Adjustment of status is the process that you can use to apply for lawful permanent resident status (also known as applying for a Green Card) when you are present in the United States. This means that you may get a Green Card without having to return to your home country to complete visa processing. If you are outside of the United States, you must obtain your visa abroad through consular processing.
For example, persons may seek an adjustment of status if they are eligible for a Green Card on one of the following bases and are present in the United States:
• Green Card through Family
• Green Card through Employment
• Green Card as a Special Immigrant
• Green Card through Refugee or Asylee Status
• Green Card for Human Trafficking and Crime Victims
• Green Card for Victims of Abuse
• Green Card through Registry
• Green Card through Other Categories
File Form I-485
If you are in the United States and are eligible for adjustment of status, you may file a Form I-485. Go to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) site https://www.uscis.gov/i-485 for the instructions and form. Go to the Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-485 page at https://www.uscis.gov/i-485-addresses to see where you should file your application.
If you are applying to adjust your status to lawful permanent resident under section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. §1255(i)), you must complete both Form I-485 and Form I-485 Supplement A, Adjustment of Status Under Section 245(i) (located at https://www.uscis.gov/i-485supa).
In Texas, as in all states, adjustment of status is a process governed by federal law, allowing individuals already in the United States to apply for lawful permanent resident status (Green Card) without needing to leave the country to complete visa processing. This process is managed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Eligibility for a Green Card can be based on various categories such as family ties, employment, special immigrant status, refugee or asylee status, being a victim of human trafficking or crime, abuse, or other specified categories. Applicants in Texas must file Form I-485, and if applicable, Form I-485 Supplement A for those adjusting under section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The specific instructions and the correct filing address for Form I-485 can be found on the USCIS website. It's important to note that while the process is federally regulated, local USCIS offices in Texas may provide support and handle interviews or other procedural requirements.
