Question about GC for parents

[sequoia 0]

Hello all,

We just recently find out that we are expecting our first. My wife and I are US citizen, living in the States. I would like to apply for GC for my parents so they can come, visit, and meet their grandson/daughter next year. My parents are both retired now, so they like to stay for several months at one time.

I am a bit confused about the GC process from reading from this forum and other online materials I could find. I am hoping someone who has gone thru this process could chime in, and correct me here

1. From my understanding, I need to fill out I-130 separately, each form for my mom and dad. I am living in the States, my parents live in Indonesia. Do I send I-130 and I-485 at the same time to USCIS Chicago lockbox?

2. What is the next step after filing I-130? Do my parents need to be interviewed at US embassies in Indonesia? I am a bit concern since they speak limited English.

3. Could someone give me an idea how long approximately is the process from filing until receiving GC? I have heard that it takes years to obtain GC, but I have never done this before. If it takes years, we might re-consider, and take the baby to them instead

4. Any other tips, comments? Its kinda hard to ask the correct questions when I do not know much

I appreciate any help and/or comments.

Chris

[Bobby+Umit 161]

If they are coming just to visit - then you would probably be better off getting visitor visas for them. (did they plan on staying in the US full time if they get the GC? or just use it to visit?)

1. you would just send in the I-130, since they are not in the US at this time. They will finish the process at the consular level.

2. Yes - that is the normal process. They have people there that speak the native language.

3. May take a while - however, for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, visas are always available, which means that your family member does not need to wait in line for a visa, so the wait will be shorter than other people.

4. My link

[RICARDO4EVA2 194]

Hello all,

We just recently find out that we are expecting our first. My wife and I are US citizen, living in the States. I would like to apply for GC for my parents so they can come, visit, and meet their grandson/daughter next year. My parents are both retired now, so they like to stay for several months at one time.

I am a bit confused about the GC process from reading from this forum and other online materials I could find. I am hoping someone who has gone thru this process could chime in, and correct me here

The pricess is a breeze and definately NOT confusing.... So disregard what others might say to the process being difficult.

1. From my understanding, I need to fill out I-130 separately, each form for my mom and dad. I am living in the States, my parents live in Indonesia. Do I send I-130 and I-485 at the same time to USCIS Chicago lockbox?

Ok So you Need to Fill out the I-130 yes.... for your mom and your dad Seperately and pay 2 seperate fees of $355 = $710. You do not need to fill out the I-485 because they are not currently in the USA and will not be Adjusting their status tho that of a permanent resident. All you would send is The 2 forms and their Birth Certificates Showing Repationship. If i were you I would send in their Marrage Certificate but that'll be requested later at the NVC state any way.

2. What is the next step after filing I-130? Do my parents need to be interviewed at US embassies in Indonesia? I am a bit concern since they speak limited English.

After the I-130s have been approved then the cases would be transferred to the NVC and that point you will pay $88.00 for the Affidavit OF Support Fee.. if both your parents cases are at NVC at that time then you're only required to pay once and the sysyem will not accept another payment. AFter the payment has been accepted You can send the Associated Documents for the AOS (IRS tax transcrips, Work Letter, Copy of Paspport (shoring residency) and several other things. After that thas been Been THEN you will make the last payment to NVC which is the Immigrant Visa Fee. THe IV Fee is $404.00 per case so $808.00 After payment has been accepted you will then submit the Form DS-230 as per the instruction from the country where they are located and you'll then send in things like Passport Photos, Police Certificates, Marriage Certificates, Your Birth Certificate, Your Marriage Cert. if married and a few other things. The once listed above are original/certified docks. And you can just include just one original with one of the cases AND make a photocopy to be included in the other case. Review of these forms takes 6-8 weeks - they say.

3. Could someone give me an idea how long approximately is the process from filing until receiving GC? I have heard that it takes years to obtain GC, but I have never done this before. If it takes years, we might re-consider, and take the baby to them instead

The USCIS website says it takes approx 5 months for the case to be approved with them. I petitioned for my MOM and DAD on June 3rd and the case was approved on June 28, 2010 so it took 4 days less 4 months. We are at the NVC stage now and should be done in about LOL 6-8 weeks. after that the case is tranf. I am going to say that the start to end process is 7-9 months. Should things go smoothly forms filled out correct and all that.

Any other tips, comments? Its kinda hard to ask the correct questions when I do not know much ?

Not knowing much is oK.. but i can say... even if you're going to take the TRIP to your your parents... that's ok.. I'm certain many other familiy members and friends of your Mom will be soooo happy to see the young one. You can still submit the I-130s for them and they travel as they please as the terms of the green card allows. Should you have any other questions feel free to ask here or message me. Good luck Chris.

I appreciate any help and/or comments.

Chris

[Dan J 277]

Hello all,

We just recently find out that we are expecting our first. My wife and I are US citizen, living in the States. I would like to apply for GC for my parents so they can come, visit, and meet their grandson/daughter next year. My parents are both retired now, so they like to stay for several months at one time.

