Adjustment of Status

Adjustment of Status is the process that allows certain noncitizens already in the United States to apply for a Green Card without returning to their home country for consular processing. To qualify in Minneapolis, applicants generally must have entered the U.S. legally, be eligible for an immigrant visa, and have an immediately available visa number. Common categories include spouses and children of U.S. citizens, other family-based petitions, employment sponsorships, asylum and refugee status, and certain humanitarian programs. Unlike consular processing, Adjustment of Status allows applicants to remain in the Twin Cities while their case is reviewed by the local USCIS field office. Applicants file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) along with supporting documentation such as proof of lawful entry, medical exams, and financial sponsorships. Because eligibility rules are strict—especially if there were past overstays or violations—it is important to consult with an Adjustment of Status attorney in Minneapolis before filing. At Goss Law, we evaluate eligibility, explain risks, and prepare strong applications. We emphasize practical and honest guidance so families know what to expect and can avoid costly mistakes in the process of becoming lawful permanent residents.

To apply for Adjustment of Status in Minnesota, the main form required is Form I-485. Most applicants also submit Form I-130 (for family sponsorship) or Form I-140 (for employment sponsorship), depending on the eligibility category. Supporting documents include a copy of your passport, visa, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), medical exam (Form I-693), and proof of the petitioner’s U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency. Applicants must also include Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) to show that a sponsor can financially support them. Once filed, applicants are scheduled for a biometrics appointment at the local USCIS office serving Minneapolis and the Twin Cities. Afterward, most applicants attend an in-person interview where a USCIS officer reviews eligibility, verifies documents, and asks questions about the application. Processing times can range from 12 to 36 months depending on the category and backlog. At Goss Law, we prepare clients by organizing all documentation, ensuring forms are accurate, and conducting mock interviews. A Minneapolis immigration lawyer ensures the application is complete, reducing delays or denials, and provides representation at the local USCIS office to guide clients through the entire process.

The timeline for Adjustment of Status varies depending on the applicant’s category and the current USCIS workload. In Minneapolis, most family-based Adjustment of Status cases take 12 to 24 months, while employment-based cases may move faster if a visa number is available. Humanitarian categories, such as asylum-based Green Card applications, can take longer due to national backlogs. Applicants should be prepared for multiple steps that add time: biometrics appointments, USCIS interviews at the Twin Cities field office, background checks, and potential Requests for Evidence (RFEs). Delays may also occur if the petitioner or beneficiary has past immigration violations, criminal issues, or missing documentation. While USCIS provides estimated processing times online, real cases often differ. At Goss Law, we give clients realistic timelines based on current trends in Minneapolis and nationwide. We emphasize preparation so cases are less likely to stall. While no attorney can force USCIS to move faster, working with a Minneapolis Adjustment of Status lawyer ensures that your application is error-free and ready for review, reducing the chances of unnecessary delays. This practical approach helps families set expectations and plan for the future.

Yes, most Adjustment of Status applicants can legally work in Minneapolis while their case is pending, but only if they apply for a work permit. Alongside the Form I-485, applicants may file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) and Form I-131 (Application for Advance Parole), often referred to as the “combo card.” The work authorization (EAD) allows lawful employment while the Green Card is under review, and Advance Parole provides travel permission. Typically, applicants receive their work permit within 3 to 6 months of filing, although processing times vary. Without this document, it is illegal to work in the U.S., and unauthorized employment can harm your case. Having legal work authorization provides financial stability during the often lengthy process. At Goss Law, we assist clients in filing EAD and travel applications along with their Adjustment of Status petitions to minimize wait times. We also track renewals if processing is delayed. For clients in the Twin Cities, being able to work while waiting for a Green Card is often essential, and an Adjustment of Status lawyer in Minneapolis ensures the correct filings are made for lawful employment.

While Adjustment of Status can be filed without legal representation, most applicants benefit significantly from working with a Minneapolis Adjustment of Status attorney. The process involves multiple forms, strict deadlines, financial sponsorship requirements, medical exams, and an in-person USCIS interview. Small mistakes—such as missing documents, inconsistencies between forms, or failing to update USCIS with a new address—can result in delays, denials, or even referral to immigration court. At Goss Law, we provide practical and honest guidance from start to finish. We evaluate eligibility, prepare detailed evidence packets, and conduct practice interviews to ensure applicants feel confident. We also respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and accompany clients to interviews at the local USCIS field office in Minneapolis. Our role is to remove confusion, reduce stress, and improve the chances of approval. While no lawyer can guarantee results, having an experienced attorney ensures that your case is complete, accurate, and supported by strong documentation. Families in the Twin Cities often find that working with a lawyer saves time, reduces uncertainty, and provides peace of mind during one of the most important processes in their lives.