This is the last stage of the permanent residence process where the foreign worker and her family members apply for permanent residence. If they are already in the United States then they will typically submit their I-485 adjustment of status application. It is at this stage that the foreign worker and her family members become eligible for temporary employment authorization (work permit) documents. If the worker is abroad then she will typically apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate abroad and will then enter the United States as an immigrant.