For New York County (Manhattan) residents, adjustment of status under INA § 245 allows green card applicants already in the U.S. to complete the process without leaving. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has firm-wide documented results across 4,739+ cases. An Adjustment of Status Lawyer Manhattan handles the AOS process from start to finish.
What Is Adjustment of Status Under Federal Immigration Law?
Adjustment of status is the process under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) § 245 that allows a foreign national already physically present in the United States to apply for lawful permanent resident status (a green card) without returning to their home country for consular processing. This differs from consular processing, which requires you to leave the U.S. and attend an interview at a U.S. embassy abroad. The green card application from within US lawyer Manhattan team at SRIS, P.C. guides clients through the entire I-485 application process.
Last verified: April 2026 | New York County Supreme Court | New York County Supreme Court website
The specific statute governing adjustment of status is INA § 245 (8 U.S.C. § 1255). This statute requires that you have been inspected and admitted or paroled into the U.S., that you are eligible for an immigrant visa, and that a visa number is immediately available. Unlike the broader immigration framework, INA § 245 provides a specific pathway for those already inside the country. An Adjustment of Status Lawyer Manhattan ensures your application meets all statutory requirements.
Official Government Resources for Immigration Law
Insider Procedural Edge: How the AOS Process Works in Manhattan
In Manhattan, USCIS processes I-485 applications at the NYC Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza. The AOS process lawyer Manhattan team knows that the NYC office has specific document requirements and scheduling procedures that differ from other field offices.
- Step 1: Determine your eligibility under INA § 245 — you must have a valid immigrant visa petition approved (I-130, I-140, or I-360) and a visa number must be immediately available.
- Step 2: File Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with USCIS along with supporting documents including birth certificate, medical exam, and proof of lawful entry.
- Step 3: Submit supporting forms simultaneously: I-765 (Employment Authorization), I-131 (Advance Parole travel document), and I-693 (medical exam) to avoid separate filing fees and processing delays.
- Step 4: Attend your biometrics appointment at the USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) in Manhattan — typically scheduled 3-5 weeks after filing.
- Step 5: Prepare for and attend your adjustment of status interview at the USCIS NYC Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan, NY 10278.
- Step 6: Receive your decision — approval grants you lawful permanent resident status; if denied, you may have options including motion to reopen or appeal to the AAO.
In New York County (Manhattan), adjustment of status carries no criminal penalties but improper filing can result in denial, removal proceedings, or unlawful presence bars.
| Issue | Classification | Consequence | Filing Fee | Impact on Status | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-485 Denial | Administrative | No incarceration | $1,440 (I-485 + biometrics) | Loss of fee; potential removal | May trigger NTA (Notice to Appear) |
| Fraud/Misrepresentation | INA § 212(a)(6)(C) | No incarceration | N/A | Permanent inadmissibility bar | Waiver available under INA § 212(i) in limited cases |
| Unlawful Presence (180+ days) | INA § 212(a)(9)(B) | No incarceration | N/A | 3-year bar if departure occurs | Waiver available under INA § 212(a)(9)(B)(v) |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles Manhattan Immigration Cases
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every immigration case. Firm-wide, SRIS has documented 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally leads immigration matters, including adjustment of status cases in Manhattan. The firm’s tagline — “Advocacy Without Borders” — reflects its commitment to clients from all backgrounds.
Case Results for Manhattan Immigration Clients
SRIS actively practices in New York County (Manhattan). Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. These results include family-based green cards, employment-based adjustment, naturalization, and deportation defense cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Manhattan Immigration Law Services — Near You
Distance: Our New York location serves clients at New York County (Manhattan) courts, accessible via FDR Drive, West Side Hwy, all subway lines, Lincoln/Holland Tunnels, and GW Bridge.
Near-Me: Adjustment of Status Lawyer Manhattan — near City Hall, Centre Street courts complex, Chinatown, Tribeca, and One World Trade.
Neighborhoods Served: Manhattan (Midtown, Lower Manhattan, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Harlem, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, East Village, Financial District, Chinatown, Washington Heights, Inwood).
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New York Location
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adjustment of Status in Manhattan
Can I apply for adjustment of status if I entered the U.S. without inspection?
No. INA § 245 requires that you have been inspected and admitted or paroled into the U.S. If you entered without inspection, you may need a provisional unlawful presence waiver (I-601A) before consular processing.
How long does the adjustment of status process take in Manhattan?
It depends. USCIS NYC Field Office processing times for I-485 range from 8 to 18 months for family-based cases. Employment-based cases may take 6 to 12 months. Significant backlogs exist at the 26 Federal Plaza office.
Do I need a lawyer for adjustment of status in New York County?
Yes. An Adjustment of Status Lawyer Manhattan ensures your I-485 package is complete, avoids RFEs, and prepares you for the USCIS interview. Errors can lead to denials or removal proceedings.
What happens if my adjustment of status application is denied?
It depends. You may file a motion to reopen or reconsider with USCIS, appeal to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO), or in some cases, USCIS may issue a Notice to Appear (NTA) for removal proceedings.
Can I work while my adjustment of status is pending?
Yes. You can file Form I-765 (Employment Authorization Application) concurrently with your I-485. USCIS typically processes EAD applications within 3-6 months, allowing you to work legally while your green card application is pending.
Related Legal Services in Manhattan
- New York Immigration Lawyer
- Kings County (Brooklyn) Immigration Lawyer
- Queens County (Queens) Immigration Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Manhattan
- Family Law Lawyer Manhattan
- Mr. Sris — Immigration Attorney Profile
- New York Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.