In March 2025, total non-farm payroll employment in the U.S. increased by 228,000 and the unemployment rate held at 4.2 % according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). If you are a foreign worker already in the United States and your EB-3 I-140 petition has been approved, you may be eligible to apply for Adjustment of Status. This process allows you to change your immigration status from a temporary visa holder to a lawful permanent resident, and one of the most important milestones for foreign professionals and unskilled workers who want to build a stable future in the United States.
In manufacturing alone, Quarterly Survey of Plant Capacity Utilization (QSPC) data show that through Q3 2024, about 20.6% of U.S. manufacturing plants operating below full capacity identified a shortage of labor or inadequate worker skills as a primary factor limiting their production.This sector employs over 13 million Americans and contributes one-tenth of U.S. Gross Domestic Product. When sectors that large report labour shortages, the ripple effects extend widely. Thus making EB-3 sponsorship an important strategic option.
Adjustment of Status, often called AOS, is an attractive option for EB-3 applicants because it lets you complete the Green Card process without leaving the U.S. You can live, work and even travel during this period with proper authorization. For many applicants, it represents the final step toward achieving the dream of living permanently in the United States.
Many EB-3 visa holders come to the U.S. under temporary work programs and later receive permanent job offers from their employers. Adjustment of Status is the process that turns that job offer into permanent residency. It eliminates the need to go through the U.S. embassy in your home country for a visa interview, which can save time and reduce uncertainty.
This path is also more comfortable and secure. You can continue your daily life in the United States while your application is being reviewed. It is especially helpful for those who have established roots in their communities, started families or built long-term careers with their U.S. employers.
What Is Adjustment of Status for EB-3
In June 2025, BLS showed that U.S. employers reported about 7.4 million job openings with a job-openings rate of 4.4 percent. Adjustment of Status is the process that allows certain foreign nationals already living in the United States to apply for permanent residency. It is an immigration benefit that lets you obtain a Green Card without returning to your home country.
Once approved, you become a lawful permanent resident with the right to live and work in the United States indefinitely. For EB-3 visa holders, the foundation of eligibility begins with an approved Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. This petition confirms that a U.S. employer has sponsored you for a full-time permanent job. When your I-140 is approved and your priority date becomes current according to the Visa Bulletin, you may apply for Adjustment of Status through USCIS.
The process is detailed but achievable with preparation and patience. It involves completing several immigration forms, submitting supporting documents and attending a biometrics appointment and interview. Once approved, you will officially become a Green Card holder.
Who Can Apply for Adjustment of Status
To apply for Adjustment of Status under the EB-3 category, you must meet specific eligibility requirements. You must be physically present in the United States when filing your application. You also must have entered the country legally, meaning you were inspected and admitted or paroled by a U.S. immigration officer.
In 2024, BLS reported that foreign-born workers made up 19.2 percent of the U.S. civilian labor force, up from 18.6 percent the prior year. An approved Form I-140 is required before you can file for Adjustment of Status. This form is submitted by your U.S. employer to prove that they have offered you a permanent position and that no qualified U.S. workers were available for the job. Your priority date must also be current based on the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin.
Other factors can affect your eligibility such as past immigration violations or criminal records. Even minor infractions can delay your case, so it is important to be honest and thorough in your application. If there are potential issues, consulting with an immigration experts such as EB3.Work can help ensure a smoother process.
Benefits of Adjustment of Status
Applying for Adjustment of Status offers several key benefits. The most valuable advantage is that you can remain in the United States while your Green Card application is processed. You do not need to travel abroad or attend a consular interview.
Another benefit is that you can apply for an Employment Authorization Document, known as EAD. This allows you to legally work in the United States while your application is under review. You can also apply for Advance Parole, which permits you to travel internationally and return to the United States without losing your application status.
Adjustment of Status also provides legal protection while your case is pending. Once USCIS receives your application, you are authorized to stay in the country until a decision is made. This security helps many EB-3 applicants continue their work and family life without interruption.
