1. What are the eligibility requirements for Adjustment of Status in Alabama?
In order to qualify for Adjustment of Status (AOS) in Alabama, an individual must meet the following requirements:
1. Must be physically present in the United States.
2. Must be present in the United States in a lawful status.
3. Must be the beneficiary of a visa petition or labor certification that was approved prior to their entry into the US.
4. Must have an immigrant visa number available to them through the Visa Bulletin or the U.S. Department of State’s National Visa Center.
5. Must have an immediate relative who is a US citizen or an employer who has sponsored them for permanent residence.
6. Must not have any criminal history that would render them ineligible for adjustment of status, such as a conviction for a serious crime or a violation of immigration law.
7. Must not be subject to any of the grounds of inadmissibility listed in the Immigration and Nationality Act.
8. Must demonstrate that they will not become a public charge and can support themselves financially without relying on public benefits or assistance from their sponsor.
2. What documents must I submit for Adjustment of Status in Alabama?
To apply for Adjustment of Status in Alabama, you must submit the following documents:
• Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
• Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
• Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
• Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
• Two passport-style photos
• Proof of financial support such as pay stubs, bank statements, or tax returns
• Evidence of a bona fide marriage such as joint bank accounts, children’s birth certificates, or evidence of shared assets or debts
• Copy of a valid passport or other travel document
• Copy of birth certificate
• Copy of valid I-94 (Arrival/Departure) Record
• Copies of any prior immigration applications or petitions filed and their outcomes.
3. How do I apply for an Adjustment of Status in Alabama?
To apply for an Adjustment of Status in Alabama, you must submit Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, along with all of the required supporting documents to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office that serves your area. You will also have to pay the applicable fee. USCIS will notify you of their decision on your application.
4. Is there a filing fee for an Adjustment of Status application in Alabama?
Yes, the filing fee for an Adjustment of Status application in Alabama is $1,225.
5. Are there any processing times associated with an Adjustment of Status application in Alabama?
Yes, the processing time for an Adjustment of Status application in Alabama can vary significantly depending on the case and can range from several months to over a year. The best way to find out how long it will take is to contact the USCIS district office in your area.
6. Is it possible to expedite the Adjustment of Status process in Alabama?
Yes, it is possible to expedite the Adjustment of Status process in Alabama. However, it is important to note that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will prioritize cases based on individual circumstances and that expediting the process is not guaranteed. If you need to expedite your case, you should contact an experienced immigration attorney to help you navigate the process.
7. How much does an Attorney’s fee cost for an Adjustment of Status application in Alabama?
The cost of an immigration attorney’s fee for an Adjustment of Status application in Alabama varies based on the complexity of the case and the amount of time it will take to complete the application. Generally, fees range from $2,000-$5,000 depending on the individual case.
8. What are the documentation requirements to prove Residency in Alabama for an Adjustment of Status application?
The documents required to prove residency in Alabama for an Adjustment of Status application include:
1. A lease or rental agreement showing at least 6 months of history in the state
2. Bank statements
3. Utility bills
4. Pay stubs
5. Driver’s license or state ID card
6. Copies of income tax returns
7. Insurance documents
8. Letter from an employer verifying current employment and/or residence in Alabama
9. School records
10. Documentation from a religious organization attesting to the individual’s presence in the state
9. What is the difference between Adjustment of Status and Naturalization in Alabama?
Adjustment of status is the process by which a foreign national who is already in the United States can obtain lawful permanent resident status (i.e. a green card). Naturalization is the process by which a foreign national who is not already a U.S. citizen can become one. In both cases, the individual must meet certain legal requirements and provide evidence of their identity and eligibility for the process. In Alabama, both processes require applicants to complete an application, pay required fees, and attend an interview before a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer.
10. Is it possible to file for an adjustment of status for immediate family members in Alabama?
Yes, it is possible to file for an adjustment of status for immediate family members in Alabama. An adjustment of status is when a foreign national applies to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to adjust their immigration status to become a lawful permanent resident. The USCIS has several filing locations in Alabama, where an adjustment of status application can be submitted. It is important to note that the adjustment of status process can be complex and lengthy; therefore, it is recommended that applicants seek assistance from an immigration attorney to ensure that their application is properly prepared and complete.
11. Are there any benefits to filing for Adjustment of Status jointly with a spouse in Alabama?
Yes, filing for Adjustment of Status jointly with a spouse in Alabama can offer several potential benefits. These include the ability to receive the same immigration benefits as a U.S. citizen spouse, the possibility of expedited processing, and the ability to receive permanent residence quickly. Additionally, filing jointly ensures that both spouses are eligible for the same rights, such as work authorization and eligibility for public benefits.
12. Is it necessary to have a valid visa to file for an adjustment of status in Alabama?
No. If you are eligible to file for an adjustment of status, you will not need a valid visa to do so.
13. Is it possible to renew an Adjustment of Status application in Alabama?
Yes, it is possible to renew an adjustment of status application in Alabama. The process is quite similar to filing a new application, and applicants will need to provide documentation to prove their eligibility for the adjustment of status. Additionally, applicants may need to obtain a new biometric appointment in order to complete the renewal process.
14. Is there any special consideration given to asylum seekers when applying for Adjustment of Status in Alabama?
The law does not permit the granting of special consideration to asylum seekers when applying for adjustment of status in Alabama. However, asylum seekers may be eligible for certain benefits, such as work authorization or travel authorization while their application is pending. Additionally, individuals who have been granted asylum may be eligible to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident.
15. Are there any restrictions on employment during the Adjustment of Status process in Alabama?
Yes, there are some restrictions on employment during the Adjustment of Status process in Alabama. An alien with pending adjustment of status must have a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Individuals must not engage in unauthorized employment before or after filing the adjustment of status application. Aliens may not accept employment with a different employer than the one listed on the original application without prior approval from USCIS. Additionally, they may not accept employment in an industry not listed on their original application without prior approval from USCIS. Lastly, USCIS must receive evidence to support any changes to the type of employment or specific job duties requested by the alien.
16. Are foreign students eligible to apply for Adjustment of Status in Alabama?
Yes. Foreign students are eligible to apply for Adjustment of Status in Alabama, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
17. Can adjustment applicants be denied if they fail to provide sufficient documentation in Alabama?
Yes, applicants in Alabama may be denied if they fail to provide sufficient documentation.
18. Does filing for an adjustment of status affect the applicant’s current visa status in Alabama?
No, filing for an adjustment of status does not affect an applicant’s current visa status in Alabama. However, the applicant may need to apply for different visas or extensions of visas in order to remain in the United States legally.
19. Can applicants file for adjustment of status even if they are outside the United States in Alabama?
No, applicants cannot file for adjustment of status if they are outside the United States, including in Alabama. Adjustment of status is only available to individuals who are physically present in the United States.
20. Does filing for adjustment of status allow the applicant to stay and work in the United States legally in Alabama?
No. An adjustment of status application does not itself allow an applicant to stay and work in the United States legally in Alabama. The adjustment of status process can, however, lead to the issuance of a green card, which would allow the applicant to live and work legally in the United States.