How Can I Change My Immigration Status?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

If you want to change your status while in the United States, you (or in some cases your employer)

must file a request with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on

the appropriate form before your authorized stay expires.

How long does it take to change immigration status?

The adjustment of status timeline is generally

8 to 14 months for family-based applications

(and often longer for other application types). However, the most significant advantage to adjusting status is that the intending immigrant may remain in the United States with family during the process.

What is the process to change immigration?

Most non-immigrants can change their in two ways:

Apply to the United States Citizenship & Immigrations Service (USCIS)

for a change of status within the United States; or. … Some individuals may be able to obtain a visa from a U.S. consulate in a third country.

Can you change your nonimmigrant status to immigrant?

If you want to change your status while in the United States, you (or in some cases your employer)

must file a request with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on

the appropriate form before your authorized stay expires.

How can I change my status in Uscis?

How do I know if I am eligible to change my status in the United States? You submit an application for a change of status by mail or you can

file online using USCIS ELIS

for a change of status before the expiration date as shown on the admission stamp in your travel document on your Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record.

Who is eligible for change of status?

You must already be eligible for a U.S. green card (lawful permanent or conditional residence), perhaps through a U.S. employer, a family member who is a

U.S. citizen

or permanent resident , or by having received asylum or refugee status at least one year before.

What happens if change of status is denied?

Adjustment of status is granted at the discretion of USCIS. If your application for adjustment of status has been denied,

you can be subject to deportation (removal) proceedings

. Seek the assistance of an experienced U.S. immigration attorney. The attorney can help you decide what to do next.

What month does USCIS work?

Importantly, USCIS uses Fiscal Year (FY), which runs from

October 1 of

the prior year through September 30 of the year is described. For instance, FY 2021 would run from October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021.

Can I change my B1 B2 visa to green card?

Can You Change a B-1 or B-2 Visa to a Green Card?

You can change

your B-1 or B-2 visa to a green card. Both of these visas are usually valid for 6 months, and you may be able to extend that time by an additional 6 months.

How does change of status work?

Adjustment of status is the process that you

can use to apply for lawful permanent resident status

(also known as applying for a Green Card) when you are present in the United States. This means that you may get a Green Card without having to return to your home country to complete visa processing.

Can I stay in the US while waiting for change of status?

The application process for a Change of Status (COS) will

allow you to remain in the US while the decision is pending

, provided the application is filed in a timely manner with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

How do I change my status?

If you want to change your status while in the United States, you (or in some cases your employer) must

file a request with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

on the appropriate form before your authorized stay expires.

What documents do I need for a change of status?

  • Two passport-style photographs;
  • A copy of a government-issued photo identity document (if available);
  • A copy of your birth certificate;
  • Documentation of your immigrant category (concurrently filed, pending, or approved Form I-360);

How much do I have to pay for adjustment of status?

For an adjustment of status application, you'll typically pay

$535 to file

your I-130 petition. If you're filing a different petition, check the filing instructions to make sure you pay the correct fee. Once your petition is approved, you'll pay a separate fee to file your I-485 green card application.

What documents do I need for adjustment of status?

  1. Two passport-style photographs;
  2. A copy of a government-issued photo identity document (if available);
  3. A copy of your birth certificate;
  4. Documentation of your immigrant category (concurrently filed, pending, or approved Form I-360);
Juan Martinez
Author
Juan Martinez
Juan Martinez is a journalism professor and experienced writer. With a passion for communication and education, Juan has taught students from all over the world. He is an expert in language and writing, and has written for various blogs and magazines.