{"id":352891,"date":"2022-08-19T07:42:52","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:42:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/visas\/immigration-through-adjustment-of-immigrant-status.html"},"modified":"2026-06-08T12:54:21","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T17:54:21","slug":"immigration-through-adjustment-of-immigrant-status","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/immigration-through-adjustment-of-immigrant-status.html","title":{"rendered":"Getting Adjustment of Status From Nonimmigrant to Green Card Holder"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Getting Adjustment of Status From Nonimmigrant to Green Card Holder<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Adjustment of status<\/span> allows nonimmigrant <\/span>visa<\/span> holders<\/span> to get lawful permanent resident<\/span> status<\/span> while physically present in the United States. This immigration process requires meeting specific eligibility<\/span> criteria, completing biometrics appointments<\/span>, and attending interviews to verify information. Successful applicants receive a green card<\/span>, granting them the right to permanently live, work, and study in the country without the limitations of temporary status.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The transition from temporary status to lawful permanent resident<\/span> (LPR<\/span>) is called “adjustment of status<\/span>.” Adjustment of status<\/span> allows a foreign national with a\u00a0temporary U.S. visa<\/span><\/a>\u00a0to become a permanent resident.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This article explains how a non-immigrant <\/span>visa<\/span> holder<\/span> in the U.S. can obtain lawful permanent resident<\/span> status<\/span>, or a green card<\/span>. There are several steps to this process and understanding eligibility<\/span> can be overwhelming. An immigration attorney<\/span><\/a> can guide you through the process and give you the best chance of success with your adjustment of status<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Understanding the Adjustment of Status<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you are in the United States with a\u00a0nonimmigrant or temporary visa\u00a0status and wish to make the U.S. your permanent home, you should look into the\u00a0adjustment of status<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Although\u00a0U.S. <\/span>immigration laws<\/span><\/a>\u00a0provide various avenues to apply for a green card<\/span> or lawful permanent resident<\/span> status<\/span>, there are eligibility<\/span> requirements<\/span> that the visa applicants should meet. The requirements may vary depending on the immigrant status<\/span> or visa category that the applicant is applying under. Thus, the first step of the green card<\/span> application<\/span> process<\/span> is looking into the specific immigrant category that applies to your case.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n Green Card Update: USCIS Issues Stricter Guidance on Adjustment of Status\n <\/h2>\n
\n\n U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced<\/a> that for those currently on temporary visas (H-1B, student, tourist, etc.) adjustment of status within the United States will only be granted in extraordinary circumstances.<\/strong> This means most people must return to their home country to apply for a green card before re-entering as a lawful permanent resident. \n

\n Seek legal help from an immigration attorney<\/a> who can help you understand your options before starting the process.\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Am I Eligible To Apply for Permanent Resident Status?<\/h2>\n

Before starting your adjustment of status<\/span> application<\/span>, looking into your eligibility<\/span> for LPR<\/span> status is essential. A noncitizen or a nonimmigrant <\/span>visa<\/span> holder<\/span> should meet the following eligibility<\/span> requirements<\/span><\/a> before filing a green card<\/span> application<\/span> or adjustment of status<\/span> to that of an LPR<\/span>:<\/p>\n