Adjustment of Status to Legal Permanent Residency (Green Cards)
In order to qualify you must meet one of the following requirements
- You were admitted to the U.S. as a K1 fiance(e) of a U.S. citizen and married that citizen within 90 days of your entry
- You were admitted to the U.S. as a K3 spouse
- You are married or will be married to a U.S. citizen
- You are on an current visa authorized to apply for a green card
Once you have been admitted to the United States and have become married to a US Citizen, you may wish or be required to apply for Legal Permanent Residency. This is typically referred to as getting your “green card”. Ki Fiance visa holders are required to apply for their Legal Permanent Residency after becoming married. CR1 and IR1 Marriage Visas holders do not as they already have Legal Permanent Residency status. Students who get married while in the United States will have to apply for their Legal Permanent Residency to remain in the United States after finishing their course of study. Spouses who entered the United States lawfully but over stayed their Visa will have to apply for their Legal Permanent Residency in order to remain in the US legally. In such cases, this should be done immediately as to avoid in unexpected removal problems. Immediate relatives who entered unlawfully will have to obtain a waiver before adjusting status to Legal Permanent Residency.
The process to become a Legal Permanent Resident (“LPR”) starts with the filing of an I-485 application to adjust status. Once the I-485 petition is filed, the sponsor of the spouse will need to file an I-864 application which requires a certain minimum income for support of the foreign spouse.
The married couple will then be required to submit to an Adjustment of Status interview. The relationship must be genuine and based on an honest love for one another. If you successfully pass the interview, your spouse will receive his/her Green Card in the mail in about 4-8 weeks.
A person who has LPR status by virtue of marrying a U.S. Citizen is eligible to apply for U.S. Citizenship three years after first obtaining LPR status.
Client Reviews
★★★★★
I was lucky enough to contract with Mr. Jeffery Pettys as my lawyer. I paid a very reasonable fee for his services and he was always available for my questions. It became obvious that the Marriage Visa application is not a simple process, but Jeff led us through the requirements flawlessly. In addition, my wife not only got her Marriage Visa but also her green card at the same time. I really could not have expected a better experience. I highly recommend Mr. Pettys. Larry N.
★★★★★
Bringing one’s loved one to the United States can be a complicated and stressful process. My wife and I used Mr. Pettys’ services in preparing her K-1 Fiance Visa. With Mr. Pettys’ help we were able to complete this promptly and without worry. At every step of the way Mr. Pettys provided us with not only expert work but peace of mind that only a professional with detailed knowledge of this complicated system can provide. If you are about to go through the process of applying for a Fiance Visa, I highly recommend his services. Cord S.
★★★★★
Jeff Pettys was such a pleasure to work with, he helped us understand the process and walked us through any thing we needed. With such an important life event, as getting married, it was important for us to choose a loyal lawyer. Jeff's knowledge and experience left us with the relief we needed, knowing that we were in good hands with him. Thank you Jeff for all of your hard work and we look forward in working with you on our green card transition. Thanks Jeff! Daniella M.
★★★★★
I found Attorney Jeff Petty’s webpage, and decided to contact him. After communicating on the phone and via the internet, I decided to hire him. It turned out to be the best move I made. Jeff started the fiance visa process the very same day. He helped get the K Visas and the Green Cards for my fiancée and her daughter. My experience with Jeff has been very rewarding. All my phone calls to him were returned promptly. He takes time to get to know his clients. I truly feel he loves his job, and is excited to see good people fulfill their dreams. Andrew D.
★★★★★
I cannot say enough about how Jeff kept this case moving forward, gave his expert advise and heartfelt counsel, all while making us feel like we had not only an attornney, but a FRIEND helping on our case. Take it from me—this is THE lawyer to hire if you need help with Immigration issues—he is the BEST. I can never thank him enough!! Kim S.