Adjustment of status (AOS) is the process by which an eligible foreign national already in the United States applies to become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) without needing to leave the country for consular processing abroad.
To be eligible for adjustment of status, you generally must have been admitted or paroled into the United States, have an approved immigrant petition (such as an I-130 or I-140), have an immigrant visa number immediately available to you, and not be subject to grounds of inadmissibility (or have obtained a waiver).
The adjustment of status process involves filing Form I-485, attending biometrics appointments, completing a medical examination (Form I-693), and in most cases attending an in-person interview at a USCIS field office. Stephen Bandar Law Office prepares clients thoroughly for every stage.
If you are eligible, adjustment of status is generally preferred over consular processing because it allows you to remain in the United States throughout the process, receive work authorization (EAD) and travel permission (Advance Parole) while your case is pending, and avoid the risks associated with international travel during the process.
Consular processing may be required for applicants who are outside the United States, who entered without inspection and are not eligible for AOS, or whose cases require a waiver best handled abroad. Our attorneys will advise which pathway is right for your specific situation.
Processing times for adjustment of status vary by USCIS field office and case type. As of 2026, typical processing times at the Boston USCIS Field Office range from 8 to 20 months for family-based cases, though employment-based cases may vary. You can check current processing times at uscis.gov/processing-times. Stephen Bandar Law Office monitors processing times closely and will advise you on realistic expectations for your case.
Yes. Once you file your I-485 adjustment of status application, you may simultaneously file Form I-765 (Employment Authorization) and Form I-131 (Advance Parole for travel). USCIS typically issues combined EAD/AP documents that allow you to work and travel while your green card application is pending. Our team files these applications concurrently to minimize any gap in your work authorization.
Most family-based I-485 applicants are called for an interview at a USCIS field office. The officer will review your application, verify your documents, ask questions about your background and immigration history, and in marriage-based cases, ask questions about the bona fides of your marriage. Stephen Bandar Law Office prepares every client extensively for their USCIS interview — we review likely questions, documents, and potential issues in advance.
You can travel while your I-485 is pending IF you have an approved Advance Parole document (Form I-131). Traveling without advance parole will be considered abandonment of your I-485 application. Never travel internationally while your adjustment of status is pending without first consulting our office and obtaining your Advance Parole document.
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