In a labor market where manufacturers could need up to 3.8 million new workers by 2033 as per the Manufacturing Institute Organization. This allows applicants to remain in the U.S. during processing and ensures that employers do not lose essential members of their workforce.
How To Apply for Adjustment of Status
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before starting the process, confirm that your I-140 petition is approved and your priority date is current. You can check this by reviewing the Department of State Visa Bulletin online. If your date matches or is earlier than the published date for your country and category, you may proceed.
Step 2: Gather All Required Documents
To prepare your Adjustment of Status application, you will need:
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- A copy of your I-140 approval notice
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- A copy of your birth certificate
- A copy of your passport and nonimmigrant visa page
- Your most recent Form I-94, Arrival and Departure Record
- Proof that you have maintained lawful status since entering the U.S.
- Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
Make sure all documents are accurate and complete. If any documents are in another language, you must include certified English translations.
Step 3: Complete the Forms
Besides Form I-485, you may also file Form I-765 to request a work permit and Form I-131 to apply for Advance Parole. These optional forms allow you to work and travel while your Green Card is pending. Filing them together saves time and money.
Step 4: Pay the Fees
The total filing fee for Adjustment of Status is 1,225 dollars. This includes all USCIS processing and biometrics costs. You can pay by check, money order or credit card using Form G-1450.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Mail your completed forms, supporting documents and payment to the correct USCIS address. It is a good idea to include a cover letter listing each document to help the officer review your file efficiently. Once USCIS receives your application, they will issue a receipt notice confirming acceptance.
Step 6: Attend Biometrics Appointment
You will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment at your nearest Application Support Center. During this appointment, your fingerprints, photo and signature will be collected. These are used for background checks and identity verification.
Step 7: Go to Your Interview
Most applicants are required to attend an in-person interview at a local USCIS office. During the interview, the officer may ask questions about your employment, immigration history and eligibility. Bring your original documents and answer truthfully.
Step 8: Wait for Your Decision
After your interview, USCIS will review your case and make a decision. If approved, you will receive your Green Card by mail. If additional information is required, USCIS may send a Request for Evidence.
How Long Does Adjustment of Status Take
Processing times for Adjustment of Status vary by USCIS office and workload. On average, the process takes 8 to 14 months from filing to decision. Some cases may move faster while others take longer depending on complexity.
While your case is pending, you can live and work in the United States if you have an EAD. You can also travel abroad with Advance Parole. It is important not to leave the country without Advance Parole, as this could cause your case to be denied.
Patience is essential during this process. USCIS updates processing time estimates on their official website, so you can monitor progress there.
What Happens After Approval
Once USCIS approves your Adjustment of Status application, you officially become a lawful permanent resident. You will receive your Green Card in the mail within a few weeks. This card gives you the right to live and work permanently in the United States.
Permanent residency comes with responsibilities. You must renew your Green Card every ten years and notify USCIS if you move to a new address using Form AR-11. You should also avoid staying outside the U.S. for long periods to maintain your residency status.
After five years of being a Green Card holder, you may apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. This final step allows you to become a full member of American society with the right to vote, travel freely, and enjoy additional legal protections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is Adjustment of Status
Adjustment of Status is a process that allows certain foreign nationals already living in the United States to apply for permanent residency. It is designed for people who have an approved immigrant petition, such as an EB-3 I-140, and are legally present in the country. Instead of traveling abroad for consular processing, applicants can complete the entire process inside the United States.
This approach saves time and money and helps applicants maintain their daily life without interruption. You can continue working with your current employer and living with your family while your application is pending. Once approved, you receive a Green Card and can stay in the United States permanently.
Adjustment of Status is a key step toward stability and opportunity for many EB-3 visa holders. It bridges the gap between temporary work authorization and permanent residency, creating a clear path to citizenship in the future.How Do I Know If I Am Eligible
You are eligible for Adjustment of Status if you have an approved I-140 petition and your priority date is current. You must be physically in the United States and have entered legally. If you entered without inspection or overstayed your visa, your case may face complications.
