adjustment of status
Adjustment of status refers to the procedure for becoming a lawful permanent resident without having to leave the United States. Adjustment of status is processed by the USCIS and should be distinguished from consular processing, which is processed by the Department of State and involves applying for an immigrant visa at a consular post abroad. Certain aliens, for example foreign national crewmen and aliens who are in immediate and continuous transit through the U.S., although legally present in the US, are ineligible for adjustment of status.
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary
The procedure for applying for U.S. permanent residence (a "green card") while living in the United States. Applicants submit a written application and later attend an interview at a local USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) office. Adjustment of status is available only to certain people. Not only does the immigrant have to be eligible for a green card in the first place, he or she must also (with some exceptions), be staying in the U.S. legally, with a visa or other status.
Definition provided by Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary.
August 19, 2010, 5:10 pm
