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Immigration Adjustment of Status Contract

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IMMIGRATION ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS CONTRACT

This Immigration Adjustment of Status Contract (the Agreement) is made and entered into as of Effective Date: by and between Client Name: residing at Client Address: , and Attorney/Firm Name: , with principal place of business at Firm Address: .

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Client is a noncitizen seeking to adjust status to lawful permanent resident pursuant to applicable immigration laws and regulations; and

WHEREAS, Attorney is duly authorized and experienced in providing immigration representation and has agreed to render legal services to Client in connection with Client's adjustment of status application under the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, both parties desire to set forth their respective rights, responsibilities and obligations in writing.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this Agreement: "Adjustment Application" means the application(s) filed on behalf of Client to obtain lawful permanent residence, including any supplemental forms, affidavits, and supporting documentation. "Government Fees" means fees required by immigration authorities for filing, biometrics, or other official charges.

2. SCOPE OF SERVICES

Attorney will perform professional legal services for Client related to preparing, filing and prosecuting Client's Adjustment Application, including: case evaluation; preparation of forms and supporting affidavits; assembly of documentary evidence; representation at scheduled biometrics and adjustment interviews; and communication with immigration authorities as reasonably necessary. Attorney will not, unless expressly agreed in writing, provide representation in related removal proceedings, appeals, or other matters beyond the Adjustment Application.

3. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Client shall provide complete, accurate and truthful information and documents requested by Attorney in a timely manner, execute required forms and authorizations, attend biometrics and interview appointments, and notify Attorney promptly of any change of address, employment, criminal charges, or other circumstances that could affect eligibility. Failure to cooperate may result in delay, additional fees, or termination of representation.

4. FEES, PAYMENTS AND EXPENSES

Client agrees to pay Attorney the fees set forth below for the services described in Section 2. All fees are earned as described and are nonrefundable except as required by law.

Government Fees (estimated): . Client understands that Government Fees are payable to the government and are not funds of Attorney. Attorney may collect estimated Government Fees for disbursement on Client's behalf only if so authorized below:

Client authorizes Attorney to collect and disburse Government Fees from Client funds when required.

Additional expenses such as translation, photocopying, courier, expert declarations, medical examinations, or fees for third-party providers are the responsibility of Client and will be billed separately or advanced by Attorney upon Client's authorization.

5. BILLING, STATEMENTS AND NONPAYMENT

Attorney will provide periodic billing statements for fees and expenses. Client shall pay undisputed amounts within 30 days of billing. Nonpayment may result in suspension or termination of representation, withdrawal as counsel, and refusal to file or respond to motions until payment is made. Client remains responsible for all accrued fees and costs.

6. CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVILEGE

Attorney will maintain confidentiality of Client communications to the extent required by applicable law and will assert attorney-client privilege as appropriate. Confidentiality does not apply to information that is public, required to be disclosed by law, or to the extent Client waives privilege in writing.

7. NO GUARANTEE OF OUTCOME

Attorney makes no guarantee regarding the ultimate outcome of Client's Adjustment Application. All expressions concerning likely outcomes are opinions based on present knowledge and circumstances, and are not promises.

8. TERMINATION

Either party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice. Upon termination, Client shall remain responsible for fees and expenses incurred up to the date of termination and any reasonable costs of transferring the file. Attorney will take reasonable steps to protect Client's interests in the event of termination.

9. NOTICES

Any notice required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses set forth below or to such other address as either party designates in writing. Notice shall be effective upon personal delivery, or three days after deposit in the United States mail, postage prepaid.

10. AMENDMENTS; WAIVER; COUNTERPARTS

This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument signed by both parties. Failure to enforce any provision constitutes no waiver of rights. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument.

11. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state in which Attorney's principal office specified above is located, without regard to conflict of law principles.

12. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter herein. If any provision is held invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

13. REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Client represents that the information provided to Attorney is true and complete to the best of Client's knowledge. Client acknowledges that knowingly making false statements or submitting fraudulent documents to immigration authorities may result in penalties, denial of immigration benefits, removal, or criminal prosecution. Client agrees to promptly notify Attorney of any material change in circumstances.

