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
The process in which someone who holds nonimmigrant, refugee, or parolee status, is allowed to apply for immigrant or lawful permanent status while they are in the United States.
The procedure which changes (adjusts) a non-immigrant visa status to permanent resident status while in the US. Example: a woman enters the US as a visitor then later while in the US, marries a US citizen. She can apply for an Adjustment of Status from visitor to permanent resident without leaving the US.
The final stage of the green card process involving the filing of paperwork with the USCIS within the U.S., rather than filing at an embassy or consulate abroad, known as consular processing. Applicants may only file for adjustment of status if they are inside the United States, a visa is immediately available, and they are not barred from doing so do to an immigration violation, entry without inspection, criminal conduct, or other reasons.
Process where one changes their residency status in America from temporary residency to permanent residency.
Adjustment of Status is the third step in the typical process of obtaining a US Green Card (permanent residence / immigration).