Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing: Which Path Is Right for Your Green Card?
By TRW Law Firm | U.S. Immigration Practice | Updated March 2025
When applying for a U.S. marriage-based green card, your choice between Adjustment of Status (AOS) and Consular Processing (CP) depends primarily on where the applicant (the foreign spouse) currently resides. Each route has distinct procedures, forms, and timelines, but both ultimately lead to lawful permanent residency.
🌍 What Are Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing?
- Adjustment of Status (AOS): This is the process of applying for a green card from within the United States. It involves filing Form I-485 alongside or after Form I-130. If both are filed together, it is called concurrent filing.
- Consular Processing (CP): This is the process of applying for a green card from outside the United States, typically through a U.S. embassy or consulate in the foreign spouse’s home country. The National Visa Center (NVC) manages the process after I-130 approval.
❌ When You Don’t Have a Choice
1. AOS Scenario
If the sponsoring spouse is a green card holder, and the foreign spouse is lawfully in the U.S., they must pursue AOSand maintain valid immigration status while waiting for a visa number to become available (up to 2.5 years).
2. CP Scenario
If the foreign spouse: 🔹 Is in the U.S. without lawful status (e.g., visa expired) 🔹 Is residing abroad, or 🔹 Cannot maintain valid status in the U.S.
They must apply through Consular Processing and may require a waiver of inadmissibility if they overstayed.
✅ When You Do Have a Choice
Some couples can choose between AOS and CP, particularly when:
- The foreign spouse is in the U.S. with a valid visa
- The sponsoring spouse is a U.S. citizen
OPTION 1: Apply via AOS (from inside the U.S.)
- Stay in the U.S. during the process
- Eligible for work permit and travel permit (Form I-765, I-131)
- Overstays may be waived for spouses of U.S. citizens
OPTION 2: Apply via CP (from abroad)
- Best for those planning to stay abroad temporarily
- Slightly faster in some countries
🏡 Couples Living Abroad Together
Couples living overseas may apply via CP but have special considerations:
Option 1: U.S.-based USCIS Filing
- Use normal consular process
Option 2: Direct Consular Filing (DCF) for “Exceptional Circumstances”
- Spouse in U.S. military
- Urgent medical needs
- Personal safety threats
Note: DCF is not available at all consulates. Check eligibility in advance.
Domicile Proof Required The U.S. sponsor must show: 🔹 They maintain a U.S. domicile (home, job, taxes) or 🔹 They plan to re-establish domicile (lease agreement, school registration, U.S. job offer)
📊 Quick Guide: AOS vs. CP
| Scenario | Use AOS | Use CP |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign spouse in U.S. with valid visa | ✅ | |
| Foreign spouse in U.S. without valid visa | ❌ | ✅ (with waiver) |
| Foreign spouse abroad | ✅ | |
| Sponsor is green card holder | AOS (if visa valid 2.5 yrs) | CP (if visa lapses) |
| Sponsor is U.S. citizen | ✅ | ✅ |
🌏 Special Considerations
1. Travel Limitations
- AOS applicants need Advance Parole to travel
- CP applicants often cannot visit U.S. while case is pending
2. Administrative Review Risks
- CP applicants risk “administrative review” delays
- AOS applicants are not subject to this risk
🚀 TRW Law Firm: Immigration Law Experts in Bangladesh and Beyond
Our immigration attorneys at TRW Law Firm can guide you through each step of the green card process, whether you’re adjusting status inside the U.S. or navigating consular processing abroad. We:
📌 Ensure eligibility assessment 📜 Prepare and review Form I-130, I-485, DS-260, and supporting docs 🚪 Provide interview preparation and domicile proof strategies 🧡 Assist with inadmissibility waivers and expedite requests
🎓 Frequently Asked Questions
When does a CR1 visa expire? After 2 years. The holder must file Form I-751 to remove conditions.
What is the 90-day rule? Entering on a nonimmigrant visa and applying for AOS within 90 days can trigger suspicion of visa fraud.
What is Form I-485? The main form for adjusting status within the U.S.
Can CR1 holders work immediately? Yes, they are authorized to work upon entry.
Can AOS applicants travel? Not unless they obtain Advance Parole (Form I-131).
📞 Contact TRW Law Firm for Personalized Guidance
TRW Law Firm provides full-spectrum immigration services, including:
- Family-based immigration
- Spousal green cards (AOS and CP)
- Waivers of inadmissibility
- Interview support
- Naturalization planning
🏠 Dhaka Office: House 410, Road 29, Mohakhali DOHS
🏢 Dubai Office: Rolex Building, Sheikh Zayed Road
📞 +8801708000660 | +8801847220062 | +8801708080817
📧 info@trfirm.com | info@trwbd.com | info@tahmidur.com
Booking Link: https://booking.tahmidurrahman.com
Let TRW Law Firm handle your green card journey with precision, professionalism, and peace of mind.