Is the Form I-485 Adjustment of Status application the only way to apply for a green card?
Anyone who wants to get a green card can do that by filing an I-485 to adjust status to “lawful permanent resident” or by going to a consular processing interview to get an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate outside the U.S. People generally choose to do consular processing at the I-130 or I-140 stage and go through the National Visa Center (NVC) once the I-130 or I-140 petition is approved. If you ask for an I-485 process at the beginning, but later you want to do the consular processing, you have to file an I-824 to tell the NVC. If you want to do consular processing at the beginning, but later want to do the I-485, you can do that inside the United States, but there could be a wait in obtaining the I-485 approval if your application has to be sent from the consulate or NVC to the USCIS Service Center.
Related Questions
- My daughter was born abroad after my I-485 status adjustment application approval. Can we use my priority date to apply for her Green Card?
- Can I travel outside the United States if I have a Form I-485 adjustment of status application pending?
- When can I apply for adjustment of status (From I-485) to permanent residence (green card holder)?
