The joy of immigrating to the US is the beginning of living the American dream. But many immigrants, including those living in Seattle, Washington, face several challenges applying for an adjustment of status. This is where hiring an experienced Seattle adjustment of status immigration attorney comes in handy. Fortunately, this is a process that Katrina Zafiro, an immigrant turned attorney, knows all too well.
The seemingly straightforward process can become complicated if some of the application requirements are not met. Katrina and her team at ZafiroLaw have over a decade of experience helping many immigrant families in Seattle and its surrounding communities in King and Snohomish County.
What is Adjustment of Status?
Adjustment of status is one of the many ways an immigrant can apply for lawful permanent resident status while living in the United States. It is commonly referred to as an application for a green card.
The eligibility for application varies depending on the immigration category of the applicant. For example, an immigrant may apply for an adjustment of status through categories such as family, asylum, and victim of human trafficking crimes.
These eligibility requirements can be confusing depending on the nature of your case. However, a Seattle adjustment of status immigration attorney from ZafiroLaw can help you overcome the most difficult situations by identifying your eligibility category, including its requirements.
What are the Eligibility Requirements for An Adjustment of Status Application?
In general, a non-resident must have been legally admitted into the country after a successful inspection by immigration officers. Secondly, the applicant must be physically present in the US and eligible to receive an immigrant visa. Additionally, the non-citizen must be admissible to the country unless they qualify for a waiver of inadmissibility or any other form of relief.
Common Issues With Adjustment of Status Applications
Let’s use a marriage-based Adjustment of Status application as an example. The non-resident can apply for an adjustment of status after legally marrying their US citizen spouse to begin processing their green card. However, some couples may file for divorce before this process is complete.
A green card application can be denied if there’s no proof of financial ability. Such foreign spouses are normally sponsored by their US citizen spouses, who may decide not to submit the affidavit of support after their divorce.
However, the divorce may have been inevitable due to various reasons, such as abuse. If the US citizen was abusive, causing physical or emotional torture to the non-citizen spouse, legal recourse could be pursued to support the green card application.
Many applicants fail to meet all the eligibility requirements under the specified categories for many other reasons. These are just some of the reasons you may need a Seattle adjustment of status immigration attorney to argue your case on your behalf if you’re an immigrant.
Steps for Applying for Adjustment of Status in the US
Once you have confirmed your eligibility, your petitioner will file an immigrant petition on your behalf. In addition, you may be eligible to file the petition on your own in some isolated cases.
The petition includes at least two forms, one of which is the green card application and the other the petition itself. These forms are identified as Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust status for the former, and Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative for the latter. Additional forms may be filed depending on the eligibility category of the applicant.
Once done, you will receive an appointment for biometrics services at a local Application Support Center to provide your fingerprints, signature, and have your photo taken. Then you you will be schedule for an interview with a USCIS officer and a request may be made that you provide more supporting evidence for your application.
Lastly, you should expect a response from the USCIS after a thorough review of your application. The USCIS will notify you of their decision in writing, and if your application is successful, they will mail your green card to your address.
If your application is unsuccessful, the USCIS will also communicate in writing, stating the reasons for the denial. Hiring an adjustment of status immigration attorney helps avoid such setbacks, increasing your chances of approval.
How A Seattle Adjustment of Status Immigration Attorney From ZafiroLaw Can Help You
ZafiroLaw specializes in immigration and family law to cater to the needs of immigrant families in Seattle, Issaquah, Bellevue, Kirkland, Renton, Kent, Shoreline, and the surrounding communities. With years of experience working on immigration cases, we know that a successful application for adjustment of status requires a well-thought plan. Therefore, our experts explore all legal actions possible to increase your chances of a successful outcome.
Schedule an appointment with us today for consultations about your case to learn about all options available at your disposal. Give us a call at 206-547-9906 or contact us on our website today!
