Green Card and Adjustment of Status Attorney in Phoenix, Arizona
A green card (lawful permanent residence) allows you to live and work permanently in the United States. Attorney Claudia P. López helps families in Phoenix and throughout Arizona identify the right path to a green card and prepare each step of the process, in English or Spanish.
Common paths to a green card
Family petitions: a U.S. citizen or permanent resident can petition for certain relatives using Form I-130.
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens: spouses, unmarried children under 21 and parents of U.S. citizens age 21 or older do not have to wait for a priority date.
Asylees and refugees: can generally apply for a green card after one year.
Victims: people with a U visa or an approved VAWA petition may have a path to a green card.
Before the immigration judge: in some cases, adjustment of status or cancellation of removal can be requested as a defense. See deportation defense.
Adjustment of status or consular processing
Adjustment of status (Form I-485): lets you apply for a green card without leaving the United States. Generally, you must have been inspected and admitted or paroled, although there are exceptions, such as certain cases protected by section 245(i) or VAWA cases.
Consular processing: you complete the process at a U.S. consulate abroad. For many Mexican applicants, the immigrant visa interview takes place at the U.S. Consulate in Ciudad Juárez. Leaving the country can trigger unlawful presence bars, so a waiver is sometimes needed before you travel.
How the process works
Evaluation of your immigration history and your family relationship or other basis for eligibility.
Petition (for example, Form I-130) and evidence of the relationship.
Green card application (I-485 or consular processing), medical exam and affidavit of support (Form I-864).
Biometrics and interview at the USCIS Phoenix office or the consulate.
Decision and delivery of your permanent resident card.
Frequently asked questions
I entered without inspection. Can I still get a green card?
It depends on your case. Some people qualify to adjust status under special exceptions; others must go through consular processing and may need a waiver. Get advice before leaving the country.
How long does it take?
Processing times vary by case type, visa category and the State Department's Visa Bulletin. USCIS publishes processing times on its official website. Since late 2025, USCIS has also temporarily paused certain benefits for nationals of some countries; we will tell you if this affects your case.
Can I work while I wait?
People with a pending I-485 can generally apply for a work permit and travel permission (advance parole).
Can I become a citizen later?
Yes, once you meet the time and residence requirements for naturalization.
Serving Phoenix and all of Arizona
Our office is at 2323 N 3rd St #203, Phoenix, AZ 85004, and we offer phone consultations in English and Spanish. Learn more about attorney Claudia P. López or contact us.
Official sources
This information is general and is not legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change often, and every case depends on its specific facts.
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