Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing: Which Path to a Green Card is Right for You?

Getting a Green Card can feel confusing, especially when deciding between Adjustment of Status (AOS) and Consular Processing. If you’re already in the U.S., Adjustment of Status (AOS) lets you stay and apply for your Green Card without leaving the country, with the option to work and travel during the process. Consular Processing, done abroad, might be faster for some but requires travel and an interview at a U.S. consulate. Both have unique benefits and challenges—read on to find out which option works best for you.

What are Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing?

Adjustment of Status (AOS)

AOS is for people already in the U.S. on a valid visa. It lets you apply for a Green Card without leaving the country. We discuss more about eligibility below. With AOS, you can:

Stay in the U.S. while your application is processed.
Apply for work authorization (with form I-765 for Employment Authorization Document or EAD).
Get travel permission (with form I-131 for advance parole) while waiting for your Green Card.

This process is ideal for individuals on temporary visas like H-1B or F-1, as it allows them to continue living and working in the U.S. while transitioning to permanent residency. According to USCIS, the ability to remain in the U.S. during this process makes it a preferred choice for many applicants.

Consular Processing

This option is for people applying from outside the U.S. or those who can’t use AOS. It happens at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the U.S.. Key points:

You’ll attend an interview abroad.
You’ll enter the U.S. as a permanent resident once your immigrant visa is approved.
It can sometimes be faster, depending on your case.

Consular processing is sometimes the only choice for individuals who entered the U.S. unlawfully or overstayed their visas. This pathway requires a medical exam and visa interview abroad, which the National Visa Center (NVC) coordinates.

Key Comparisons: AOS vs. Consular Processing

Eligibility Requirements

Adjustment of Status (AOS):

Must have entered the U.S. legally, meaning you were inspected and admitted or paroled at a port of entry.
Requires being in lawful status (though some categories, like immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, may be exempt from this requirement).
Ineligibility may occur if you violated the terms of your visa or committed immigration fraud. Certain waivers may apply.

You can find more detailed information here.

Consular Processing:

No requirement to have entered the U.S. legally, making it accessible to those who entered without documentation.
Requires an approved immigrant petition (e.g., Form I-130 or I-140) before starting the process.
Applicants must attend an interview at a U.S. consulate abroad and undergo a medical examination.
May involve additional scrutiny if there are prior immigration violations or inadmissibility issues, which could require a waiver.

Read more information from the NVC here.

Typical Processing Times

AOS: Usually takes 8-14 months but depends on how busy USCIS is.
Consular Processing: Typically takes 14-18 months but may be faster in some regions.

Processing times can vary widely depending on visa category and USCIS or NVC backlogs. Immediate relatives often face shorter wait times compared to other family preference categories or employment-based applications.

Travel Restrictions

AOS: You need advance parole to leave the U.S. Traveling without it can cancel your application.
Consular Processing: Travel is part of the process since you’ll attend the interview abroad.

Risks of Denial

AOS: If denied, you can appeal or explore other options while staying in the U.S.
Consular Processing: Denials are often final, and you’ll be stuck outside the U.S. with limited options.

Denials during consular processing are rare but final, as consular officers do not have the discretion to approve waivers. AOS denials* may be appealed or reopened based on additional evidence.

*Although in many cases, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request may be necessary to get the full details on the denial.

Factors to Consider

Your Location

If you’re in the U.S. and eligible, AOS is more convenient.
If you’re abroad or not eligible for AOS, consular processing is your path.

Family-Based Applications

Immediate relatives (spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens) often qualify for AOS.
Other family categories usually use consular processing due to visa availability.

Immediate relatives have priority processing, while family preference categories often face longer waits due to annual visa limits.

Time Sensitivity

Consular processing might be faster if you’re applying from a country with less visa demand.

Employment Needs

AOS lets you work while waiting for your Green Card.
Consular processing does not allow work in the U.S. until after you arrive as a permanent resident.

Pro Se Pro’s I-485 Adjustment of Status EAD and Services

At Pro Se Pro, we help you get your work and travel authorizations faster. This service is great for:

Spouses and other immediate family members waiting for I-485 approval.
People who need quick work and travel permissions to keep their jobs and stay connected with family.

Our tools and guides make filing easier and help you avoid mistakes. Take charge of your immigration process with Pro Se Pro’s trusted support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from Consular Processing to AOS?

Yes, but you must meet AOS eligibility rules and have entered the U.S. legally.

Which is better: AOS or Consular Processing?

It depends on your situation. Consider your location, eligibility, and urgency.

What are the travel rules during each process?

AOS: You need advance parole for international travel.
Consular Processing: Travel abroad is part of the process.

Conclusion

Both Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing can get you a Green Card. The best choice depends on your situation, like where you live, your eligibility, and your goals. Pro Se Pro is here to help you navigate the process with confidence. Use our tools and resources to manage your case and take the next step toward your Green Card.