UPDATE: Beginning July 1, 2011, the Law Office of D.Ray Mantle, PLLC will not be
accepting new clients.
Family Topics
Learn about legal immigration options that can reunite your family.
Family First
Family unity is central to an effective U.S. immigration policy. Find out how Mr. Mantle can assist you in bringing family members to the United States.
Applicant Benefits
Temporary travel and work benefits can be requested with your Adjustment of Status application.
Adjustment of Status
The goal of family-based immigration is to obtain a green card (lawful permanent
residence). For foreign nationals already living in the United States, the
green card application process is known as Adjustment of Status.
In most cases, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) must first approve an immigrant petition for you, usually filed by an employer or relative. Then, an immigrant visa number must be available to you, even if you are already in the United States.
Immigrant visa numbers are limited by an annual quota based on your immigrant
category, nationality, and original filing date. After that, if you are already in the United States, you may apply to adjust to permanent resident status (If you are outside the United States, you will be notified to go to the local U.S. consulate to complete the processing for an immigrant visa.)
If you want to apply to adjust status and obtain a green card, start the process by reviewing the eligibility criteria and contacting D.Ray Mantle about your particular circumstances.
What are some of the requirements?
In general, an immigrant applying for adjustment of status must have entered the U.S. lawfully and still be maintaining lawful status when the application is filed. When USCIS reviews your application, they will consider all of the factors that would prevent someone from being admitted into the United States in the first place, such as criminal, health, and financial issues. If you are being sponsored by an employer, the company must be able and willing to extend the job offer when you apply. A
consultation with D.Ray Mantle can help determine what other requirements may apply in your case.
How do I file?
General instructions are included with the I-485 Adjustment of Status application, and USCIS posts updates and fees on its web site. The I-485 application is a legal case and mistakes or misrepresentations can jeopardize your chances of ever immigrating to the United States. You should carefully review the eligibility requirements, then
talk with an immigration lawyer about the specific circumstances of your case. D.Ray Mantle assists clients by making sure the application is complete and includes all of the necessary evidence to support your eligibility.
What happens after I file?
After your application is filed, USCIS will mail you an official receipt so you can track the processing of your case. If your application is incomplete, USCIS may have to reject it, or ask you for more evidence or information, which will delay processing. Working with an
experienced immigration attorney from the beginning will help you avoid errors and delays.
You will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment at a local Application Support Center, where your fingerprints and photo will be taken. For most applicants, you can also obtain a travel document and employment authorization card approximately three months after your applications are filed.
How long will it take USCIS to process my application?
Processing time depends on a number of factors. You can check USCIS current processing times on our web site. Due to government backlogs and limited resources, USCIS will often postpone processing a case if the priority dates listed on the Visa Bulletin for that category represent a long waiting line for available visa numbers.
Help with Adjustment of Status
D.Ray Mantle assists families and relatives in obtaining positive immigration
results in a timely, personal and professional manner. Your individual
circumstances are carefully reviewed by an experienced immigration attorney to
determine which options are available to you. Mr. Mantle provides guidance and
help in gathering the necessary information and documents for your case,
prepares all of the necessary application forms, and also ensures that your
final application meets all government requirements. Learn how an
experienced immigration attorney can help you reach
your immigration goals.
If you would like to understand more about the application process and to find out if you qualify for Adjustment of Status and a green card, please contact D.Ray Mantle for a consultation.