Why Hiring an Immigration Attorney Matters in the Adjustment of Status Process
For many immigrants living in the United States, applying for Adjustment of Status is a life-changing moment, the final step toward becoming a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). But for anyone who’s gone through it, the process can feel like navigating a maze of forms, deadlines, and interviews.
Whether you live in Washington, DC, Norfolk, Virginia, or Newark, New Jersey, applying for Adjustment of Status can be overwhelming without professional guidance. Having an experienced immigration attorney by your side can make all the difference between a smooth approval and months (or years) of frustrating delays.
At The Law Office of Ali Aziz, PLLC, we’ve helped countless clients across the East Coast secure their green cards, and we understand how stressful this process can feel. Below, we break down what Adjustment of Status really involves, why legal help is so valuable, and how the right attorney can protect your future.
What Is Adjustment of Status?
Adjustment of Status (AOS) is the process that allows certain immigrants already living in the United States to apply for a green card without returning to their home country for visa processing.
Through AOS, you can transition from a temporary visa, such as a student (F-1), work (H-1B), or family-based visa, to permanent residency. This allows you to stay in the country legally while your application is being processed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
But this convenience comes with complexity. Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements, submit detailed forms (including Form I-485), provide supporting evidence, undergo a medical exam, and attend an in-person interview. Even a small oversight can trigger long delays or result in a denial.
That’s where an immigration attorney’s guidance becomes critical.
The Hidden Complexity Behind Adjustment of Status
Many people assume the Adjustment of Status process is just paperwork. But behind every form lies legal strategy, determining eligibility, addressing inadmissibility issues, and navigating constantly changing immigration policies.
An experienced Adjustment of Status lawyer helps you avoid the most common (and costly) mistakes, including:
Submitting incomplete or outdated forms
Failing to disclose prior immigration violations or misrepresentations
Missing deadlines or ignoring USCIS requests for evidence
Inadequately preparing for the USCIS interview
At The Law Office of Ali Aziz, PLLC, our attorneys conduct a thorough case analysis before filing. We review your immigration history, visa type, family situation, and employment background to ensure you meet the criteria and that your application tells your story clearly and accurately.
How an Immigration Attorney Supports You Through Every Step
1. Case Evaluation & Strategy
Before filing, your attorney will determine the best legal path based on your circumstances. For example, family-based and employment-based AOS cases involve different requirements. In complex cases, such as overstays, unlawful presence, or criminal records, your attorney can identify legal remedies to strengthen your application.
2. Document Preparation
Missing or incomplete documentation is one of the top reasons USCIS delays cases. A skilled attorney helps you collect and organize everything needed, from identity and financial records to affidavits and supporting evidence, ensuring your submission is clean, accurate, and compelling.
3. Medical Exam & Filing
You must undergo a medical exam by an approved civil surgeon. Your attorney ensures the report meets USCIS standards and that all supporting forms are properly filed and tracked.
4. USCIS Interview Preparation
The Adjustment of Status interview can be intimidating. Officers may ask detailed questions about your background, your relationship (in marriage-based cases), or your employment. Your attorney will:
Prepare you for what to expect
Conduct a mock interview
Accompany you to the USCIS office
Protect your rights during questioning
5. Responding to Requests or Delays
If USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE) or delays your case, your attorney will respond strategically and efficiently — preventing avoidable setbacks and ensuring your case stays on track.
When Things Don’t Go as Planned
Not every Adjustment of Status case is straightforward. Sometimes USCIS questions eligibility, raises concerns about prior immigration violations, or even refers the case to immigration court.
If you face these complications, an attorney can:
File waivers or appeals
Negotiate with USCIS or ICE
Represent you in removal (deportation) proceedings
Explore alternative immigration benefits if necessary
In short, your lawyer becomes your advocate — protecting your legal rights and keeping your future in the U.S. secure.
Why Choose The Law Office of Ali Aziz, PLLC
Your journey to permanent residency deserves careful attention, compassion, and legal skill. At The Law Office of Ali Aziz, PLLC, we’ve built our practice around helping individuals and families through the immigration process with confidence and clarity.
We provide:
Personalized attention — Every client’s story is different, and we tailor our strategy to your goals.
Clear communication — You’ll always know where your case stands.
Proven experience — We’ve guided clients to success in Adjustment of Status cases across the US!
Compassionate support — Immigration is personal, and we never lose sight of what’s at stake: your future.
Take the Next Step Toward Permanent Residency
If you’re preparing to apply for Adjustment of Status, don’t face it alone. Let an experienced immigration attorney guide you through each step — from eligibility to interview — with confidence.
📞 Contact The Law Office of Ali Aziz, PLLC today to schedule a consultation. +1 804-210-2020
We proudly serve clients in and around the east coast, including Washington, DC, Norfolk, VA, and Newark, NJ — helping immigrants build secure, successful lives in the United States.
