Applying to be a permanent resident in the United States is more commonly referred to as getting your green card. If you’re applying for a green card in New Jersey and have never heard of adjustment of status, it may be helpful to have a basic understanding of what to expect from the process before getting too deep into it.
HURRY UP AND WAIT
This process will likely feel slow and drawn out for the most part, so patience is important. You should expect the adjustment of status to take a few years, but it might be completed in as few as one.
ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS VERSUS CONSULAR PROCESSING
When applying for the status of lawful permanent residence in the United States, you’ll need to go through either the adjustment of status process or consular processing. If you’re not in the U.S. when applying for permanent resident status, it must be done through the latter process at the closest embassy or consulate. If you are unable to travel to the U.S. or can’t go through with the adjustment of status process for any other reason, your other option is consular processing. While this might come with some upsides like potentially taking less time, you’ll still have to remain outside the U.S. until the approval of your green card is finalized.
When you’re applying for]permanent residency in the U.S., it would be beneficial for you to have a full understanding of how the adjustment of status or AOS works. By using the adjustment of status process, you can remain in the U.S. during the time that your green card application is being processed. You’ll still be able to stay in the United States even if you have a visa that expires at any point before your green card application is approved.
