Menu Close
Long Island Immigration Law
LM-hero-ourfirm

I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

If you are trying to obtain lawful permanent residence status in the United States, filing form I-485 is crucial. This form allows people to obtain a green card, and work and live in the United States, avoiding fear of deportation. Between two and three weeks after filing the I-485 form, you will receive a letter acknowledging your application has been received. Forms that are not filed properly will usually be followed by a Notice of Action to reject the application or a Request for Evidence which asks for additional items to supplement your application.

After filing the I-485 form, you will also be required to attend a biometrics appointment, which collects an applicant’s fingerprints, photo and signature, so that a security clearance and criminal background check can be conducted. It is important that you contact an experienced Long Island immigration lawyer before attending a biometrics appointment if you have any sort of criminal record. Certain crimes can make an applicant ineligible to receive lawful immigration status or permanent residency, and a lawyer may be able to help you work through this issue.

About 12 to 16 weeks after filing Form I-485, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) which is more commonly known as a work permit. This allows applicants to work in the United States as well as travel outside the country. A few weeks or months later, you will most likely receive notice to attend an interview. In some cases, an interview is not required, but if it is, it is important to be prepared and have all of your necessary documentation available to present. Some documents you should have with you at the time of your interview include:
• A copy of immigrant petition and application
• Original documents submitted to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services such as birth or marriage certificates
• Employment Authorization Document
• Passport containing non-immigrant visa

The entire process to receive permanent residence generally takes a total of eight to 14 months. Filing to register permanent residence and obtaining a green card can be complicated and confusing without the proper guidance. An experienced immigration lawyer will guide you through the necessary paperwork and help ensure your case runs smoothly. Our immigration lawyers have decades of experience representing and protecting the legal rights of residents of Hempstead, West Hempstead, Uniondale, Lynbrook, Rockville Centre, Oceanside, and the surrounding areas.

Valley Stream Adjustment of Status Immigration Lawyers

If you’re trying to adjust your immigration status and obtain a green card, Larry McCord and Associates is on your side. Our immigration lawyers have decades of experience representing and protecting the legal rights of residents of Hempstead, West Hempstead, Uniondale, Lynbrook, Rockville Centre, Oceanside, and the surrounding areas.


We understand just how frustrating the immigration process can be and are here to advise and guide you throughout the entire process. Having a lawyer is vital if you want the best chance of success at winning your case. If you try to represent yourself without any assistance, you could run into costly mistakes that could be avoided with competent legal counsel on your side.

Full 1
"I am very blessed to have Dr. Larry McCord at a very important time in my life. The Lord put you in my life when I most needed you as my legal attorney and now the Lord is giving me the opportunity to work together in the spiritual field. I was like to take this moment to express my deep appreciation for your support and legal advice. God bless you and bless your New Year."

— Juan M.
Full 2
"Dr. McCord does not only work his hardest for his clients best interest, he also persistently gives time to foster the new generation in his community."

— Emery F.
Full 3
"I've heard of Larry McCord and Associates, LLP doing great things for the community. Looking forward to referring clients to his practice."

— Dawn E.
Full 3 - copy
"Mr. McCord in handling my criminal case, was able to hugely reduce my criminal charges. If I was convicted, it would have negatively impacted me for the rest of my life. He was simply awesome!"

— Misael V.

Contact Larry McCord and Associates

Please fill out our contact form below.


    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    Attorney Advertising: This website is meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as formal legal advice. For advice regarding your specific situation please request a consultation with one of our attorneys. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

    2021 © Larry McCord and Associates, LLC  |  Powered by WR Designs

    Pin It on Pinterest

    Skip to content