A family petition for adjustment of status or consular processing is a legal procedure in immigration law through which a foreign national seeks to obtain lawful permanent residency (a green card) in the United States based on a family relationship with a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Adjustment of status refers to the process of applying for a green card while residing in the U.S., while consular processing involves applying for a visa at a U.S. consulate abroad.
In both cases, the petitioner (the U.S. citizen or permanent resident family member) files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on behalf of the beneficiary (the foreign national). The process may vary depending on factors such as the beneficiary’s immigration status, relationship to the petitioner, and whether they are already in the U.S. or abroad.
Throughout the process, various forms and supporting documents are required, and applicants may need to attend interviews and provide biometrics. The goal is for the beneficiary to obtain permanent residency and eventually pursue citizenship, if desired.