Definitions for "Adjustment of Status"
The change from nonimmigrant to Lawful Permanent Resident
an application made to the Immigration & Naturalization Service to obtain your immigrant visa (Green Card)in the United States rather than abroad.
Procedure allowing certain aliens already in the United States to apply for immigrant status without having to leave the United States. Beginning in October 1994, section 245(i) of the INA allowed illegal residents who were eligible for immigrant status to remain in the United States and adjust to permanent resident status by applying at an INS office and paying an additional penalty fee. Section 245(i) is no longer available unless the alien is the beneficiary of a petition under section 204 of the Act or of an application for a labor certification under section 212(a)(5)(A), filed before January 15, 1998. Prior to October 1994, most illegal residents were required to leave the United States and acquire a visa abroad from the Department of State as they are again now. USCIS, formerly INS U.S. Citizenship and US immigration Services
an application filed by a person who is physically in the U