adjustment of Status Laws

What Are Common Adjustment of Status Options for Employment-Based Applicants in Irvine?

Common adjustment of status options for employment-based applicants in Irvine include:

• O-1 extraordinary ability to adjustment of status
• H-1B to green card transition
• EB-2 national interest waivers
• EB-3 skilled workers

It’s important to work with a dedicated attorney who has experience with global companies headquartered in Irvine, as well as research labs in major tech firms. Our firm knows how to support immigrants who qualify for adjustment of status through employer sponsorship.

Can I Stay in the U.S. While My Adjustment of Status Is Pending?

Yes, after you have filed Form I-485, you can stay in the United States while your application is undergoing processing, even if the visa linked to your application has expired. A detail-oriented attorney can determine your options for staying in the country. Then, they can make sure your rights to work and stay are protected.

Can I Work While Waiting for My Green Card?

Yes, while you are waiting on your green card in Irvine, you can apply to get a work permit by filing Form I-765. You can also travel by applying for advance parole through Form I-131. Both forms can be submitted concurrently with your application. An experienced attorney can estimate the timeline for receiving work and travel authorization.

What If My I-485 Is Denied?

If your I-485 application to apply for permanent resident status has been denied, you could file a motion to reopen or reconsider your case. Depending on your case’s details, you could also appeal the decision or refile with more supporting documentation. A seasoned attorney can analyze the reasons for your denial and act quickly to defend your rights and interests.

Schedule Your Consultation Today With an Irvine Adjustment of Status Lawyer

U.S. Law Center can transform your temporary status into permanent residency. Our firm can navigate this process securely and efficiently. Contact us today to start exploring your options for an adjustment of status.