I’ve been in Arizona for a few months now after arriving from Greece on a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. I came for tourism and to reconnect with some relatives I hadn’t seen in years. But during my stay, I’ve grown more interested in pursuing permanent residency here, especially since one of my close relatives is a U.S. citizen and suggested sponsoring me. I’m aware that visitor visas aren’t meant for long-term stays, and I don’t want to do anything that could affect my immigration future. Is it possible to adjust status from a B-2 visa while I’m still here, and if so, what does that process look like?

Question

Zubair Qureshi · Accepted Answer

You can apply for adjustment of status from a B-2 visa only if you’re an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, such as a spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21, and the U.S. citizen files Form I-130 along with your I-485 before your visa expires.

Sibongile Mthembu · Answer

USCIS may scrutinize whether you had “immigrant intent” at the time of entry. If you entered on a tourist visa but quickly apply to stay permanently, they may question whether your original purpose was truthful. Timing and documentation matter.

Aisulu Nurpeisova · Answer

If you’re not eligible to adjust inside the U.S., your relative can still file an I-130 and you can return to Greece to complete consular processing later. This may take longer, but it’s a safer and more straightforward route if your current visa doesn’t support adjustment.

Ismini Papadopoulos

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