What is Adjustment of Status?

Adjustment of Status (AOS) is the process that allows someone already in the United States to change their immigration status to lawful permanent resident (the green card) without having to leave the country to apply for a visa at a consulate.

It is a relevant path for those who entered on a temporary visa and wish to remain as a permanent resident through legal means. The alternative is consular processing, which takes place outside the United States; AOS handles this transition internally.

In the context of EB-5, Adjustment of Status is typically the stage at which an investor already in the country moves from temporary status to permanent residency, after meeting the program’s requirements. This involves submitting specific forms, undergoing security checks, and providing evidence of the investment, among other requirements defined by USCIS.

Because this is a process with many details, it is worth gathering documentation carefully and, when possible, working with a specialist. Always confirm current requirements with USCIS and be cautious of promises of an easy or guaranteed path.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.