14. RECORDS AND FILE RETENTION

At the conclusion of representation, Attorney will retain Client's files for a reasonable period and may destroy or store them in accordance with Attorney's record retention policy unless Client requests delivery of original documents. Client may request copies of the file; charges for copying and delivery may apply.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By signing below, Client acknowledges that Client has read and understood this Agreement, has had the opportunity to ask questions, and consents to Attorney's representation on the terms set forth herein.

Client — Print Name:

Signature:

Date:

Attorney/Firm — Print Name:

By (Attorney or Authorized Signatory):

Date:

Enter text✕

What the Immigration Adjustment of Status Contract Is

The Immigration Adjustment of Status Contract is a written engagement agreement used when an individual pursues lawful permanent resident status in the United States. It records the scope of representation for preparing and filing Form I-485 and related USCIS submissions, client and representative obligations, fee arrangements, document authorizations, and consent for communications. The contract clarifies responsibilities for evidence collection, timelines, and dispute-resolution preferences and creates an auditable record of authority and consent to support filing and recordkeeping.

Why a Clear Contract Matters for Adjustment of Status

A written contract reduces uncertainty by documenting services, fees, and consent, creates an audit trail that supports USCIS filings, and helps both client and representative manage obligations and communications during the I-485 process.

Why a Clear Contract Matters for Adjustment of Status

Typical Parties Who Sign This Contract

Common signers include applicants, sponsoring family members, and attorneys or accredited representatives who will prepare and file the I-485 application.

  • Primary applicant: signs to appoint a representative and acknowledge fee terms.
  • Attorney or accredited representative: confirms scope, responsibilities, and filing authority.
  • Sponsor or petitioner: signs when financial support or petition authorization is required.

Keep signed copies in the client file, provide one to the client, and record contact information for follow-up during USCIS processing.

Who Has Authority to Sign

Applicant

The applicant supplies accurate biographical and immigration history, signs authorizations for record release, attends biometrics and interviews, and cooperates with the representative; failure to provide correct information can delay USCIS adjudication or prompt Requests for Evidence.

Representative

An attorney or accredited representative prepares forms, reviews evidence, submits filings, advises on eligibility, and keeps audit-ready records; the representative must disclose limitations of service, fee arrangements, and obtain written client consent for electronic communications and signatures.

Core Components of a Professional Contract

A professional Immigration Adjustment of Status Contract outlines scope of representation, fee terms, required documents, client duties, electronic-consent provisions, and dispute-resolution mechanics tailored to I-485 filings.

Scope

Define services provided such as form preparation, review of supporting evidence, submission of Form I-485 and ancillary forms, responses to Requests for Evidence, and representation at interviews when agreed.

Fees

Specify total fees, payment schedule, retainer, refundable portions, method of payment, hourly rates for additional work, and conditions that may change cost or trigger additional billing.

Client Duties

Require truthful responses, timely production of documents, attendance at appointments, notification of address changes, and prompt review of drafts; warn that inaccuracies may lead to delays or adverse immigration findings.

Authorization

Client authorizes representative to prepare and file USCIS forms, receive notices, access records, and communicate with government agencies; include HIPAA-consent language if medical records are requested.

Electronic Consent

Document consent to electronic signatures and communications, reference ESIGN and UETA compliance, explain how signed copies are delivered, and note any required consumer disclosures for electronic records.

Dispute Terms

State governing law, venue, arbitration or court options, fee dispute procedures, and how amendments or terminations to the engagement are handled in writing; include notice periods and survival clauses.

Required Information and Key Fields

Full Legal Name: Enter as on government ID
Alien Registration Number: If assigned by USCIS
Date of Birth: Enter as MM/DD/YYYY format
Current Address: Street, city, state, ZIP
Immigration History: Prior visas, removals, arrests
Fee Agreement: Amount, payment schedule, refunds

Step-by-Step: Execute the Contract Before Filing

Step-by-step guide to complete and sign an Immigration Adjustment of Status Contract before filing with USCIS.

