Reno Marriage Green Card Lawyer

Turn to Our Multilingual Adjustment of Status Attorney in Reno, NV, for the Guidance You Need to Obtain Your Marriage Green Card

For couples who’ve built their lives together in the United States, obtaining a marriage-based Green Card is one of the most meaningful milestones. Lawful permanent resident status helps secure your future together, but the path forward can be filled with obstacles. At Smit Law Group, our mission is to make that process as smooth, efficient, and stress-free as possible by providing strategic advice and hands-on assistance throughout the Adjustment of Status process. As an experienced Reno marriage Green Card lawyer, we help clients navigate the complex rules governing this pathway that allows certain immigrants already living in the U.S. to become lawful permanent residents without having to return to their home country.

Whether you recently married a U.S. citizen or you’re exploring other Adjustment of Status options, understanding each step of the process is crucial to achieving a successful outcome. Contact us today for the knowledgeable, compassionate guidance of a multilingual Adjustment of Status attorney in Reno, NV.

What Is Adjustment of Status?

Adjustment of Status (AOS) is the legal process that allows eligible non-U.S. citizens already in the United States to apply for a Green Card (lawful permanent residence) without leaving the country. This process is handled by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and is often the final step in the journey toward obtaining permanent residency.

Most commonly, Adjustment of Status is used by spouses of U.S. citizens, but it can also apply to other categories, such as:

• Employment-based applicants
• Asylees
• Certain family-based beneficiaries

Our immigration law firm can help you determine eligibility, prepare your paperwork, and represent you during interviews.

Eligibility Criteria for a Marriage-Based Green Card via AOS

To qualify for a marriage-based Green Card through Adjustment of Status, both the foreign national spouse and the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident must meet specific legal and procedural requirements, including:

• A bona fide marriage not entered into solely for immigration benefits that remains legally valid throughout the AOS process
• The beneficiary’s physical presence in the United States
• Documented lawful entry into the United States, usually with a valid visa and inspection by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer
• An approved (or concurrently filed) I-130 Petition
• A current visa number, which may require waiting for the spouses of permanent residents
• Admissibility into the United States, which means that the beneficiary must have no serious criminal convictions, prior disqualifying immigration violations, security or national-interest violations, or health-related issues that constitute a public concern
• Financial sponsorship, as evidenced by the U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse filing Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, and related documentation that demonstrates their ability to financially support the foreign spouse
• A medical exam by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon, as documented by Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, that establishes that the applicant has no communicable diseases or vaccination deficiencies that would make them inadmissible

Working with an experienced Reno marriage Green Card lawyer helps ensure every requirement is properly documented and supported.

Your future deserves attention today. Call 775-993-2235 or contact our team to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help you move forward with confidence.

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The Marriage-Based Green Card Process

Marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident provides a direct route to obtaining a Green Card. Below is a detailed overview of each stage of the process when applying from within the United States.

1. Establishing the Marital Relationship (Form I-130)

The process begins when the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse files USCIS Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This petition proves that the marriage is legitimate and not entered into solely for immigration purposes.

Documentation is crucial for establishing a bona fide marriage relationship. Your Reno marriage Green Card lawyer will help you gather strong evidence to support your petition, including:

• Marriage certificate
• Joint lease or mortgage
• Shared financial accounts
• Photos together and affidavits from friends or family

Once the petition is approved, it moves your case one step closer to Green Card eligibility.

2. Filing for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485)

When the I-130 petition is ready (and a visa number is available), the next step is to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

For immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, including spouses, these forms can often be filed concurrently, saving valuable time.

Your Adjustment of Status attorney in Reno, NV, will ensure that the application package is complete, accurate, and accompanied by all required documentation, such as:

• Birth certificates
• Proof of lawful entry
• Photos
• Medical examination forms

3. Attending the Biometrics Appointment at Reno ASC

After submitting your Adjustment of Status application, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment at the Reno Application Support Center (ASC). During this appointment, your fingerprints, photograph, and signature will be collected for background and security checks.

This step typically takes only about 30 minutes, but it’s a critical part of the process. Missing the appointment could delay your case.

An experienced Reno marriage Green Card lawyer will make sure you receive proper notice and understand what to expect and what to bring. In most cases, you should bring to your biometrics appointment your appointment letter, photo ID, and any supporting documents.

4. Attending the Marriage-Based Green Card Interview

Once USCIS completes background checks, you and your spouse will be scheduled for an in-person interview with USCIS. During the interview, the Immigration Services officer will verify the authenticity of your marriage and assess your eligibility for permanent residence.

It’s normal to be nervous, but knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident. Some of the typical questions an officer will ask to assess whether the marriage is genuine include:

• How and when you met
• Daily routines and household details
• Family history and shared finances

As your attorney, Smit Law Group can help you prepare by conducting a mock interview and reviewing your case file to ensure you’re ready to present a consistent, honest account of your relationship.

5. Receiving Your Green Card

If your application is approved, you will receive your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) in the mail.

For marriages less than two years old at the time of approval, USCIS issues a conditional Green Card valid for two years. The noncitizen spouse will later need to file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, to obtain a permanent 10-year Green Card.

While the 10-year Green Card grants long-term lawful status, it’s important to note that it still expires every decade and must be renewed to maintain proper documentation. The underlying permanent resident status does not expire, but your proof of that status (the physical Green Card) does. To renew your Green Card, you must file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, typically about six months before your current card expires and attend a biometrics appointment, usually at the Reno ASC.

As your Reno marriage Green Card lawyer, we can help you track deadlines and prepare for all future steps to avoid lapses in your immigration status or your proof of status.

