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

Adjustment of status and consular processing represent two different ways for a foreign national to gain lawful permanent residence (LPR) status in the United States. Adjustment of status is the process of applying to change from a non-immigrant status to an LPR status while in the U.S. The applicant must be physically present in the United States and must meet the requirements of the particular adjustment of status category. The primary benefit of adjusting one’s status is that the applicant can remain in the U.S. throughout the process. Consular processing is the process of obtaining an immigrant visa through the U.S. consulate or embassy in one’s home country. This requires the applicant to travel to the consulate and complete the application process there. Unlike adjustment of status, the applicant does not have to be physically present in the U.S. to complete the process. Additionally, consular processing may have some advantages for those who are not eligible to adjust their status in the U.S. Since the selection criteria and requirements vary, it is important for students in Kansas to understand the differences between these two forms of obtaining immigrant visas. Depending on their circumstances, one option might be better than the other for any particular individual. Speaking with a qualified attorney can help one make the best decision for their particular situation.

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La diferencia entre ajuste de estatus y procesamiento consular es una distinción importante que los estudiantes de Kansas que buscan la residencia permanente deben entender. El ajuste de estatus se refiere al proceso de solicitud de una residencia permanente dentro de Estados Unidos. Por el contrario, procesamiento consular es el proceso por el cual un ciudadano extranjero solicita una residencia permanente en el extranjero. Cuando una persona solicita el ajuste de estatus, una vez que se aprueba la solicitud, el solicitante recibirá la tarjeta verde en el lugar. En el procesamiento consular, una vez que se aprueba la solicitud, el solicitante debe viajar a Estados Unidos para recibir la tarjeta verde. Otra diferencia entre el ajuste de estatus y el procesamiento consular es que el ajuste de estatus está limitado a determinadas categorías de inmigrantes. No todos los inmigrantes califican para solicitar el ajuste de estatus. El procesamiento consular, sin embargo, está abierto a una amplia gama de inmigrantes, desde la familia hasta los inmigrantes basados ​​en el empleo. En conclusión, el ajuste de estatus se refiere al proceso de permanecer dentro de Estados Unidos para solicitar la residencia permanente, mientras que el procesamiento consular se refiere al proceso de hacer esta solicitud desde el exterior. La solicitud debe realizarse de acuerdo a los requisitos de la categoría de inmigrante relevante.

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