Adjustment of Status

Becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident (“LPR”) is the first step towards becoming a United States Citizen. There are several ways an immigrant can become an LPR or a “green card” holder. The benefits of adjusting your status to an LPR are that you are allowed to reside and work permanently in the United States, and depending on how you obtained your LPR status, you can become a United States citizen in a short 3- or 5-year period. LPRs can travel freely outside and inside the United States, but there are some limitations to traveling abroad. LPRs do not enjoy the same privileges as United States Citizens, for example, LPRs cannot vote, and are at risk of losing their LPR status under certain circumstances. We can help you determine whether you are eligible to become an LPR, travel abroad and also guide you if you ever become at risk of losing your status and your right to remain and work in the United States.

Adjustment of Status can be achieved through the following ways:

• Family-based petitions Form I-130.
• Employment-based petitions Form I-140
• Employment-based self-sponsorships through extraordinary ability, and investor categories
• Cuban Adjustment Act for Cuban nationals and their derivatives, who enter the United States on a visa or are admitted and paroled, Form I-94
• Diversity Visa, also known as the visa lottery.

General requirements vary for each category and your eligibility will be examined by our team of lawyers and paralegals. The Alonso & de Leef law firm represents individuals and employers, throughout the entirety of the adjustment of status process. Our representation includes the preparation and submission of relevant applications and petitions with the appropriate United States governmental agency.