Getting started (merge)

[ngu21020 8]

My husband & I are both United States citizens my husband became a citizen through naturalization. We want to get started on the process of sponsoring my mother in law. She came to the USA on a tourist visa before my husband became a citizen without the intent of staying, but due to covid she has been unable to go back to her home country of Vietnam therefore we will just be sponsoring. I would like to know the process to get started, what documents are needed & how long the process takes? Her visa is still valid as she got the extension for her visa since her home country did not have any returning flights for her to return to her country. Any help, tips, advice is greatly appreciated. 

[Crazy Cat 42,296]

Check the "Guides" section of this web site.  It will help you get started.

[ngu21020 8]

If parent is already in US & we start the I130 do we submit the AOS along with the I130 or wait until it’s received  before submitting the AOS? 

[Mike E 11,742]

If a paper  I-130, it is best to submit it all at once.  

[HRQX 4,145]

1 hour ago, ngu21020 said:

If parent is already in US

I-864 and I-130 are filled-out by the US citizen, and the rest of the forms are filled-out by the immigrant. In general, send the following four packets (*note that I-765 and I-131 packets are optional, but highly recommended) in the same envelope to the Chicago Lockbox:

• I-130 with filing fees, etc.;
• I-485 with I-864 and supporting documents, electronic I-94 copy, filing fees, etc.;
• I-765 with electronic I-94 copy, etc.; and
• I-131 with electronic I-94 copy, etc.

You'll separate each packet with rubber bands or fasteners: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/forms-information/form-filing-tips

On the I-130 packet, I-130 payment method (check, money order, or Form G-1450) must be the very first item of this packet.

On the I-485 packet, I-485 payment method (check, money order, or Form G-1450) must be the very first item of this packet.

 

She'll eventually have to go to a doctor that has Civil Surgeon designation from USCIS. https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-8-part-b-chapter-4

Timing of the Submission of the Medical Examination Report

Applicants may submit the Form I-693 medical examination report to USCIS:

• Concurrently with the immigration benefit application; or

• At any time after filing the immigration benefit application but before USCIS finalizes adjudication of that application. If not submitted simultaneously with the immigration benefit application, applicants may bring the medical examination report to an interview or wait until USCIS issues an RFE requesting the medical examination report.

[Ontarkie 14,487]

~~Related threads merged. PLease try not to start more than one thread for related questions. Thread also moved to AOS from Work, Student and Tourist Visas - the OP's MIL is already in the US~~