Since relocating from Ghana to California, I’ve been trying to understand what options are available for people who came to the U.S. without a visa or overstayed their visa. Some say marriage to a U.S. citizen helps, others mention humanitarian relief. But I keep hearing about "Adjustment of Status" and "Consular Processing" and I’m confused. If someone is undocumented or out of status, what’s the real difference between these two paths? Are there any risks involved in choosing one over the other? Which process is safer or faster when you're already in the U.S. without valid status?

Question

Jibril Elmi · Accepted Answer

Adjustment of Status lets you apply for a green card without leaving the U.S., but you must be eligible, usually through marriage or any of the special categories.

Saowalak Suwannarat · Answer

Consular Processing requires you to leave the U.S. and attend an interview abroad, which can trigger bars to reentry if you’re undocumented.

Marzanna Kowalska · Answer

Adjustment is safer if you're eligible, but if not, leaving the country for consular processing could lead to a 3- or 10-year reentry ban.

Kwabena Boateng

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