If you’re applying for a green card in the United States, one of the most important steps is filing for Adjustment of Status (AOS). The AOS process allows you to change your status from a non-immigrant (temporary) visa holder to a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). One crucial part of this process is sending your Adjustment of Status package to the correct USCIS address. Sending it to the wrong location can cause delays, or in the worst case, it could lead to your application being rejected.
In this article, we will explain where and how to send your Adjustment of Status package to ensure that your application is processed smoothly and efficiently.
What is Adjustment of Status?
Before we dive into the specifics of where to send your AOS package, it’s important to understand what Adjustment of Status means. This is a process used by individuals already in the United States on a temporary visa to apply for lawful permanent resident status, or a green card, without needing to leave the country.
People who may be eligible for AOS typically fall into one of the following categories:
Family-based applicants: Spouses, children, or other immediate family members of U.S. citizens or green card holders.
Employment-based applicants: Workers in the U.S. with a job offer or those who are seeking to adjust status based on their work.
Refugees or asylees: People who were granted asylum or refugee status and are eligible to adjust their status.
Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery winners: Individuals who won the Diversity Visa Lottery and are adjusting their status to become a green card holder.
The AOS application requires you to submit a number of forms and documents to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These include the Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), along with supporting documents such as birth certificates, proof of lawful entry, and photos.
Now that we understand what AOS is, let’s move on to where to send your package.
Why Sending to the Right Address is Important
It’s important to send your Adjustment of Status package to the right USCIS address for a few reasons:
Processing speed: USCIS has different service centers for different applications. If you send your AOS package to the wrong address, it may delay the processing time.
Avoiding rejection: If the package is sent to the wrong address, USCIS may reject your application or ask you to resubmit it, causing unnecessary delays.
Correct routing: The correct service center ensures that your application goes to the right department that can handle it efficiently.
Each USCIS service center has different locations and mailing addresses, which depend on the state where you live and the type of application you are filing. It’s essential to verify the correct address before you mail your Adjustment of Status package.
How to Find the Correct Address for Your AOS Package
USCIS provides clear guidelines for where to send different types of applications. To avoid mistakes, always refer to the official USCIS website for up-to-date information. However, we can break it down here to give you a better understanding.
1. Check Your Filing Category
The first step is to know which category your Adjustment of Status application falls into. Depending on your category, the address may vary. The primary categories include:
Family-based AOS (spouse of a U.S. citizen, parent of a U.S. citizen, etc.)
Employment-based AOS (workers with approved petitions, etc.)
Asylee-based AOS (for refugees and asylum seekers)
DV Lottery AOS (for Diversity Visa Lottery winners)
2. Determine Your USCIS Service Center
USCIS operates several service centers across the country. The center you send your application to depends on your state of residence and sometimes the specific type of case. For example:
California Service Center (CSC): Serves residents in specific states like California, Nevada, and a few others.
Texas Service Center (TSC): Handles applications from states like Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.
Nebraska Service Center (NSC): Covers states including Nebraska, South Dakota, and others.
Vermont Service Center (VSC): Serves applicants in states like Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Potomac Service Center (PSC): This is a smaller center that deals with certain specific applications.
When filing your Adjustment of Status application, you need to determine which service center handles your case based on your location and the category under which you’re applying.
3. Refer to the USCIS Instructions for Form I-485
The USCIS website and the instructions for Form I-485 provide a detailed list of addresses based on your filing category and location. It’s always best to double-check these instructions before mailing your package. USCIS regularly updates these addresses, so it’s important to get the most current information. If you don’t check the instructions carefully, you might end up sending your package to the wrong address.
4. Use a Form Filing Address Finder
USCIS provides a tool called the Form Filing Address Finder on its website. You can use this tool to quickly find the correct address for your Adjustment of Status application. All you need to do is input your form (Form I-485), your state, and the type of your case, and the tool will provide you with the correct mailing address.
5. Some Addresses are Based on Filing Location
In some cases, the address for your AOS package may depend on whether you are filing from within the U.S. or from a U.S. territory. For example, people filing from abroad may need to submit their forms through the U.S. consulate or embassy in their country rather than directly to USCIS.
Mailing Your AOS Package
Once you’ve identified the correct address for your Adjustment of Status application, it’s time to prepare and mail your package.
1. Double-Check Your Documents
Before mailing your AOS package, carefully review all of the required forms and documents. Make sure you have:
Form I-485 (completed and signed)
Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) for family-based applicants
Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), if applicable
Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document), if applicable
Copies of required supporting documents (birth certificate, passport photos, evidence of lawful entry, etc.)
Filing fee payment (check, money order, or other forms of payment as specified)
Ensure all documents are correctly filled out and signed where required. An incomplete or incorrect application could delay your process or even cause rejection.
2. Packaging Your Documents
Organize your documents in the correct order and make sure they are clearly labeled. Use a folder or binder to keep everything secure. Place your original documents on top and make copies of everything for your records.
3. Choose the Right Mailing Method
When sending your Adjustment of Status package, you can use regular mail or a more secure method like Certified Mail or Express Mail through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Using a trackable service ensures you can confirm when USCIS receives your package.
4. Mailing Address Variations
USCIS may have multiple addresses for different purposes, so make sure you check the latest instructions for any potential changes. Always send your application to the address listed in the instructions specific to your case and state.
5. Keep Proof of Delivery
It’s crucial to keep proof of mailing for your records. Use a mailing method that provides you with tracking and a receipt. USCIS will not be responsible for any delays if your package is lost in the mail, so keeping track of it ensures you can verify delivery.
Conclusion
Filing an Adjustment of Status application is an important step toward becoming a lawful permanent resident in the United States. Sending your application package to the correct USCIS address is one of the most critical factors in ensuring the timely processing of your application.
By carefully following the instructions on the USCIS website, using the correct address for your case, and properly organizing your documents, you can minimize delays and avoid unnecessary setbacks in the process.
Always verify the mailing address before submitting your package, as USCIS updates its addresses and procedures from time to time. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to consult with an immigration attorney for additional guidance.
By following these steps, you can be confident that your Adjustment of Status application will be processed smoothly and accurately, bringing you one step closer to obtaining your green card.
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