The differences between Consular Processing and Adjustment of Status:
Consular Processing has the following characteristics:

1. The time frame for Consular Processing is quicker than Adjustment of Status. From the date immigrant visa numbers become available, an average of 5 to 13 months processing time is expected;
2. Consular Processing must process in the foreign country of residence or country of birth;
3. An alien who chooses to apply for Consular Processing has no benefits of a work permit and advance parole. For more information about advance parole please click here; and
4. If an alien chooses to apply for Consular Processing, he must go back to the country of last residence or country of birth for an interview and medical exam at a U.S. consulate.

Adjustment of Status has the following characteristics:

1. Adjustment of Status may be slow. For Adjustment of Status based on an employment-based immigration petition, an average of 1 to 2 years processing time is expected. For more information about the USCIS Service Center processing time, please click here. For Adjustment of Status based on a family-based immigration petition, 1 year to 3 years processing time may be expected.
2. If an alien applies for Adjustment of Status, he must reside in the United States at the time of filing of I-485;
3. An alien who chooses to apply for Adjustment of Status has the benefits of a work permit and advance parole. For more information about advance parole, please click here; and
4. An alien who chooses to apply for Adjustment of Status needs to have fingerprints taken at a USCIS center and needs a health exam by a certified doctor in the U.S.

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Consular Processing vs. Adjustment of Status
Age Out in Consular Processing
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Frequently Asked Questions about Consular Processing