Adjustment of Status Lawyer Arlington County, VA
Adjustment of status allows a person already in the United States to apply for permanent residence without leaving the country. For Arlington County families and individuals, the process is handled primarily by the USCIS Washington District Office at 2675 Prosperity Avenue in Fairfax, Virginia. If a removal proceeding is pending, the case is heard at the Arlington Immigration Court on South Bell Street. Under 8 U.S.C. § 1255, the law permits certain noncitizens who were inspected and admitted or paroled to apply for a green card while remaining in the U.S. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent clients before USCIS and the Immigration Court, guiding them through family-based, employment-based, and other adjustment applications. Our Arlington location is convenient for residents of Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Rosslyn, and Pentagon City. To discuss your eligibility, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Adjustment of Status Means in Arlington County, Virginia
For Arlington County residents, adjustment of status is rooted in federal immigration law with a significant local footprint. The USCIS Washington District Office in Fairfax handles affirmative applications for green cards, employment authorization, and travel documents. At the same time, individuals who are in removal proceedings appear before the Arlington Immigration Court at 1901 South Bell Street, which is part of the Executive Office for Immigration Review. Because Arlington is immediately adjacent to Washington, D.C., the court and field office experience high volume and a diverse range of cases. The Seventeenth Judicial District of Virginia and the Arlington County Circuit Court do not have jurisdiction over the adjustment of status itself, but state-court matters—such as criminal convictions or family-law orders—can directly affect eligibility. Our attorneys are familiar with how Virginia court records interplay with federal immigration adjudications.
The core eligibility requirements under 8 U.S.C. § 1255 include having been inspected and admitted or paroled, being eligible for an immigrant visa immediately available, and not being subject to any bars to adjustment. Factors such as prior violations of immigration status, certain criminal convictions, or previous removal orders can complicate the process. Because Arlington County is home to many government employees, military families, and international workers, adjustment applications frequently involve unique circumstances—derivative beneficiaries, waivers of inadmissibility, and coordination with consular processing when a member of the same family is abroad. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys evaluate each case individually to determine the safest procedural path and to avoid triggering grounds of inadmissibility that could jeopardize a future interview.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Adjustment of Status Cases
When a client in Arlington County contacts Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., an initial consultation identifies all potential forms of relief and any obstacles in the client’s immigration history. The firm’s legal team assembles Form I-485, gathers supporting evidence—birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of lawful entry, tax returns, and employer letters—and prepares a detailed cover letter that frames the application under current USCIS policy. Because Arlington County residents are served by the Washington District Office, the firm stays current on that office’s particular processing trends and requests for evidence (RFEs). If a client is in removal proceedings, the attorneys simultaneously prepare the I-485 for presentation to the Immigration Judge, file supporting motions, and work with the Department of Homeland Security attorney to seek joint stipulations or termination of proceedings where possible.
Preparation extends beyond the paperwork. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, who each have considerable litigation and transactional background, conduct mock interview sessions to help clients and their family members feel comfortable at the USCIS interview. They address questions about the couple’s shared life, the bona fides of any qualifying employer, or the legitimacy of an asylum grant that forms the basis of adjustment. When a case involves criminal history, the attorneys analyze the state statute of conviction—often under Virginia Code provisions—to determine whether the offense falls within an immigration “crime involving moral turpitude” or an aggravated felony definition. If a waiver is available, such as under INA § 212(h) or via cancellation of removal, the firm prepares that waiver in tandem with the adjustment application. Throughout the process, clients are updated on case status and any changes in USCIS procedures.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has been practicing since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His experience includes handling complex immigration cases that intersect with criminal law and family law. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, who work alongside Mr. Sris on immigration matters, bring extensive combined legal experience. The firm serves clients at the Arlington location by appointment only. Among all practice areas in Arlington County, the firm has recorded 115 documented case results with favorable outcomes in every reported instance. Results may vary.
The Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Drive, Suite 700, Room 719, is easily accessible from the Rosslyn and Courthouse areas. Appointments are available both by phone and in person. To request a consultation about an adjustment of status or any related immigration relief, call (888) 437-7747. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys look forward to discussing how they can assist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does adjustment of status cost?
The USCIS government filing fee for Form I-485 (application to adjust status) is $1,440, and an additional $85 biometric services fee is required for most applicants. Fee waivers or reduced fees may be available for certain individuals who demonstrate financial hardship on Form I-912. Attorney fees vary by case and are discussed at your initial consultation. Keep in mind that USCIS fee schedules can change, so it is wise to confirm the current fee before submitting your application. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss the total anticipated cost for your specific adjustment of status matter.
How long does adjustment of status take in Arlington County?
Processing timelines for adjustment of status are determined by USCIS and vary depending on the category, the applicant’s country of chargeability, and the field office workload. The USCIS Washington District Office in Fairfax generally processes applications within several months to over a year, but cases with complicating factors or RFEs can take longer. If an individual is in removal proceedings, the Immigration Judge has his or her own docket, and scheduling can add additional months. The trusted way to track your case is by using the USCIS online case status tool and, if you are represented, consulting periodically with your legal team. The firm monitors case progress and can escalate inquiries when processing times exceed normal ranges.
Can I get work authorization while my adjustment of status is pending?
Yes, most applicants for adjustment of status may apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by filing Form I-765 together with the I-485 or while the I-485 is pending. If approved, the EAD allows you to work legally for any employer in the U.S. While your green card is being adjudicated. For Arlington County residents, the EAD application is also processed through the USCIS Washington District Office. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys prepare the I-765 concurrently with the adjustment package, and they follow up if processing exceeds the regulatory timeframe. Note that working without authorization before the EAD is granted can create immigration problems; consult an attorney before engaging in any unauthorized employment.
Do I need a lawyer for adjustment of status?
You are not legally required to have an attorney to file an adjustment of status application, but many applicants benefit from having counsel because errors can lead to denial, delay, or even removal. USCIS does not provide legal assistance, and its adjudicators are not permitted to give legal advice. A lawyer can identify potential grounds of inadmissibility before they appear in an RFE, guide you through the interview, and, if necessary, represent you in Immigration Court. For Arlington County families, having a local attorney who understands the interplay between Virginia state records and federal immigration standards can be particularly valuable. To discuss whether attorney representation is right for you, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
What if I have a prior deportation order—can I still adjust status?
A prior deportation order can make adjustment of status more difficult, but it is not necessarily a permanent bar; reopening or vacating the order may be possible if you meet certain legal criteria. In the Arlington Immigration Court, for example, a motion to reopen could be filed if circumstances have changed, such as a stronger family-based petition or a new waiver of inadmissibility. The viability of any such motion depends on the specific facts of your case and whether the removal order has been executed. Because these matters are procedurally complex, it is crucial to work with an attorney who regularly appears before the Immigration Court. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys can evaluate your prior immigration history and explain your options.
Related Immigration Resources
- Fairfax County immigration lawyer
- Prince William County immigration attorney
- Loudoun County immigration lawyer
- Stafford County immigration lawyer
- Fauquier County immigration attorney
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.