What Documents Needed For Adjustment of Status?

Written By: Matthew W. Peterson

Published: 10/15/2021

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Adjustment of Status (I-485)

The documents needed for adjustment of status are critical to ensuring a smooth process. An adjustment of status (or I-485) is the process of applying for lawful permanent resident status in the United States, this is also known as applying for a Green Card. Applying for adjustment of status requires many different types of documents. If you’re thinking of applying for adjustment of status, you should consult with an immigration attorney before attempting the application on your own. If you make a mistake on your application, it could mean a loss of money or immigration status.

The Complexity of the Process

Applying for an adjustment of status is a complicated process, and it is easy to mess up. An immigration attorney can help the process go smoothly. There are a few different types of applications based on how you’re filing for the adjustment of status. For example, if you marry a United States citizen, you’d opt for the family-based adjustment of status. There are also applications for employment and special immigrant juveniles. The documents needed for adjustment of status vary depending on the category under which you apply.

The immigration cases that I take on are primarily for those who are seeking to apply for a family or marriage-based adjustment of status. It is important to prepare all the documents needed for adjustment of status carefully to avoid delays or denials.

What Documents Do I Need for Adjustment of Status?

Proof of the US Citizen's Status

This can include a birth certificate, passport, or certificate of naturalization. The documents needed for adjustment of status must establish the sponsor’s eligibility.

Proof of Identity of the Applicant

This includes your birth certificate (with translation), immigration paperwork, and other similar documents. Ensuring you have the right documents needed for adjustment of status will prevent processing delays.

Proof of the Sponsor's Income and Immigration Status

Pay stubs, proof of employment, and tax returns can suffice here. These documents needed for adjustment of status demonstrate financial ability to support the applicant.

Proof of the Bona Fide Marriage

There are a variety of documents that can be used, such as apartment leases, tax returns, photographs, and other official documents for bona fide marriage. Properly assembling the documents needed for adjustment of status is crucial for approval.

The documents needed for adjustment of status application can be varied and complicated. To see a complete list of the initial required documents for an adjustment of status, visit this link from the USCIS website. However, you should still consult with or hire an attorney before filing for adjustment of status—it’s critical to get expert assistance because the requirements can vary based on your case and situation.

What are the Steps for Applying for Adjustment of Status?

Determine your eligibility for adjustment of status.
File an immigration petition.
Check the availability of a Visa.
File your I-485 (adjustment of status).
Attend your biometrics appointment.
- This is just so USCIS can obtain your fingerprints and photo so they can confirm your identity and run the criminal background check.
Attend an interview (if necessary).
Present additional evidence (if necessary).

How Long Does the Process Take?

You can check your case status online or call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 to check the status of your Form I-485. The processing time after you’ve submitted all necessary documents varies case by case. The timeline of the decision-making process depends on many factors, including the basis of your adjustment of status (employment, marriages, etc.), your current immigration status, and whether or not USCIS needs additional documentation from you. After you’ve submitted all of the documents needed for adjustment of status and gone to any necessary interviews, the process can take anywhere from 8 – 14 months.

If you want to apply for adjustment of status, you should consult with an immigration attorney. The documents needed for adjustment of status can be complicated and varied. The process is fraught with the possibility of making mistakes. Some of these mistakes can result in denial of your application, forfeiting your application fee, and even removal proceedings.

Your Best Immigration Attorney in Boston, Massachusetts

It’s critical to hire an immigration attorney to help prepare your paperwork for your adjustment of status application. The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson gets far too many calls from people who have made mistakes on their applications. Once you have begun the application process for a Green Card, any mistakes you’ve made are tough to correct. Do it right the first time with an experienced immigration attorney. We helped many people successfully get their Green Cards through adjustment of status.

Call or text the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson today at (617) 295-7500, and let’s get started on your adjustment of status application!