consulate

Foreign nationals who desire to live in the United States as permament residents have two options.  First, those already in the United States may be eligible for a process completed in the United States known as adjustment of status.

Foreign nationals who wish to become lawful permanent residents generally have two options.  The first, for those who are already in the United States, is known as "adjustment of status".  However, not every intending immigrant in the United States qualifies for adjustment of status.

Immigrants who wish to become lawful permanent residents can seek permanent resident status in one of two ways. For those already in the United States, becoming a permanent resident by a process known as adjustment of status is the preferred route.

Immigrant applying for an immigrant visa at a United States consulate abroad are occasionally denied their visa, even though U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service approved the visa petition.  This creates confusion and disappointment, and sometimes even separation of families.