by Tiffany Feder
Adjustment of status is a legal process that allows permanent residents to become citizens after meeting eligibility and other requirements. As a green card holder, you must wait at least five years before applying for naturalization. However, there are exceptions to the rule. The adjustment of status period begins once your application is processed by USCIS. Once you file your application with USCIS and they approve it, you will receive what is called “admission as an alien lawfully authorized to reside in the United States” (also known as a green card). This is where the adjustment of status period begins and ends. Adjustment of status is different from becoming naturalized. You can only apply for citizenship after holding your green card for at least five years and meeting other eligibility requirements. These requirements must be met while you remain in the U.S., so if you have already been abroad for over one year, you will not be able to adjust your status unless you have another way to re-enter the country first like through an employer or spouse. If this applies to you, speak with a trusted immigration attorney about your options first before proceeding with the naturalization process.