How Life Changes Can Impact Your Adjustment of Status Application

Immigration journeys rarely follow a straight line. People move, relationships evolve, careers shift, and new responsibilities emerge. These life changes can have significant implications for immigrants who are in the middle of the Adjustment of Status (AOS) process. Understanding how these personal developments affect an application is essential for avoiding delays, Requests for Evidence (RFEs), or unexpected legal complications.

This article breaks down the most common life changes applicants experience and how each one may influence their pathway toward lawful permanent residency.

1. Changing Your Address During the Process

One of the most overlooked requirements is updating your address with USCIS. Many applicants assume that submitting a petition is enough—but if you move while your case is pending and fail to notify USCIS, you could miss critical notices such as:

Biometrics appointments
Interview letters
Requests for Evidence
Decision notices

USCIS requires updates within 10 days of relocating. Missing this step can pause your case or even lead to denial if important mail goes unanswered.

2. Shifts in Employment or Financial Sponsorship

For applicants relying on a family-based petition, the financial sponsorship requirements under the Affidavit of Support remain constant throughout the case. However, life changes such as the following can impact eligibility:

Job loss
Change in income level
New dependents in the household
Relocation that affects employment status

If a sponsor no longer meets financial thresholds, a joint sponsor may be required. Being proactive about changes can help avoid delays later in the process.

3. Marriage or Divorce During a Pending Application

Some of the most significant life changes involve relationships. These changes can either strengthen or complicate an AOS case, depending on the petition category.

Marriage

If an applicant marries a U.S. citizen while another petition is pending, they may become eligible for a different immigration category. This sometimes shortens the timeline—but only if the marriage is well documented and legitimate.

Divorce

For marriage-based applicants, divorce during the AOS process can halt the application unless specific protections (such as VAWA provisions) apply.

These cases often require detailed guidance from an experienced Adjustment of Status Attorney who understands the nuances of shifting relationship categories.

4. Criminal Charges or Legal Issues

Even minor legal incidents, such as traffic-related offenses or misunderstandings, can influence an AOS application. Applicants must disclose:

Arrests
Charges
Convictions
Court appearances

Failure to report legal issues—even if the charges were dismissed—may lead to complications later. Understanding what must be disclosed and how it affects eligibility is vital.

5. International Travel Plans

Applicants frequently ask whether they can travel outside the U.S. while waiting for their Adjustment of Status decision. Traveling without Advance Parole can automatically void the application, forcing the individual to restart the process abroad.

The risks include:

Abandonment of the application
Inability to reenter the U.S.
Delay of many months or more

Understanding the rules around international travel is essential to avoid jeopardizing progress.

6. New Family Members or Dependents

Births, adoptions, or other family changes may require additional forms or updated financial sponsorship information. In some cases, these changes may create new immigration pathways for family members as well.

Early communication and documentation help ensure a smooth transition through each life update.

Preparing for the Unexpected

Life rarely stands still during the Adjustment of Status process, and applicants should not assume that USCIS will automatically keep up with their changes. Any significant development should be documented, reviewed, and, if applicable, reported to the appropriate immigration authorities.

Working with a knowledgeable Adjustment of Status Attorney can help applicants understand which changes matter, which can be ignored, and which require immediate action.