This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Got it!

adjustment of status

Adjustment of status (AOS) is the process that one can use to apply for lawful permanent resident status (also known as applying for a Green Card ) when one is present in the United States. Adjustment of status is processed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and should be distinguished from consular processing, which is processed by the Department of State and involves applying for an immigrant visa at a consular post abroad. Certain aliens , for example foreign national crewmen and aliens who are in immediate and continuous transit through the U.S., although legally present in the US, are ineligible for adjustment of status.

For more information on the steps for adjustment of status, see USCIS.gov .

[Last reviewed in November of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team
]

Keywords

• lawful permanent resident

Wex

• CIVICS

• immigration law

• wex definitions