Adjustment of status (Form I-485) lets eligible individuals already in the United States change from a temporary status to permanent resident without leaving the country. Consular processing is for individuals abroad — or those in the U.S. who aren't eligible for adjustment — and involves obtaining an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate before entering as a permanent resident.
For adjustment of status, we file the I-485 (often alongside interim work and travel authorization where appropriate) and track it through to interview or approval. For consular processing, we prepare the National Visa Center packet, coordinate document review, and prepare you for the consular interview.