Adjustment of Status

Once an employee has secured an I-140 approval notice after University sponsorship, s/he must file for adjustment of status (Form I-485) with USCIS or apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate abroad. This represents the final stage in the process of obtaining a green card. Foreign national employees are responsible for preparing, submitting, and completing Form I-485 or obtaining the immigrant visa abroad. OIS will not advise employees or hiring units on eligibility for adjustment of status or immigrant visa processing beyond providing general information and referring the foreign national to an outside immigration attorney.

Once lawful permanent resident status is obtained, employees are required to provide both OIS and the hiring unit with a scanned copy of the permanent resident card. The foreign national employee must also present University Human Resources with the permanent resident card to satisfy I-9 employment eligibility verification requirements.

Hiring units are not responsible for any fees or costs associated with this step in the process. However, hiring units are permitted to assist the employee with payment of all or part of this process, within their discretion.