Consular Processing (CP) vs. Adjustment of Status (AoS) for the U.S. Green Card Lottery
When discussing the U.S. Green Card Lottery, you will often hear the terms CP (Consular Processing) and AoS (Adjustment of Status). The vast majority of Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery winners process their cases outside the United States through Consular Processing (CP). However, some winners already reside in the U.S. on a temporary visa, giving them the option to adjust their status (AoS) without leaving the country.
Consular Processing (CP)
For Consular Processing (CP), the winner must wait for their case to become current and then complete a medical examination and DV interview at the U.S. embassy in their country of residence (for Iranians, this means applying through a third country). Some people mistakenly believe this process is complicated, but it is actually straightforward and does not require a lawyer.
The information provided on this site, other sources, and the official DV instructions are more than sufficient to guide you through the process. In consular processing outside the U.S., the consular officer is not required to provide a written explanation for visa denials.
Adjustment of Status (AoS)
Adjustment of Status (AoS) accounts for less than 5% of DV cases each year. This process has significant differences from CP and is generally slower. However, its main advantage is the convenience of processing your case within the U.S., close to your home, with minimal disruption to your job or daily life.
Unlike CP, in AoS cases processed inside the U.S., immigration officers are required to provide a written explanation for denials.
If you decide to process your DV Lottery case through AoS, we recommend referring to the immigration forum, where you can find comprehensive guidance in Post #1. In most cases, hiring a lawyer is unnecessary—the process is simple and can be completed with the right guidance.