I am a bit confused about the GC process from reading from this forum and other online materials I could find. I am hoping someone who has gone thru this process could chime in, and correct me here

1. From my understanding, I need to fill out I-130 separately, each form for my mom and dad. I am living in the States, my parents live in Indonesia. Do I send I-130 and I-485 at the same time to USCIS Chicago lockbox?

2. What is the next step after filing I-130? Do my parents need to be interviewed at US embassies in Indonesia? I am a bit concern since they speak limited English.

3. Could someone give me an idea how long approximately is the process from filing until receiving GC? I have heard that it takes years to obtain GC, but I have never done this before. If it takes years, we might re-consider, and take the baby to them instead

4. Any other tips, comments? Its kinda hard to ask the correct questions when I do not know much

I appreciate any help and/or comments.

Chris

You will only need a greencard if they plan to live in the US, that process uses an I-130. If all they want to do is visit, then all your parents need is a visitors visa. To get that, they would apply with a US consulate/embassy in Indonesia. Visitor visas are good for 3 months to 10 years and can be used for stays as long as 6 months.

[Darnell 8,479]

when filing for IR-5 visa for parents, is no 'I-485 submittal'.

IF they come in on a tourist visa, then wish to adjust status whilst IN USA (without returning to Indonesia) then ya file I-130 plus I-485 on each of them, and wait.

I note ya just joined today - we have a really good guides section here - please have a look? --> http://www.visajourney.com/content/guides then pick the guides that apply to you and yer parents.

[sequoia 0]

First of all, I want to say thank you and I appreciate your responses to everyone. This discussion really help!

when filing for IR-5 visa for parents, is no 'I-485 submittal'.

IF they come in on a tourist visa, then wish to adjust status whilst IN USA (without returning to Indonesia) then ya file I-130 plus I-485 on each of them, and wait.

I note ya just joined today - we have a really good guides section here - please have a look? --> http://www.visajourney.com/content/guides then pick the guides that apply to you and yer parents.

Darnell,

I read the guide section. That was very informative, and I think now I have a pretty good idea what to do.

You mentioned that if my parents arrive in the US on tourist visa, then I file both I-130 plus I-485 and wait. Tourist visa allow for 6 months stay.

- Is there an estimated time for the process from sending to Chicago lockbox to receiving GC? I look around on the USCIS site, but did not see anything.

- Tourist visa allow for 6 months stay. My largest concern is that what happen if within that 6 months the process is still ongoing? Do my parents need to leave and immediately return to US, and wait some more?

Thanks

Chris

[Darnell 8,479]

hey Chris-

assuming they are in USA on tourist VISA, then AOS packet filed -

once the 'AOS' is actually filed , and a receipt notice is issued -

a 'different clock' starts on yer parents - and

usually - IF the AOS if filed prior to tourist visa expiration/I-94 expiration (whichever is first)

then

any overstay between I-94 expiration and green card issuance is 'forgiven'

as long as they NOT leave the USA prior to green card issuance.

---

usually, IR-5 for parents, when petitioner is USA citizen, goes very fast, less than 1 year from start to finish, has immediate priority - so if I were in yer shoes, with these 2 choices and 2 paths, I'd map it all out on a calendar, basing much on 'filing dates' and their ability to obtain or not obtain any tourist visa.

Good Luck !

[griffin 7]

I WOULD STRONGLY RECOMMEND IMMIGRANT 1R5 ROUTE:

- IF DOCUMENTS ARE COMPLETE FROM INITIAL TO NVC STAGE ITS WAY FASTER.

- ADVANTAGE OF GETTING APPROVED

- 10 DAYS AFTER U.S. ARRIVAL ,GREEN CARD GOOD FOR 10 YEARS ARE MAILED DIRECTLY,SS CARD ALSO IS MAILED IF CHOSEN (HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS OPTION) TO

AVOID THE HASSLE OF GETTING ONE NOT TO MENTION THE DOCUMENTS NEEDED.

- IT ONLY TAKES FIVE MONTHS TO BE APPROVED. UNLESS FBI WILL ASK FOR MORE NAME CLEARANCE/VERIFICATION.

HOWEVER ,IF YOU CHOOSE TOURIST VISA FOR YOUR PARENTS, THEY HAVE TO SATISY AND ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE TIES :(FROM US EMBASSY JAKARTA)

How can an applicant prove ties?

"Ties" are the various aspects of an individual's life that bind him or her to a particular place, such as a job, family, responsibilities, station in life or assets. Because each applicant's situation is unique, it is difficult to say specifically what evidence of ties is likely to be convincing. We look for the following information:

Employment, length of time on the job, salary, responsibilities.

Financial assets not just to show sufficient funds to pay for a trip or study, but also to prove that an applicant has no reason to work unlawfully in the U.S. Large amounts are less relevant than a solid financial or banking history over time, with regular deposits and withdrawals.

Self-employed applicants may have a history of profitable contracts, invoices, bills of lading, accountant's reports, tax returns and bank records showing regular, steady business activity.

Applicants going for short-term training connected to their work, or study, should explain the training, or study, and how it fits in with their future plans here. If they do not speak English, the U.S. school should explain how the applicant will overcome language deficiency.

