Only the I-130? or both the I-130 AND I-485?

[jpac876 1]

Hello everyone,

My wife will soon receive her Certificate of Naturalization within the next couple months. After receiving it, we plan on petitioning her mother and stepfather to join us here in Dallas. They are both currently in the Philippines. While we are aware of the initial steps and requirements, I was a little unclear as to which forms to file. Do we only file the I-130 for each of them? OR do we need to do that along with the I-485 as well once they arrive. Any insight on that would be great! While money is not a huge issue, we would definitely be thrilled to save the extra application fees.

PS. IF we only need to fill out the I-130, does that mean they will automatically become permanent residents and have a green card issued without additional steps once they arrive?

Thanks again and God Bless

-Justin

[Leatherneck 693]

You submit an I-130 for each parent. The Adjustment of Status tales place while still outside of the USA, so no I-485 is needed.

Yes, they become permanent residents, with no further processing for the actual Green Cards.

Edited June 13, 2014 by Leatherneck

[jpac876 1]

I appreciate the information!

[Leatherneck 693]

You bet!

Good luck.

[aaron2020 11,651]

You submit an I-130 for each parent. The Adjustment of Status tales place while still outside of the USA, so no I-485 is needed.

Yes, they become permanent residents, with no further processing for the actual Green Cards.

Hi,

A technical correction.

There is no Adjustment of Status that takes place while still outside the USA. The parents will get immigration visas. They do not change status while still outside the US. Once they enter the US on those immigration visas, they gain the status of LPR.

[aaron2020 11,651]

Justin,

Follow the Guides. http://www.visajourney.com/content/guides

Your USC wife files the I-130s. Once USCIS approves them, the cases are sent to the NVC. Then, your wife files the I-864. Her parents file the immigrant visa applications. Get their medical exams, etc. Once they enter the US with their immigrant visas, they will get 10 years green cards.

[Leatherneck 693]

Hi,

A technical correction.

There is no Adjustment of Status that takes place while still outside the USA. The parents will get immigration visas. They do not change status while still outside the US. Once they enter the US on those immigration visas, they gain the status of LPR.

Indeed Aaron, the parents have no status while outside the US.

[jpac876 1]

Thanks everyone for all the responses!

Having been through the process, does anyone happen to know the estimated costs for each parent? Obviously there would be the fee for the filing the I-130 (~$420), medical exams (~$220 from what i remember), plane tickets (good thing my wife is a flight attendant for American Airlines!), plus additional expenses for document requests (postage, BC's, etc). However, is there anything else? I'd assume there would be a fee for filing for the immigrant visas overseas?

Thank you again!

-Justin

[Leatherneck 693]

The Immigrant Fee (ELIS Fee) for each parent - $165.00, Visa Fee - $230.00, and Affidavit of Support fee - $88.00.

http://www.uscis.gov/uscis-elis

[jpac876 1]

The Immigrant Fee (ELIS Fee) for each parent - $165.00, Visa Fee - $230.00, and Affidavit of Support fee - $88.00.

http://www.uscis.gov/uscis-elis

Perfect, hopefully we can get the process started soon. My wife's citizenship interview/testing is scheduled for 7/12/14 at 9am. I've heard the Dallas USCIS office is known for allowing applicants to participate in the oath taking on the same day depending on the scheduled time of interview. If that is the case, she should be petitioning her parents this coming august or september =)

thanks again!

[Leatherneck 693]

Perfect, hopefully we can get the process started soon. My wife's citizenship interview/testing is scheduled for 7/12/14 at 9am. I've heard the Dallas USCIS office is known for allowing applicants to participate in the oath taking on the same day depending on the scheduled time of interview. If that is the case, she should be petitioning her parents this coming august or september =)

thanks again!

You're welcome!

Best wishes to the wife with her naturalization quest. Her parents might be here to experience a Texas winter.