HelloStampedOfficialUSCIS — Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence · Last verified
Adjustment of status and consular processing end in the same green card
Both routes end in permanent residence. One happens inside the United States on Form I-485, the other at a consulate abroad.
Adjustment of status
If you are physically present in the United States and an immigrant visa number is immediately available to you, you may file Form I-485 to become a permanent resident without leaving. You can file Form I-765 for employment authorization and Form I-131 for advance parole alongside it.
Source: USCIS — Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence
Consular processing
If you are outside the United States, or you are not eligible to adjust status, the case goes to the National Visa Center and then to a U.S. consulate abroad for an interview. You enter as a permanent resident once the immigrant visa is issued and you are admitted.
Source: USCIS — Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence
Travel while adjustment is pending
Leaving the United States while an I-485 is pending can be treated as abandoning the application unless you have advance parole, or you hold valid H-1B or L-1 status and are returning to resume that employment. Check your own situation before booking anything.
Source: USCIS — Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence
Official
Frequently asked questions
- Can I travel while my I-485 is pending?
- Only with advance parole, or if you hold valid H-1B or L-1 status and are returning to resume that employment. Otherwise departure can be treated as abandoning the application.