Adjustment of Status (AOS) is a critical process for many foreign nationals who wish to become lawful permanent residents (green card holders) of the United States without leaving the country. This process allows eligible applicants to transition from a temporary visa or other lawful status to permanent resident status. However, one of the most common questions asked by applicants is: how long does adjustment of status take? Understanding the timeline is vital for planning your life, work, and family situation during the process.
This article offers a comprehensive overview of the adjustment of status timeline, factors that influence processing times, and tips on how to navigate the system efficiently. Whether you are applying through family, employment, asylum, or other categories, this guide will help clarify what to expect and how to prepare.
What Is Adjustment of Status?
Adjustment of Status refers to the procedure where a person already in the U.S. applies to change their immigration status to that of a lawful permanent resident (LPR) without needing to return to their home country for consular processing. It is governed primarily by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The typical applicant for adjustment of status is someone who entered the U.S. legally on a nonimmigrant visa and now seeks a green card based on family sponsorship, employment, asylum, or other eligibility criteria.
Typical Steps in the Adjustment of Status Process
The adjustment of status process generally includes several stages, which influence the overall timeline:
1. Filing the Petition
The first step usually involves filing an immigrant petition. For family-based cases, this is the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. For employment-based cases, it is typically the Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. Some categories, such as asylum-based applicants, may file a different form or self-petition.
2. Filing Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status Application)
Once the petition is approved or concurrently filed (depending on category and visa availability), the applicant submits Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status to USCIS. This is the primary form to request green card status.
3. Biometrics Appointment
USCIS schedules a biometrics appointment, where the applicant provides fingerprints, photograph, and signature. This step is mandatory for background and security checks.
4. USCIS Interview
Most applicants must attend an interview at a local USCIS office. The interview allows USCIS officers to verify the applicant’s eligibility and the authenticity of submitted documents.
5. Decision and Green Card Issuance
After completing the interview and any additional reviews, USCIS will issue a decision. If approved, the applicant receives their green card, granting lawful permanent residence.
How Long Does Each Step Take?
The total adjustment of status timeline depends on various factors, including USCIS workload, category of application, country of origin, and whether the applicant’s visa priority date is current. Below is a detailed breakdown of typical processing times for each step:
Filing and Approval of Immigrant Petition (I-130 or I-140)
Processing times for immigrant petitions vary greatly. As of 2025, family-based I-130 petitions typically take between 6 to 15 months for USCIS approval, though some categories or service centers may have longer waits. Employment-based I-140 petitions usually take between 6 to 9 months, but premium processing can speed this up to 15 calendar days.
Visa Bulletin and Priority Dates
Even after petition approval, applicants must wait until their visa priority date is current according to the Visa Bulletin issued monthly by the U.S. Department of State. For certain countries with high demand, such as India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines, waiting for a current priority date can take years, particularly in family and employment categories.
Processing of Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
Once the priority date is current and the I-485 is filed, USCIS processing typically takes 8 to 14 months. This time frame covers the initial processing, biometrics, background checks, interview scheduling, and final decision.
Biometrics Appointment
The biometrics appointment usually occurs 4 to 8 weeks after filing the I-485. This is generally one of the quicker steps but must be completed before the case proceeds.
USCIS Interview
The interview is usually scheduled several months after the biometrics appointment, sometimes 6 to 10 months after I-485 filing. Some applicants may receive a waiver of the interview, especially in employment-based cases or where the application is straightforward.
Green Card Approval and Receipt
After the interview, applicants typically receive a decision within a few weeks to a couple of months. Once approved, the physical green card is mailed within 2 to 4 weeks.
Factors Influencing Adjustment of Status Timeline
Several important factors can accelerate or delay the adjustment of status process:
1. USCIS Service Center Workload
Different USCIS service centers handle applications, and each has its own backlog and speed. Applicants can check current processing times on the USCIS Processing Times page.
2. Application Category
Family-based cases tend to have longer waits than employment-based cases, particularly for countries with heavy demand. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens often have faster processing since they are exempt from visa caps.
3. Country of Origin
Applicants from countries with high immigration demand may face visa retrogression, resulting in longer waits for visa availability and adjustment of status approval.
4. Completeness and Accuracy of Application
Errors, missing documents, or requests for additional evidence (RFEs) can delay processing significantly.
5. Security Checks and Background Investigations
Some cases require more extensive security clearance, particularly for applicants from certain countries or with specific backgrounds, which can lengthen processing times.
6. COVID-19 and Other External Factors
Temporary closures, staffing shortages, or policy changes at USCIS can impact overall timelines.
Typical Total Adjustment of Status Timeline by Category
Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens (Spouses, Parents, Children)
Because immediate relatives are exempt from visa quotas, the total adjustment of status process often takes about 10 to 14 months from petition filing to green card receipt.
Family Preference Categories
For siblings or adult children of U.S. citizens, or spouses and children of permanent residents, waiting times can stretch from several years up to a decade or more due to visa backlogs and priority date retrogression.
Employment-Based Adjustment
Employment-based green card applicants often face 1 to 3 years of processing time depending on country of chargeability, labor certification requirements, and priority dates. Premium processing options for certain petitions can expedite early steps.
Asylees and Refugees
Applicants who are adjusting status based on asylum or refugee status generally must wait at least one year after asylum/refugee admission before filing I-485. The adjustment itself typically takes 8 to 14 months after filing.
How to Check Your Adjustment of Status Case Status
USCIS provides online tools to check the status of your application. You can use your receipt number from the I-485 or petition notice to track progress at the USCIS Case Status Online page.
Tips to Expedite Adjustment of Status Processing
- File complete and accurate applications to avoid RFEs.
- Use premium processing for I-140 petitions if eligible.
- Prepare thoroughly for the USCIS interview to avoid delays.
- Respond promptly to any USCIS requests for evidence.
- Consult an experienced immigration attorney to ensure your case is handled properly.
Conclusion
Understanding how long adjustment of status takes is essential for managing expectations and planning your immigration journey. While timelines vary widely depending on petition category, country of origin, and USCIS workload, typical adjustment of status processing ranges from under a year to several years in more complex cases.
Staying informed, preparing well, and monitoring your case progress are keys to a smoother process. Although waiting can be stressful, patience and careful preparation help increase the likelihood of successful adjustment of status and achieving lawful permanent residency in the United States.
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