For individuals already living in the United States on a valid visa, there is a pathway to permanent residency that does not require leaving the country. Adjustment of status is the process by which eligible applicants apply for a Green Card from within the United States by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Understanding who qualifies, how the process unfolds step by step, and what to expect at each stage can help applicants prepare thoroughly and avoid the missteps that most commonly cause delays.
