What are the advantages and disadvantage of consular processing versus adjustment of status in the US?
Adjustment of status allows the alien to remain in the country while the application is being processed. During this period, the alien is in lawful status and the alien can obtain universal work authorization (employment authorization document – EAD) and travel permission (advance parole – AP) to travel outside the country without abandoning the application to adjust status. This is a great benefit for the spouse of the primary Form I-140 immigrant visa petition beneficiary, since now he or she can work using the EAD (work on the H-4 is prohibited).
