Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, domestic Adjustment of Status under INA § 245(a) requires lawful inspection and admission or parole. Individuals who entered without inspection typically must consular process with an approved Form I-601A Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver, unless protected under INA § 245(i) grandfathering, military Parole in Place (PIP), or VAWA self-petitions.

A Master Calendar Hearing (MCH) is a brief preliminary hearing before the Immigration Judge to plead to the allegations in the Notice to Appear (NTA), designate relief, and set procedural filing deadlines. The Individual Merits Hearing (IMH) is the full evidentiary trial where you testify under oath, present witnesses and expert evidence, and the Judge issues a ruling.

Extreme hardship requires establishing that your US citizen or LPR qualifying relative (spouse or parent) would suffer hardship significantly beyond the normal sorrow and disruption caused by deportation. Evidence must address both Relocation Hardship (moving abroad) and Separation Hardship (remaining in the US without you), encompassing medical, psychological, financial, educational, and country condition factors.

Missing a scheduled immigration court hearing results in an automatic Order of Removal In Absentia (deportation order issued in your absence). To reopen the case, you must file a formal Motion to Reopen under strict statutory standards proving either lack of proper notice or exceptional circumstances (such as severe medical hospitalization). Always verify your court date on the EOIR Automated Hotline: 1-800-898-7180.

Yes. When filing Form I-485, you are eligible to submit Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) under category (c)(9). Once approved, USCIS issues an Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) allowing you to obtain a Social Security Number and work lawfully for any US employer while your green card is processed.

The sponsor's household income must equal or exceed 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size (or 100% for active-duty US military sponsors petitioning their spouse or child). If the primary sponsor does not meet the income threshold, a qualified Joint Sponsor who is a US Citizen or LPR residing in the US may execute a separate Form I-864.

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Yes, but ONLY if you have established an approved formal IRS Installment Agreement and can demonstrate consistent, on-time monthly payments for at least the preceding 6 to 12 months. Failing to file taxes or ignoring outstanding IRS debt will result in denial under the statutory Good Moral Character (GMC) requirement.