Burlington County Adjustment of Status Lawyer — How Can You Secure Your Green Card?
Adjustment of Status (AOS) is the process to apply for a lawful permanent resident card (green card) from within the United States. In Burlington County, this demanding process involves filing Form I-485 with USCIS and handling strict eligibility requirements. An experienced Adjustment of Status lawyer in Burlington County from the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
What Is Adjustment of Status?
The Adjustment of Status process allows certain foreign nationals already in the U.S. to apply for a green card without having to return to their home country for consular processing. It is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Eligibility typically depends on having an approved immigrant petition (like a family-based I-130 or employment-based I-140) and an immediately available visa number. You must also be admissible to the United States. The process culminates in an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services | U.S. immigration laws.
Official Resources and Statutes
Understanding the legal framework is critical. The primary authority is the USCIS page for Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. You can also review the Executive Office for Immigration Review for information on removal proceedings, which can intersect with AOS cases.
The AOS Process in Burlington County: Key Steps and Local Considerations
Filing an Adjustment of Status application in Burlington County follows the national USCIS procedure, but local office nuances matter. The Philadelphia Field Office, which handles interviews for Burlington County residents, has specific processing times and interview practices. A key local procedural fact is ensuring all supporting documents, like Burlington County-issued marriage certificates or police clearances, meet USCIS standards. A meticulous green card application from within US lawyer Burlington County will audit your entire packet for consistency before submission.
- Confirm Eligibility & Visa Availability: Ensure your immigrant petition is approved and a visa number is current for your category.
- Prepare Form I-485 Packet: Complete Form I-485 and all supporting forms (I-864, I-765, I-131) with accurate, consistent biographical and historical data.
- Gather Required Evidence: Collect original civil documents, medical examination (Form I-693) from a USCIS-approved doctor, and proof of lawful status.
- File with USCIS: Submit the complete application package with correct fees to the designated USCIS lockbox.
- Attend Biometrics Appointment: Complete fingerprinting and photo at the local Application Support Center.
- Prepare for & Attend Interview: Undergo thorough interview preparation with your attorney before your scheduled interview at the Philadelphia Field Office.
Why Legal Guidance is Critical for Your AOS Case
The AOS process lawyer Burlington County clients choose can significantly impact the case outcome. Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings decades of combined experience in U.S. immigration law. Our team understands the detailed evidence requirements and potential legal hurdles, such as handling past immigration violations or criminal records that could affect admissibility. We provide full representation, managing communication with USCIS and advocating for you at every stage.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has successfully represented numerous clients in the AOS process. Our focus is on building a strong, evidence-based application to present to USCIS. We work to resolve issues like missing documentation or prior legal complications before they become problems.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations.
Our team serves clients throughout Burlington County. If you need an Adjustment of Status lawyer in Burlington County for your green card application from within the US, contact us to discuss your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Adjustment of Status
Can I apply for a green card from within the U.S.?
It depends. You may be eligible for Adjustment of Status if you are physically present in the U.S., were inspected and admitted or paroled, have an approved immigrant petition, and a visa number is immediately available. Certain status violations or entries without inspection can make you ineligible.
How long does the Adjustment of Status process take?
Processing times vary widely, typically from 10 to 24 months or more. The timeline depends on your visa category, the workload at the USCIS service center and field office (like Philadelphia), and whether you receive a Request for Evidence. An attorney can help manage expectations based on current trends.
What is the difference between Consular Processing and Adjustment of Status?
Adjustment of Status is for applicants already inside the United States. Consular Processing is for those outside the U.S. or who are ineligible for AOS; it requires processing through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. The choice is dictated by your personal history, current status, and eligibility.
Can I work or travel while my I-485 is pending?
Yes, but you must apply for authorization. File Form I-765 for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Form I-131 for Advance Parole (travel permission). These are filed concurrently with Form I-485. It is critical not to travel internationally without approved Advance Parole, or your application may be considered abandoned.
What happens during the Adjustment of Status interview?
The USCIS officer will verify the information in your application and supporting documents. For marriage-based cases, questions will focus on proving the legitimacy of your relationship. The officer has discretion to approve the application, deny it, or issue a Request for Evidence. Thorough preparation with your lawyer is key.
Related Information: If you are facing other immigration matters, our firm also assists with naturalization applications and non-immigrant visas. For help in neighboring areas, see our page for Camden County immigration lawyers.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Immigration laws and procedures change frequently. The information on this page is for general understanding and should not be taken as legal advice for your specific case.
New Jersey law governs this practice area.
Your case in Burlington County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Burlington County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (8th Vicinage), 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, telephone (609) 518-2500, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Burlington County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Burlington County NJ lawyers directory · Adjustment of Status Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Adjustment of Status Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Adjustment of Status Lawyer in Monmouth County, NJ.