Overview
Once an immigrant petition (family-based, employment-based, or humanitarian) is approved or current, foreign nationals obtain permanent residency through one of two pathways: Adjustment of Status (AOS) inside the U.S. or Consular Processing at a U.S. embassy abroad. Mobility Immigration guides clients through selecting and navigating the appropriate legal route.
Requirements
AOS — presence, lawful entry, current priority date
To apply for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485), the applicant must be physically present inside the U.S., have maintained lawful entry, and have an immediately current visa priority date available under the Visa Bulletin.
AOS — biometrics, medical and admissibility
Applicants must submit biometrics, medical examinations (Form I-693), and proof of admissibility.
Consular Processing — NVC and the interview
For Consular Processing, applicants complete National Visa Center (NVC) document pre-screening, submit Form DS-260, undergo a panel physician medical exam, and attend an immigrant visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
Key benefits
- Adjustment of Status applicants can remain inside the U.S. and obtain interim work (EAD) and travel permits (Parole).
- Consular processing offers an established route for candidates residing abroad or ineligible for domestic adjustment.
- Both pathways yield unconditional or conditional Lawful Permanent Resident status (Green Cards).
- Detailed eligibility screening ensures candidates select the safest, most efficient processing route.