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Brunswick Georgia

Immigration Attorney in Brunswick, Georgia

What is the Difference Between Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing?

Adjustment of status (at an immigration office the U.S.) and Consular Processing (through a U.S. Embassy abroad), are the two major processes available in applying for Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status., commonly referred to as a “green card.”

Adjustment of status requires that the applicant have a visa immediately available, and usually also requires the applicant be admitted, inspected, or paroled. When someone enters the U.S. without inspection, they typically will not be eligible to file for adjustment of status and may need to consular process instead, unless they are adjusting through a special provision of the law such as INA § 245i, or through a VAWA self-petition, U-visa, T-visa, or other qualifying basis for adjustment of status.

If someone entered the U.S. without inspection (EWI) and does not seek to adjust under one of the categories which exempts EWI, they may need to consular process. Often the person will require a provisional waiver for the time they spent in the U.S. without authorization. The provisional waiver is applied for and approved before the person departs the U.S. for consular processing. In addition to persons who entered without inspection as described above, consular processing is also the procedure for persons already overseas who intend to immigrate to the U.S. 

Whether you or your loved one should consular process or apply to adjust status in the U.S. can be a complicated issue and should be assessed by an immigration attorney given the severe consequences for following the wrong procedure. At the Law Office of Karen Winston, we have successfully helped hundreds of clients through both of the above processes. 

Get started with our experienced and compassionate immigration team today. Call us at (904) 740-3690 or contact us online today.

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  • "Thank you Attorney Karen and team from the bottom of our hearts!"
    It’s with the GREATEST joy that we are sending this note of appreciation. I can confirm that both my mother and father have been approved and have their VISAS in hand!! Truly, God has heard our cries.. our prayers and our faith! He is SO good!! He makes the impossible possible and this is our testimony. We want to thank you Attorney Karen and team from the bottom of our hearts! Your entire team and even your families who I am sure have seen your hard work and dedication firsthand. I can’t wait for us to see each other in person along with my parents to thank you face to face!! This has been such a long journey, and it could not have been possible without you!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. Now that my parents have their visas, can I finally bring them home with me?!?!? Ahh! So exciting!!
    - Jaziel O.
  • What makes this firm great is more than just a reasonable rate, they are full service and have a professional staff to assist. They are extremely responsive and great at making their clients feel comfortable.
    - Matt T.
  • We never felt like we were alone in this process. Elizabeth, who was our paralegal point-of-contact, was awesome. She was our support through the process and we are very grateful for her and her hard work.
    - Beily G.
  • The Law Office of Karen Winston was absolutely amazing with regards to my case. Our paralegal, Florencia, was very helpful and friendly! They always kept us informed and were quickly to answer emails.
    - Aubrey B.

    What Sets Us Apart

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    • High Success Rate

      Over almost 15 years of service, Karen Winston has an impressive record of keeping families together.

    • Reputation for Excellence

      As an attorney and former law professor, Karen Winston is well-respected before USCIS, courts, and judges.

    • Immigration Is All We Do

      We focus exclusively on Immigration services and are fully prepared for whatever your case may need.

    • Trustworthy Representation

      Our dedicated team truly cares about each client, and we hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards.

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