  • 01
    Gather Documents: Collect IDs, prior filings, and evidence.
  • 02
    Draft Agreement: Specify scope, fees, and deliverables clearly.
  • 03
    Review Together: Client and representative review and initial changes.
  • 04
    Sign and Store: All parties sign; retain copies and verify retention.

How to Customize and Complete the Contract Online

Configure online workflow to collect required fields, attach exhibits, route to signers, and capture audit trails for USCIS submission support.

Field Configuration
Routing Order Sequential or parallel signing.
Authentication Email link, SMS code, or KBA.
Conditional Fields Show fields based on prior answers.
Attachments Attach evidence PDFs and translations.

Where to File, Send, or Submit Signed Contracts

Destinations for executed contracts and supporting files include firm records, client copies, USCIS filings, and third-party service providers when needed.

  • Attorney Records: Store executed contract in firm file and client portal.
  • Client Copy: Provide PDF copy to client for their records.
  • USCIS Filings: Attach necessary authorizations and representative forms when filing I-485.
  • Third Parties: Send to translators, medical providers, or financial sponsors as needed.

Digital Signing and eSubmission Considerations

Digital signing and eSubmission require compatible file formats, signer authentication options, secure delivery channels, and comprehensive audit trails to support USCIS records and long-term client retention.

  • File Formats: PDF, Word DOCX, and image files.
  • Integrations: Works with Google Drive and NetSuite.
  • Security: AES-256 at rest and TLS 1.2/1.3.

Timelines, Deadlines, and What to Expect

Timelines and processing expectations cover contract execution, assembly of evidence, filing, biometrics, and interview preparation; USCIS timelines vary by office and case.

Execution Deadline:

Sign before filing to document consent and fee obligations.

Document Assembly Deadline:

Provide all supporting evidence before submission to avoid RFEs.

USCIS Filings:

File Form I-485 with required forms and fees to the appropriate USCIS lockbox.

Biometrics Appointment:

Attend biometrics when scheduled by USCIS; dates set by the agency.

Interview Preparation:

Prepare evidence and testimony; attorney may accompany client if allowed.

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Incomplete or inconsistent names across passport, birth certificate, and contract leading to USCIS RFE or processing delays; verify government IDs before submission.
  • Missing or untranslated supporting documents (e.g., birth certificates, police records) cause requests for evidence; include certified translations and keep originals archived.
  • Unsigned or improperly initialed fee sections and signature blocks undermine enforceability; ensure all required signature fields are completed and dated.
  • Incorrect fee payments or missing biometrics can delay case processing; verify payment amounts against USCIS fee schedules and obtain receipts.

Penalties and Risks of an Incorrect Contract

Case Delay: Processing delays and RFEs
Fee Forfeiture: Non‑refundable fees may apply
Representation Risk: Unauthorized practice issues
Evidence Rejection: Applications denied or held
Tax/Financial Exposure: Sponsor affidavit consequences
Professional Liability: Malpractice or ethics claims

Practical Examples from Multi-Party Workflows

Two real-world examples show how online signing and secure document management simplify complex, multi-party legal processes similar to Adjustment of Status engagements.

Martin Properties — Tim Martin

Tim Martin describes handling property-related forms remotely for multi-party transactions requiring secure signing and storage across devices.

  • He emphasizes compliance and offline signing flexibility.
  • He reports that online execution reduced turnaround time and ensured compliance, noting 'I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security,' which translates to fewer delays for complex filings.

Fertility Centers — John Butler

John Butler highlights using digital signing for patient forms and administrative legal papers that require secure tracking and auditability.

  • He praises responsive support and API flexibility.
  • He notes strong vendor support and integration ability, stating 'the airSlate SignNow team has been exceptional, responsive, the API has been great,' which improved administrative workflows and record completeness.

eSignature Plan Comparison for Immigration Contracts

Comparison of typical eSignature plans, starting prices, and compliance considerations useful when selecting a signing platform for immigration engagement contracts.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial Yes, 7-day free trial Varies Varies Yes, limited Yes, limited
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

FAQs: Signing, Validity, and Recordkeeping

Common questions about completing, signing, and amending an Immigration Adjustment of Status Contract, with practical answers about validity, notarization, and recordkeeping.


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