An Adjustment of Status Lawyer Staten Island helps you apply for a green card without leaving the US. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. § 1255), you may adjust status if an immigrant visa is immediately available. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ firm-wide case results. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Richmond County Supreme Court | Richmond County Supreme Court
Adjustment of status is the process under INA § 245 (8 U.S.C. § 1255) that allows you to become a lawful permanent resident without leaving the United States. You must have an approved immigrant petition (I-130, I-140, or I-360) and an immediately available visa number. The USCIS New York City Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan, processes most adjustment applications for Staten Island residents. New York City Executive Order 41 limits city cooperation with ICE, which can affect your case. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris.
For adjustment of status specifically, the governing statute is INA § 245 (8 U.S.C. § 1255). This section permits an eligible applicant to apply for permanent residence while physically present in the United States. Eligibility requires lawful admission or parole into the US, an approved immigrant petition, an immediately available visa number, and admissibility to the United States. The USCIS Policy Manual provides detailed guidance on eligibility bars, including unlawful presence, unauthorized employment, and prior immigration violations.
Review the official statute: 8 U.S.C. § 1255 (INA § 245) — Cornell LII. Visit the Richmond County Supreme Court website for local court information. The USCIS website provides official adjustment of status guidance.
For Staten Island residents, the USCIS New York City Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza handles adjustment applications. The office has significant backlogs — expect 8-14 months for family-based I-485 processing. New York’s sanctuary policies mean local law enforcement does not enforce ICE detainers, which can benefit applicants with prior contact with law enforcement.
- File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) or I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) with USCIS.
- Wait for USCIS approval of the immigrant petition and a visa number to become available.
- File Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) with supporting documents.
- Attend biometrics appointment at the USCIS Application Support Center in Manhattan.
- Attend the adjustment of status interview at the USCIS New York City Field Office (26 Federal Plaza).
- Receive USCIS decision — approval grants lawful permanent residence; denial may require removal defense.
In Richmond County (Staten Island), adjustment of status is a benefit application — not a penalty. However, filing errors or ineligibility can lead to denial, removal proceedings, or unlawful presence bars.
| Issue | Classification | Consequence | Filing Fee | Impact on Status | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-485 Denial (Ineligible) | Application denial | No green card granted | $1,440 (I-485 + biometrics) | May trigger NTA (Notice to Appear) | Unlawful presence accrual if no other status |
| Unlawful Presence Bar | 3-year or 10-year bar | Cannot adjust from within US | I-601A waiver: $930 | Must depart US for consular processing | Provisional waiver available for some |
| Fraud or Misrepresentation | INA § 212(a)(6)(C) | Permanent inadmissibility | I-601 waiver: $930 | Extreme hardship waiver required | May need I-212 permission to reapply |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute). The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” Mr. Sris handles all immigration matters personally, including adjustment of status cases for Staten Island residents.
SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. For Staten Island immigration matters, Mr. Sris provides direct representation in adjustment of status cases before the USCIS New York City Field Office.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Distance: Our New York location serves clients at Richmond County (Staten Island) courts. The USCIS New York City Field Office is at 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan, accessible via I-278 and the Staten Island Ferry.
Near-me: Adjustment of Status lawyer near Staten Island — serving all Staten Island neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods served: Staten Island (St. George, New Dorp, Tottenville, Great Kills, Stapleton, Port Richmond).
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
NAP: Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009. By appointment only.
Q: Can I adjust status if I entered the US without inspection?
It depends. If you entered without inspection, you generally cannot adjust status from within the US unless you qualify for an I-601A provisional unlawful presence waiver. Certain family-based categories (spouse of US citizen) may allow adjustment under INA § 245(i) if you have a qualifying petition filed before April 30, 2001.
Q: How long does adjustment of status take for Staten Island residents?
8-14 months for family-based I-485 applications processed at the USCIS New York City Field Office. Employment-based cases may take 6-12 months. Removal proceedings at the New York Immigration Court (26 Federal Plaza or Varick Street) can take 2-5+ years due to significant backlogs.
Q: What documents do I need for an adjustment of status interview?
Bring your I-485 receipt notice, passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), medical exam (I-693), financial documents (tax returns, pay stubs), and evidence of lawful entry (I-94, visa, or admission stamp). For marriage cases, bring joint financial accounts, lease, photos, and affidavits.
Q: Can I work while my adjustment of status is pending?
Yes. File Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) concurrently with your I-485. USCIS typically issues an EAD within 5-7 months. You may also file Form I-131 (Advance Parole) for travel permission. Working without authorization can affect your adjustment eligibility.
Q: What happens if USCIS denies my adjustment of status application?
USCIS may issue a Notice to Appear (NTA) placing you in removal proceedings before the New York Immigration Court. You may file a motion to reopen or reconsider within 30 days. Alternatively, you may depart the US and pursue consular processing if eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Immigration laws and USCIS processing times change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.