What Is the Adjustment of Status Process?

 Posted on May 31, 2026 in Immigration

Adjustment of status is the process that allows certain people who are already living in the United States to apply for a green card without having to leave the country. Instead of going through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad, you apply from within the U.S. and wait for a decision here. It is one of the most important steps in the immigration process for many families. If you are trying to figure out whether this path is available to you in 2026, an Itasca, IL immigration lawyer can help you understand where you stand and what comes next.

Who Can Apply for Adjustment of Status?

Not everyone living in the United States can apply for adjustment of status. You generally need to meet several requirements to be eligible. First, you need to have an approved immigrant petition, which is the document that establishes your basis for getting a green card. This is often filed by a family member or an employer on your behalf.

In many cases, you must have entered the country lawfully. Whether status violations affect eligibility depends on the specific category under which you are applying. There are exceptions to some of these rules, but they depend heavily on your specific situation.

Common categories of people who may qualify include:

• Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, such as spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21

• Other family members of U.S. citizens or green card holders who have an approved petition and an available visa number

• Certain employment-based applicants

• Refugees and people granted asylum

• Some special immigrant categories

If you are not sure whether you qualify, that is one of the first things an immigration attorney can help you figure out.

What Forms Do You Need to File for Adjustment of Status?

The main form for adjustment of status is Form I-485. It’s called the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This is the form you file with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS, to formally request your green card.

Along with Form I-485, most applicants also need to file:

• Form I-864, the Affidavit of Support, which shows that you will not become a financial burden on the government

• Form I-693, the medical examination report, completed by a USCIS-approved doctor

• Form I-131 if you want to travel outside the country while your case is pending

• Form I-765 if you want permission to work while you wait

Filing the wrong forms, leaving out required documents, or making errors on your application can cause significant delays or even a denial. Having an attorney review everything before you submit is one of the best ways to avoid those problems.

What Happens After You File?

Once USCIS receives your application, you will get a receipt notice confirming they have it. After that, most applicants are scheduled for a biometrics appointment, where their fingerprints and photo are taken for a background check.

In many cases, you will also be called in for an interview at your local USCIS field office. For applicants in the Itasca area, this typically means appearing at the USCIS Chicago Field Office. During the interview, an officer will ask questions about your application, your background, and your eligibility. Bringing organized, complete documentation to that interview is important.

After the interview, USCIS will either approve your application, deny it, or ask for more information through what is called a Request for Evidence (RFE). If you receive an RFE, you have a limited amount of time to respond, and how you respond can determine the outcome of your case.

How Long Does the Adjustment of Status Process Take?

Processing times for adjustment of status vary. It depends on the category you are applying under, the USCIS office handling your case, and how backed up the system is at any given time. Some applicants wait several months, while others wait much longer.

Under 8 U.S.C. Section 1255, which is the federal law that governs adjustment of status, USCIS has broad authority over how these applications are processed. Unfortunately, the law does not set a strict deadline for how quickly USCIS must act. Staying on top of your case status and responding quickly to any requests from USCIS can help keep things moving.

Can You Work or Travel While Your Adjustment of Status Case Is Pending?

Many applicants can apply for both work authorization and a travel document at the same time they file their I-485. Work authorization comes through an Employment Authorization Document, or EAD, and travel permission comes through what is called Advance Parole. It is important to get Advance Parole approved before leaving the country while your case is pending. Leaving without it can be treated as abandoning your application.

Contact Our DuPage County, IL Adjustment of Status Lawyer Today

The adjustment of status process involves many moving parts, and a mistake at any stage can cause serious setbacks. You deserve to have someone in your corner who knows this process inside and out and genuinely cares about the outcome for you and your family. Our firm is a local family practice that has been focused on immigration law for more than 20 years. We are here to guide you through every step of the process with care and attention. Contact an Itasca, IL immigration attorney at Unzueta Law Group, P.C. by calling 630-509-2363 to get started.

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