You must also meet general admissibility requirements under immigration law. Applicants with certain criminal records, immigration violations, or health issues may not qualify. It is important to review your background and consult an expert if necessary.
Checking the Visa Bulletin is crucial to confirm your eligibility. The Visa Bulletin updates each month, showing which priority dates are current for each visa category and country. Only when your date is current can you file Form I-485.What Are the Benefits of Adjusting Status
The biggest benefit of Adjustment of Status is that you can stay in the United States while your Green Card is processed. You will not need to travel abroad or attend a visa interview at a U.S. consulate. This convenience is especially helpful for EB-3 workers with ongoing employment.
You can also apply for a work permit through Form I-765, which lets you work legally during the process. Advance Parole through Form I-131 allows you to travel internationally without interrupting your case. These benefits give flexibility and peace of mind.
Adjustment of Status also allows you to live lawfully in the country while waiting for USCIS to make a decision. This legal protection helps you maintain job stability and plan your future with confidence.How Much Does It Cost
The total cost of applying for Adjustment of Status under the EB-3 category in 2025 depends on several factors, including government filing fees, medical exam expenses, and optional attorney costs. The main form used to adjust status is Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. As of 2025, the filing fee for most adult applicants between the ages of 14 and 78 is $1,440 if submitted by mail. This fee already includes the biometric services cost that USCIS requires for fingerprinting and background checks.
Before you can file for Adjustment of Status, your employer must have an approved Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. The I-140 filing fee is $715 and is usually paid by the sponsoring employer rather than the worker. This petition is what proves that your U.S. employer has offered you a full-time, permanent position and that you meet the qualifications for the EB-3 category.
In addition to government filing fees, every applicant must undergo a medical examination by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon. The medical exam, required to complete Form I-693, usually costs between $200 and $500, depending on location, vaccination needs, and laboratory fees. It is an essential part of ensuring that applicants meet the health requirements for permanent residency.
Many applicants also choose to hire an immigration attorney or accredited representative to help with their case. Legal fees can vary depending on the complexity of the application and the service provider, but they typically range from $1,000 to $3,500. While this cost is optional, professional guidance can help avoid delays or mistakes that may extend your processing time.How Long Does It Take
Most Adjustment of Status applications take between 8 and 14 months to process. However, this timeline may vary depending on your case and USCIS office workload. Some cases are processed faster, while others require more time for review.
During the process, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment and possibly an interview. If all goes smoothly, you will receive your Green Card by mail once approved. If USCIS requests additional information, respond promptly to avoid delays.
While waiting, you can work legally with an EAD and travel using Advance Parole. Staying patient and following USCIS updates will help you manage the process more easily.What Happens After I Adjust Status
Once you become a permanent resident, you will receive your Green Card in the mail. This card allows you to live and work permanently in the United States. It is your official proof of legal status.
Keep your Green Card safe and renew it every ten years. You must also avoid staying outside the U.S. for more than six months to maintain your residency. If you plan to travel for an extended period, consider applying for a re-entry permit.
After five years as a Green Card holder, you can apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. Becoming a citizen grants you new rights and completes your journey toward full membership in American society.
Your Next Move
In May 2025 total non-farm employment rose by 139,000 jobs according to BLS. Adjustment of Status is a major opportunity for EB-3 visa holders already in the United States. It allows you to move from temporary worker status to permanent resident without leaving the country. The process requires preparation but the outcome brings lasting stability and freedom.
If you have an approved I-140 petition, now is the time to take the next step. Gather your documents, check your eligibility, and submit your application carefully. With the right guidance and patience, you can achieve your goal of becoming a lawful permanent resident.
EB3.Work has helped many EB-3 workers successfully adjust their status. If you are ready to start your journey toward a Green Card, reach out now to make the process smooth and stress free.
