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[Q] Should my family and I adjust in the U.S. or process immigrant visas through American Embassy after I-526 approval?


It all depends in your individual needs and situation, but generally, if you and your family members are in your home country, you should do consular processing (apply and obtain immigrant visas at the American Embassy), but if you and your family members are already physically and lawfully residing in the U.S., then you and your family should obtain conditional green cards through I-485 adjustment of status.

It used to be that consular processing was much faster than I-485 processing, but now, both procedures take around same time, 5 to 7 months.

Just have a question :

When will I have to come and live in US? (as I currently have private business in my country). Is that right after I get the I-526?

No, getting I-526 immigrant petition gives you the right to apply for EITHER the Immigrant Visa Consular Processing if you reside abroad or I-485 adjustment of status application if you are in the U.S.

But if I want to come in US right after I get the I-526, can I?

Generally yes, as a tourist.

So can I understand that I-526 is not a visa to let me step in the US ?

I-526 is an immigrant petition. If approved, it gives you the right to apply for an immigrant visa. It's the first step. However, Immigrant Visa should generally be approved if your I-526 is approved as long as there is no excludable ground which make you unqualified to receive an immigrant visa.