Applicants should be prepared to explain the purpose of the trip in detail, who they plan to visit and how their trip will benefit their business. Faxes or letters from U.S. contacts can help.

Letters of guarantee, even for close relatives, are of no help as they carry no weight under U.S. law. We are required to look at the applicant's own situation and decide if he or she meets the requirements and intent of the law.

AND THEN THE WORST PART IF THEY ARE APPROVED THE HASSLE OF GETTING THE COMPLETE DOCUMENTS, BIOMETRICS,INTERVIEW,SS CARD APPLCATION..WAY TO MUCH HASSLE NOT TO MENTION THE WAITING GAME....

[Darnell 8,479]

griffin - ya - IR-5 better, on all fronts. Less time, less money, better 'benefits' after arrival in USA, etc etc.

[sequoia 0]

hey Chris-

assuming they are in USA on tourist VISA, then AOS packet filed -

once the 'AOS' is actually filed , and a receipt notice is issued -

a 'different clock' starts on yer parents - and

usually - IF the AOS if filed prior to tourist visa expiration/I-94 expiration (whichever is first)

then

any overstay between I-94 expiration and green card issuance is 'forgiven'

as long as they NOT leave the USA prior to green card issuance.

---

usually, IR-5 for parents, when petitioner is USA citizen, goes very fast, less than 1 year from start to finish, has immediate priority - so if I were in yer shoes, with these 2 choices and 2 paths, I'd map it all out on a calendar, basing much on 'filing dates' and their ability to obtain or not obtain any tourist visa.

Good Luck !

Hey Darnell,

Thanks for the advice. I think it seems that filing for GC in the US when my parents are here on tourist visa is the fastest and easiest. One last quick question. They are planning to be here early 2010. Is it possible to file the I-130 plus I-485 prior to their arrival (lests say right now) so their paperwork can start early, or do we have to wait until my parents arrived here? I do not believe this is mentioned anywhere...

Thanks again.

Chris

[Anh map 2,098]

A cautionary thought or two:

If your parents show up at customs carrying all their worldly possesions with tourist visas the CBP officer may question their intentions. Visitors don't bring family photos, out of season clothes, etc. It would be a shame for them to be denied entry or have a "no adjustment of status" stamp in their passport.

*Moving thread from Bringing Family Members of Permanent Residents to America forum to Bringing Family Members of US Citizens forum. OP states that they are a US citizen*

[Bobby+Umit 161]

Thanks for the advice. I think it seems that filing for GC in the US when my parents are here on tourist visa is the fastest and easiest

And with that - you have achieved "visa fraud"...

You may wish to re-think that route.

[RICARDO4EVA2 194]

Hey Darnell,

Thanks for the advice. I think it seems that filing for GC in the US when my parents are here on tourist visa is the fastest and easiest. One last quick question. They are planning to be here early 2010. Is it possible to file the I-130 plus I-485 prior to their arrival (lests say right now) so their paperwork can start early, or do we have to wait until my parents arrived here? I do not believe this is mentioned anywhere...

Thanks again.

Chris

There is a section on the form that ask is "the applicant in the usa?" the date he/she arrived, I-94 #, arrval status and have your relative ever been in the USA? THESE questions will throw your application off and if i were you would wait until they arrive if you decide to go with the visa route. As told by previous members the "Visitor" visit is not so easy to get. The best option is to submit the necessary documents for the I-130 Now and when approved and they are currently in the USA then the I485 can be filed.

If it helps, I submitted the I-130s for my parents who are married. This was done back on 3/9/2010 and thw case was approved on 7/3/2010.took just about 3 months and 24 days. The case was then forwarded to The NVC who request additional information and received on 7/13 and was completed on 9/13 So Exactly 2 months -

So far process is 6 months 6 days.

This could have been completed perhaps 3 weeks earlier because there was about a 2 week period when there was just a waiting game on documents from my parents. Now We Await the interview which I know for sure will be no later than in the month on November 2010 as told by NVC.

Interview scheduling as i have learnt depends on the # of cases the local counsulate handles.

Good Luck and hope this helped you.

[Darnell 8,479]

Hey Darnell,

Thanks for the advice. I think it seems that filing for GC in the US when my parents are here on tourist visa is the fastest and easiest. One last quick question. They are planning to be here early 2010. Is it possible to file the I-130 plus I-485 prior to their arrival (lests say right now) so their paperwork can start early, or do we have to wait until my parents arrived here? I do not believe this is mentioned anywhere...

Thanks again.

Chris

Good Lord, No.

If you SUBMIT the I-130+I-485 prior to their arrival, you are perpetuating visa fraud. You may not get caught within the first 2 weeks, but you'd get caught .

[sequoia 0]

Good Lord, No.

If you SUBMIT the I-130+I-485 prior to their arrival, you are perpetuating visa fraud. You may not get caught within the first 2 weeks, but you'd get caught .

I am getting more confused with this process eventhough I have read this forum and the forms back and forth. I am definitely do not want to do visa fraud, that is why I am asking questions here. Sorry for these questions, but I am truly confused.