Adjustment of Status and Form I-485: How Congruence Law, P.C. Helps Immigrants Achieve Permanent Residency from Within the U.S.

For many immigrants already living in the United States, the path to lawful permanent residency—and ultimately U.S. citizenship—begins with a critical legal step: filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. At Congruence Law, P.C., we guide clients through this complex process with care, efficiency, and legal precision.

Adjustment of Status (AOS) allows eligible individuals to apply for a green card without having to leave the United States, provided they meet certain immigration and admissibility requirements. It is a preferred option for many immigrants already residing here on valid nonimmigrant visas, or for those who become eligible through family, employment, asylum, or other legal bases.

Eligibility for Adjustment of Status depends on multiple factors, including whether the applicant is in a qualifying immigrant category, has an approved immigrant petition (e.g., Form I-130 or I-140), and is eligible to receive an immigrant visa number. The applicant must also have entered the U.S. lawfully, and in most cases, must be in lawful status at the time of application. Certain exceptions apply, including for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and individuals eligible under special laws such as INA § 245(i), VAWA, or asylum provisions.

At Congruence Law, P.C., we support clients through every stage of the I-485 process. We begin with a comprehensive intake and legal analysis to confirm eligibility and screen for potential issues such as prior overstays, unauthorized employment, criminal history, or prior removal proceedings. We also assess whether a concurrent filing (e.g., I-130 and I-485 together) is possible and advisable based on timing, visa bulletin priority dates, and petition category.

We assist in compiling and preparing a complete I-485 application package, which typically includes Form I-485, Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support), Form I-765 (for work authorization), Form I-131 (for advance parole travel), a detailed cover letter, medical examination (Form I-693), and all supporting evidence of eligibility. For spousal or family-based AOS applications, we include documentation to establish the bona fides of the relationship and address any previously disclosed inconsistencies.

Our firm handles submission, monitors USCIS correspondence, and prepares clients for biometric appointments, requests for evidence (RFEs), and interviews. We also provide guidance on maintaining nonimmigrant status where applicable, using advance parole correctly, and protecting the application from abandonment due to travel or failure to respond.

Many Adjustment of Status applications are delayed or denied due to preventable errors. One of the most common pitfalls is failure to submit a current and properly sealed Form I-693 medical exam, or submitting it at the wrong time. Others include incomplete or conflicting biographic data, missing initial evidence, or outdated priority dates—particularly in preference categories subject to visa bulletin limitations. Overlooking past immigration violations, even minor ones, can trigger RFEs, denials, or in some cases, removal proceedings.

Applicants also sometimes mistakenly travel outside the U.S. while the I-485 is pending, without securing advance parole. Doing so typically results in automatic abandonment of the application. Another frequent mistake is failing to inform USCIS of a change of address, which can lead to missed notices or interview appointments.

To prevent such outcomes, Congruence Law implements rigorous internal protocols. We review every page of an applicant’s immigration history, clarify inconsistencies, and prepare a tailored filing strategy based on the client’s background, status, and eligibility. We ensure that all required forms, exhibits, and supporting documents are submitted together in an organized, indexed filing, with certified translations where needed and cross-referenced supporting evidence. We also coach clients on what to expect at interviews, how to handle RFEs, and when to contact USCIS for status inquiries.

Adjustment of Status is a powerful mechanism for building a life in the United States—but it requires accuracy, credibility, and careful compliance with both statutory and procedural rules. At Congruence Law, P.C., we provide more than just form completion. We offer thoughtful, thorough legal guidance that gives our clients the confidence and support needed to achieve permanent resident status with minimal risk and maximum clarity.

If you're already in the U.S. and seeking to adjust your status through family, employment, or another eligible basis, we invite you to schedule a consultation. Contact us at immigration@congruence.com or at 202-630-8141, and let us help you take the next step toward lawful permanent residency—without leaving the country.