What Is Adjustment of Status and Who Can Use It?
Adjustment of status (AOS) is the process of changing your immigration status from a nonimmigrant (like a visa holder) or parolee to a lawful permanent resident — getting your green card — without leaving the United States. Not everyone qualifies for it.
Reviewed by Gracie Johnson, Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law, State Bar of California, California State Bar #276536
Last reviewed: July 2, 2026
To adjust status inside the US, you generally must: (1) have an approved immigrant petition (like Form I-130 from a family member or I-140 from an employer), (2) have an immediately available immigrant visa number, (3) have been inspected and admitted or paroled into the US (meaning you entered legally), and (4) not be subject to any bars to adjustment under INA § 245.
The main forms involved are Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), Form I-131 (for travel documents / advance parole), and Form I-765 (for work authorization while your case is pending). You can often file these concurrently with the I-130 if you are an immediate relative of a US citizen.
During the process, USCIS will schedule you for a biometrics appointment (fingerprints and photos) and then an in-person interview at the local field office. After the interview, if approved, you receive your green card by mail, usually within 30 to 90 days of the interview.
Common reasons for denial or delay include prior immigration violations, unlawful presence, criminal history, misrepresentation on prior applications, and incomplete documentation. An attorney can review your history before you file to identify and address any potential issues. Call (310) 554-4630.
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Also available in Spanish: ¿Qué Es el Ajuste de Estatus y Quién Puede Usarlo?