Other Employment-Based Greencard/I-140 General Issues
What is the difference between getting a green card while in the US versus getting a green card while outside the US?
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What is the difference between getting a green card while in the US versus getting a green card while outside the US?
There are two ways to get your green card – Consular Processing (CP) or Adjustment of Status (AOS)
If you want to undergo processing while outside the US, you must undergo Consular Processing. This typically takes 6-10 months from when your I-140 is approved. You pay a fee and submit your documents to the National Visa Center and then undergo an in-person interview at your appropriate US consulate. Once your green card is approved, you have six months to get to the US and claim your green card. If you do not claim your green card within six months, your green card will be revoked by USCIS.
Adjustment of Status occurs when you are in the US on a valid NIV status and file an I-485. This process is typically much quicker than undergoing consular processing, but you must always remain in the US on a valid status throughout the duration of the process.
