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EXPLAINER · EVERY RULE QUOTED FROM AN OFFICIAL SOURCE · CHECKED OCTOBER 18, 2026

Adjustment of status vs consular processing

The two routes to a green card once a visa is available: applying with USCIS inside the U.S., or through a U.S. consulate abroad.

USCIS describes two ways to apply for a green card once a person has an approved immigrant petition and a visa number is available.[1]

  • Adjustment of status is the route for people who are in the United States.[2]
  • Consular processing is the route through a U.S. consulate abroad, where the person applies for an immigrant visa and is then admitted to the U.S. as a permanent resident.[3]

USCIS says adjustment of status means not having to go back to the home country for consular processing.[4]

For someone not in the United States, consular processing is the route.[5]

What both routes share

Most applicants need two forms: an immigrant petition and a green card application.[6]

The common petitions are Form I-130 for family and Form I-140 for employment.[7][8]

Both routes also depend on the Visa Bulletin. Inside the U.S., USCIS says an I-485 generally cannot be filed until a visa is available.[9]

Abroad, the interview is scheduled once a visa is available or the priority date is current.[10]

Adjustment of status: the USCIS steps

  • The application is Form I-485, filed with USCIS by an eligible person present in the U.S.[11]
  • Some categories allow the I-485 to be filed together with, or while waiting on, the petition. This is called concurrent filing.[12]
  • USCIS then sends a notice for a biometrics appointment (fingerprints, photo and/or signature).[13]
  • An interview is not automatic; USCIS decides whether one is needed.[14]
  • USCIS sends a written decision.[15]

Consular processing: the State Department steps

  • After approval, USCIS sends the petition to the State Department's National Visa Center (NVC). This also applies to people in the U.S. who choose to apply abroad.[16]
  • The petition stays at the NVC until a visa number is available.[17]
  • The NVC collects fees and supporting documents.[18]
  • The consular office interviews the applicant and decides on the immigrant visa.[19]
  • On arrival, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer decides whether to admit the person as a permanent resident.[20]
  • Permanent resident status begins at that admission.[21]

See it in the data

USCIS's published times for the I-485 and other forms are on the processing times pages.

The National Visa Center's published timeframes are on the NVC page, and its role is explained in National Visa Center.

This page explains general rules in plain English. It is not legal advice and does not tell you what applies to your case. Each numbered source below is the official page the sentence comes from; read it before relying on anything here.

Sources

  1. USCIS, Consular Processing. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Once you are the beneficiary of an approved immigrant petition and an immigrant visa number is immediately available to you, there are two ways to apply for lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card).”
  2. USCIS, Adjustment of Status. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Adjustment of status is the process that you can use to apply for lawful permanent resident (LPR) status (also known as applying for a Green Card) when you are present in the United States.”
  3. USCIS, Consular Processing. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “If you are outside of the United States, you may apply at a U.S. Department of State consulate abroad for an immigrant visa in order to come to the United States and be admitted as a permanent resident. This pathway is referred to as consular processing.”
  4. USCIS, Adjustment of Status. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “This means that you may get LPR status without having to return to your home country to complete consular processing.”
  5. USCIS, Adjustment of Status. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “If you are not inside the United States, you must obtain your visa outside the United States through consular processing”
  6. USCIS, Adjustment of Status. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Most people who apply for a Green Card will need to complete at least two forms—an immigrant petition and a Green Card application.”
  7. USCIS, Consular Processing. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative must file a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative for you”
  8. USCIS, Consular Processing. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “your U.S. employer must file a Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker for you”
  9. USCIS, Adjustment of Status. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “In general, you may not file your Form I-485 until a visa is available in your category.”
  10. USCIS, Consular Processing. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Once a visa is available or your priority date is current (earlier than the cut-off date listed in the monthly Visa Bulletin ), the consular office will schedule you for an interview.”
  11. USCIS, Adjustment of Status. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “If you are present in the United States and are eligible for adjustment of status, you may file a Form I-485.”
  12. USCIS, Adjustment of Status. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “However, some categories may allow you to file your Form I-485 at the same time that the immigrant petition is filed or while the immigrant petition is pending. This is called “concurrent filing.””
  13. USCIS, Adjustment of Status. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “After you file your Form I-485, we will mail you a notice for your biometrics services appointment at a local Application Support Center (ASC) to provide your fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature.”
  14. USCIS, Adjustment of Status. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “USCIS officials will review your case to determine whether an interview is necessary.”
  15. USCIS, Adjustment of Status. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “When USCIS decides on your application, we will send you a written decision notice.”
  16. USCIS, Consular Processing. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “If the petition is approved and you live outside the United States (or live in the United States but want to apply for your immigrant visa abroad), USCIS will then send the approved petition to the Department of State’s National Visa Center.”
  17. USCIS, Consular Processing. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “The petition will remain there until an immigrant visa number is available for you.”
  18. USCIS, Consular Processing. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “The National Visa Center (NVC) is responsible for collecting visa application fees and supporting documentation”
  19. USCIS, Consular Processing. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “The consular office will process your case and decide if you are eligible for an immigrant visa.”
  20. USCIS, Consular Processing. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “The CBP officer will inspect you and determine whether to admit you into the United States as a lawful permanent resident.”
  21. USCIS, Consular Processing. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “If the CBP officer admits you, you will then have lawful permanent resident status and be able to live and work in the United States permanently.”

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