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Green Card & StatusRiversideUpdated: December 28, 20259 min read

Adjustment of Status in Riverside: Green Card Application for Arab Families

Apply for your green card from within the U.S. in Riverside and Inland Empire

SoCal Immigration Services
Reviewed by: Maria Santos, DOJ Accredited Representative

Quick Answer

Riverside families seeking to adjust their status to permanent resident can do so without leaving the United States. Form I-485 allows eligible immigrants in the Inland Empire to apply for their green cards from within America.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

Riverside families seeking to adjust their status to permanent resident can do so without leaving the United States. Form I-485 allows eligible immigrants in the Inland Empire to apply for their green cards from within America.

What is Adjustment of Status?

Adjustment of Status (AOS) is the process of applying for lawful permanent residence (green card) while physically present in the United States. This is different from consular processing, which requires an interview abroad.

Who Can Adjust Status?

  • Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouse, parent, child under 21)
  • Family preference beneficiaries with current priority dates
  • Employment-based beneficiaries with current priority dates
  • Refugees and asylees (one year after status granted)
  • Diversity lottery winners
  • Certain other special categories

Benefits of Adjusting Status

  • Stay in the United States during processing
  • Apply for work authorization (EAD) while waiting
  • Apply for travel authorization (Advance Parole)
  • Interview at local USCIS office instead of embassy abroad
  • Continue working if already employed

Required Documents

  • Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence
  • Form I-130 (if family-based) or I-140 approval (employment)
  • Birth certificate
  • Passport and visa documents
  • I-94 arrival record
  • Medical exam (I-693)
  • Photos
  • Affidavit of Support (I-864)

Processing Times

CategoryTimeline
Immediate Relative12-24 months
Family PreferenceVaries by priority date
Employment-Based12-24 months after priority current
Asylee/Refugee8-14 months

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:Can I travel while I-485 is pending?

A: Only with approved Advance Parole (I-131). Leaving without it may abandon your application.

Q:Can I work while waiting?

A: Yes, with approved Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

Q:What if my visa expired?

A: Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens may still adjust. Others need legal status.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Riverside and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.
Published: December 28, 2025Last Updated: December 28, 2025

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