Consular Processing or I-485

[ohiodesi]

Hello,
I have got the labor certification for EB2 category. I have to now file for I-140. At this point I have to decide between filing for AOS (I-485) or Consular Processing. I have a few questions regarding that.
1. If you have specified on the I-140 that you would be doing CP, how long is it on an averge from the time you get the I-140 approval notice and your CP interview? People who have gone through with this please let me know the time required or your application.
2. Also, can somebody mention in brief the exact steps involved in CP.
3. In case of I-485, after 180 days, one can change jobs right? If so, then what happens if the applicant or the spouse gets laid off or decides not to work for a while?

PLEASE HELP. THANKS

[kw177]

1) That depends on your country of origin (If your english it takes around 120 days, if you are from Iraq it will take longer). Should take around 3 - 9 months. I did it in Auckland and it took 4.

2) (i) INS Forwards Petitition to National Visa Centre. 60 - 90 days.

(ii)NVC Sends Instruction Packet with Part 1 &2 of Immigranrt Visa Application and instructions.

(iii) Obtain Documents required. Birth Certs, Police Certs etc.

(iv)File Part 1 of Immigrant Visa application with either Consulate directly or NVC (Again dependent on Country of Origin) as indicated by instructions.

(v) After Processing Application and Security Checks you will be sent an appointment letter (6 weeks - 6 months).

(vi) Go to home country, do medicals, go to interview. (10 days).

(vii) Issue visa (5 minutes to 3 days depending on Consulate procedures)

(viii) Travel to US and apply for admission at Port Of Entry (Up to 30 minutes though I pnly needed 2).

3) If I485 is for employment based you need a job to get GC. So you canot be unemployed.