Adjustment of Status in Other Immigration Contexts

While marriage-based applications make up a large portion of AOS cases, this process is also available under several other circumstances. In any situation in which a person is applying for a Green Card while already in the United States, Adjustment of Status could play a part in their immigration journey.

Understanding the various situations in which AOS applies can be important if you or a loved one falls into a different category.

1. Family-Based Immigration

In addition to spouses, certain family members, such as unmarried children or parents of U.S. citizens, may qualify to adjust status if they are in the U.S. lawfully and a visa number is available.

2. Employment-Based Green Cards

Individuals working for U.S. employers who have approved labor certifications and visa petitions may also apply for AOS when their priority date becomes current. This often involves coordination between an immigration attorney and the employer to ensure compliance with labor and immigration regulations.

3. Asylees and Refugees

Refugees and asylees can typically apply for permanent residency one year after receiving their status. By ensuring proper documentation, we can help you avoid common errors that can delay processing.

4. Diversity Visa Lottery Winners

Winners of the annual Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery who are lawfully present in the U.S. can use Adjustment of Status to claim their Green Card without returning to their home country. Timing is particularly critical in these circumstances, since DV numbers expire annually. You need to be ready to move quickly, with the guidance of a knowledgeable immigration attorney supporting your application.

AOS Processing Times and What to Expect in Reno

Processing times for Adjustment of Status applications vary depending on your local field office’s caseload. On average, cases filed in Reno may take 12-18 months from submission to approval. Factors that can affect processing time include:

• Backlogs at the Reno ASC or field office
• Security background check delays
• Requests for additional evidence
• Changes in visa availability

We know how nerve-racking waiting for approval of your Adjustment of Status application can be, and we’re here to provide support throughout the entire process. We maintain active communication with USCIS on behalf of our clients to ensure no step is missed and no deadline is overlooked. As your Green Card attorney near Reno, we will provide updates and guidance as needed.

Adjustment of Status Path to a Green Card vs. Consular Processing

Adjustment of Status is only available to applicants physically present in the United States who meet eligibility requirements, including lawful entry. You must instead apply for your immigrant visa through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad if:

• You’re outside the U.S.
• You entered without inspection
• You are ineligible to adjust due to immigration violations that cannot be waived

For those living outside the United States or facing other eligibility issues, a marriage-based Green Card application typically proceeds through consular processing. In this process, the applicant attends an interview at a U.S. consulate abroad.

At Smit Law Group, our knowledgeable legal counsel can determine which process applies and help you avoid delays or denials. If you qualify for Adjustment of Status, we can help you remain with your spouse while your Green Card application is pending.

Common Challenges an Adjustment of Status Attorney in Reno, NV, Can Handle in Marriage-Based AOS Cases

Even though Adjustment of Status is a well-established process, applicants can face pitfalls that lead to delays or denials. At Smit Law Group, we assist our clients in managing common issues, including:

• Incomplete documentation or missing forms
• Inconsistencies between I-130 and I-485 applications
• Prior immigration violations (e.g., overstays or unauthorized work)
• Questions about the legitimacy of the marriage

An experienced Adjustment of Status attorney in Reno, NV, can anticipate these problems and address them before they derail your case.

As your legal counsel, we can help you answer a USCIS Request for Evidence (RFE) and promptly provide the required documentation. We can also represent you in a Stokes interview, which is a second, more in-depth interview designed to detect marriage fraud. If the petitioner doesn’t meet income requirements, we can explore other options, such as having a joint sponsor file a secondary affidavit. In the event of admissibility issues, we can help pursue waivers or provide supplemental evidence to overcome potential grounds of inadmissibility.

How Smit Law Group Can Help

Navigating the marriage-based Green Card process can feel overwhelming, especially with constant updates to immigration laws and procedures. Working with Smit Law Group gives you the confidence that your case is handled with precision and care. We assist our clients through:

• Comprehensive case evaluations to confirm eligibility
• Step-by-step filing assistance for all USCIS forms
• Personalized interview preparation to help you feel confident
• Ongoing status updates throughout the process

With us on your side, guiding you through the process and removing uncertainty, you can focus on your life together as a couple.

Why Choose Smit Law Group as Your Reno Marriage Green Card Lawyer?

Clients choose Smit Law Group for the comprehensive immigration assistance we provide, multilingual client service, and commitment to clients.

Support for AOS and All Family-Based Immigration Needs

At Smit Law Group, we handle all aspects of family-based immigration, including marriage-based Green Cards, family petitions, fiance(e) visas, and all types of immigration filings. Whether you’re applying for the first time or facing complications in your existing case, our law firm is ready to help. We provide comprehensive support throughout the entire immigration process.

Multilingual Representation to Remove Language Barriers

With attorney Margaretha Smit’s proficiency in multiple languages, we’re able to serve clients who speak English, Spanish, Dutch, German, and French. We know how valuable legal counsel that speaks your language is, especially for the large Hispanic population in and around Reno.

Genuine Concern for Couples and Families Facing Immigration Issues

Unlike many other attorneys, Smit Law Group is the real deal. We understand the immigration process and the concerns of individuals and families facing immigration concerns. We don’t take people’s money if we know we can’t help them or if the risks are too high for them. When we are able to help, we provide dedicated advocacy even in the face of complex challenges.

Contact a Reno Marriage Green Card Lawyer at Smit Law Group Today for an Initial Case Evaluation

Adjustment of Status can be one of the most rewarding yet complex steps in your immigration journey. With careful preparation and professional guidance, you can achieve lawful permanent residence and secure your future in the United States. At Smit Law Group, we proudly assist clients near Reno, providing the support you need to start your journey toward permanent residency.

For help managing the Adjustment of Status process in Reno, NV, contact Smit Law Group online or call 775-993-2235 today.