Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing

Once you have an approved immigrant petition, there are two ways to apply for a Green Card. If you are outside of the U.S, you may apply at a U.S. Consulate abroad for an immigrant visa in order to enter to the U.S. and be admitted as a permanent resident. This pathway is referred to as consular processing. If you are already in the U.S, you can apply for permanent resident status without having to return to your home country to complete processing. This process is called adjustment of status.