Adjustment of Status

Adjustment of status is the process which allows an immigrant or alien to become a lawful permanent resident without having to go abroad and apply for a visa. Individuals who need more information about an adjustment of status should visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

If an individual finds they are eligible to adjust their status they can visit their local USCIS office for information on how to continue with the status modification process. Immigrants will be required to pay a non-refundable diversity visa fee directly to the Department of State prior to proceeding with their case.

In some cases the spouse or children of the applicant may be eligible to apply for Diversity Immigrant Visas at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad, if they were listed on the applicant's Diversity Visa online entry, with few exceptions. All family applications must be requested prior to September 30 each year to ensure the U.S. Embassy or Consulate receives notification to process the visas prior to the end of the year.