A young woman, originally from the Bahamas, came to our Orlando office to discuss the possibility of obtaining her lawful permanent resident status since her step-father, had recently become a United States citizen. Even though she had been in the country unlawfully, overstaying her visa by many years, we were able to apply for her as his step-child.

Because her father lived in New York and she in Florida, she benefited from using our offices because we were able to accommodate the family by meeting them in their prospective states. We worked with the father in the New York office, while we met with the daughter in Orlando. We filed the visa petition I-130, along with the I-484, Application to Adjust Status to Lawful Permanent Resident simultaneously, since the woman was unmarried. Because the father lived in New York, the USCIS scheduled the interview appointment at the New York City location, 26 Federal Plaza.

We were able to secure a biometrics appointment in Orlando so that the client did not have to make an additional trip to New York, simply to have her fingerprints taken. She received her Work Authorization Card (EAD) prior to the interview, allowing her to obtain a Florida driver’s license and finally enroll in university. Once her “biometrics” were taken and cleared, an appointment was scheduled, which we attended with the step-father and daughter.

After a brief interview, establishing their familial relationship, her adjustment of status (greencard) was approved. Because she is a derivative of a United States citizen step-parent, it is a permanent residency, not “conditional.” In three years, she will be eligible to apply for United States citizenship.

Adjustment of Status Granted