What is the difference between adjustment of status and consular processing?

Adjustment of status and consular processing are two different processes for obtaining legal status in the United States. Adjustment of status is when foreign nationals who are currently in the United States can apply to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to change their existing status from nonimmigrant to immigrant. This process is done through applying for an immigrant visa at a US Consulate or Embassy. Consular processing, on the other hand, is when foreign nationals who are outside of the US apply for an immigrant visa at a US Consulate or Embassy. This is usually done when an immigrant initially entered the US on a nonimmigrant visa, such as a student visa, and must leave the US to apply for a new visa at the consulate. The primary difference between the two processes is that adjustment of status is done within the US, while consular processing requires the individual to leave the US and apply at a consulate. Adjustment of status is commonly used for student visa holders in North Carolina who are looking to obtain a green card. Consular processing is used for individuals who are already outside of the US and looking to obtain an immigrant visa.

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La diferencia entre el ajuste de estatus y el procesamiento consular se refiere a diferentes procesos relacionados con la inmigración y la obtención de ciudadanía estadounidense. El ajuste de estatus se refiere al proceso mediante el cual una persona que está en los Estados Unidos legalmente solicita cambiar a residente permanente. Esto se realiza mediante una aplicación aprobada por el Servicio de Inmigración y Ciudadanía (USCIS) y el trámite generalmente se realiza dentro de los Estados Unidos. Por otro lado, el procesamiento consular se refiere al proceso mediante el cual un extranjero solicita una visa de inmigrante y luego puede ingresar a los Estados Unidos para obtener la residencia permanente. Dicha solicitud se realiza a través de una oficina consular del Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos ubicada fuera de los Estados Unidos. En Carolina del Norte, cualquier estudiante que desee ajustar su estatus o realizar el procesamiento consular para solicitar una visa de inmigrante deberá cumplir con las regulaciones y requisitos de inmigración federales aplicables. Además, la persona debe cumplir con cualquier estatuto y regulación estatal aplicable, además de posibles requisitos y regulaciones locales.

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