Evaluating Risk Before Applying for Adjustment of Status
June 15, 2026
Understanding the risks associated with applying for Adjustment of Status (AOS) is crucial for families navigating U.S. immigration.
Read More →AOS Risk Assessment & Family Immigration Strategy
Should You File Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing?
Get a preliminary family immigration risk assessment before filing or choosing your green card strategy.
Many families file without checking risk first
Family-based immigration filings involve more than forms and fees. Whether the case involves a spouse, fiancé(e), parent, child, adult son or daughter, or sibling, the safest filing strategy may depend on the petitioner's status, the beneficiary's location, immigration history, visa availability, and potential adjustment of status risk factors.
Many families move forward without first reviewing issues that may affect timing, filing strategy, or whether Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing may be more appropriate. A preliminary screening may help identify potential concerns before you commit to a path.
Common risk factors this tool may surface include:
- Overstay
- Unauthorized employment
- Prior removal
- Criminal history
- Fraud or misrepresentation concerns
- Weak marriage evidence
- Whether consular processing may be safer
What this tool checks
A structured questionnaire designed to highlight issues that should be reviewed before filing decisions.
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AOS risk factors
Screens adjustment-of-status considerations based on petitioner status, relationship type, and beneficiary location.
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U.S. entry and status history
Reviews how the beneficiary entered the United States and whether current immigration status appears valid.
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Overstay and unauthorized employment
Flags potential complications from overstays or work without authorization that may affect a future filing.
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Criminal or prior removal issues
Identifies reported criminal history, removal proceedings, prior denials, and other serious immigration concerns.
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Bona fide marriage evidence
For spousal cases, evaluates relationship duration, cohabitation, and joint documentation that may support the filing.
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AOS vs Consular Processing strategy
Helps you consider whether adjustment of status or consular processing may be a more appropriate path to explore.
Possible result categories
Based on your answers, you may receive one of these preliminary screening outcomes.
Low Risk - AOS May Be Suitable
Your responses suggest a relatively straightforward profile for further AOS planning, though professional review is still recommended.
Moderate Risk - Attorney Review Recommended
Your case shows a mix of supportive and cautionary factors. Additional planning and attorney review are recommended.
High Risk - Do Not DIY
Your responses suggest meaningful complexity. Proceeding without professional review may increase risk.
Consular Processing May Be Better
The beneficiary appears to be outside the United States. Consular processing may be worth comparing to AOS.
Meet the Attorney Behind Simple Immigration
SH
Seoung Ho Hwangbo
Founding Attorney, Simple Immigration
Simple Immigration was developed by Seoung Ho Hwangbo, a U.S. immigration attorney who advises individuals, families, investors, and businesses on U.S. immigration matters.
Mr. Hwangbo's practice includes family-based immigration, adjustment of status strategy, consular processing considerations, marriage-based green card cases, parent and child petitions, fiancé(e)-related strategy, and other family immigration matters involving potential immigration history, admissibility, and filing-risk issues.
In addition to family-based immigration, Mr. Hwangbo handles employment-based and investment-based immigration matters, including EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-5, E-2, H-1B, and L-1 visa matters. His work also includes immigration-related business structuring, entity formation, investment review, and contract analysis for cases involving E-2 treaty investor enterprises, EB-5 investment projects, and L-1 business expansion matters.
Before focusing on U.S. immigration, Mr. Hwangbo worked at Deloitte in Chicago and San Jose, where he gained experience in international tax, cross-border business issues, and financial analysis. He earned his J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law, graduating Cum Laude.
Simple Immigration is designed to help users identify potential immigration risks, organize key facts, and better understand which issues may require attorney review before making a filing decision.
Practice Focus
Family-Based Immigration Strategy
Spouse, parent, child, adult son or daughter, and sibling petitions — including relationship proof and family preference planning.
Adjustment of Status & Consular Processing
Comparing AOS and consular processing paths based on beneficiary location, immigration history, and case-specific risk factors.
Marriage-Based & Fiancé(e) Strategy
Marriage evidence review, relationship documentation, K-1 timing, and preliminary planning for spousal and fiancé(e) cases.
Risk Review & Case Planning
Screening overstay, employment, criminal, and admissibility concerns before filing or attorney engagement decisions.
This website provides general information and preliminary strategy screening only. Use of this website or assessment tool does not create an attorney-client relationship. A formal attorney-client relationship is established only after a separate written engagement agreement is signed.
What Clients Say
Feedback from clients who used Simple Immigration or worked with our attorney on U.S. immigration strategy.
“Clear, practical, and easy to understand.”
“The assessment helped me understand which issues needed attorney review.”
“Professional guidance with a structured immigration strategy.”
Testimonials reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee the same or similar outcome. Immigration results depend on the specific facts, documents, and applicable law in each case.
Latest Immigration News
Educational articles and updates on family immigration strategy.
Understanding Family-Based Immigration Procedures and Steps
June 15, 2026
Navigating family-based immigration can be complex. This article outlines the general procedures and steps involved in the process.
Read More →What Families Should Know Before Choosing Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
June 9, 2026
Understanding the differences between Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing is crucial for families navigating U.S. immigration.
Read More →Need a licensed immigration attorney to review your case?
This screening is not a substitute for personalized legal advice. An attorney may help you evaluate waivers, admissibility, and the best filing strategy for your situation.
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