Medical is NOT part of the NVC process. The medical only happens after the consulate has the case and they have notified the beneficiary of the consulate process for medical and interview
Best information is from the link below. Yes i have done IR5. The documents needed will vary slightly depending on the beneficiaries specific circumstances
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-1-submit-a-petition/step-2-begin-nvc-processing.html
You should be using the official I. 130 information pdf for the best information on filling out the form and ensuring you have all required and recommended documentation
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-130instr.pdf
Obsolete term which originated when everything was done via snail mail and instructions for the next steps were mailed in a packet to you from the consulate
Better way to think about the process is by Step 1.. Step 2.. etc .. and instructions and notifications come electronically now email or your USCIS account.
For a visit ? Definitely not if he doesn't already have a visitors visa.. and a strong possibility of denied entry, given the already declared immigration intent, if he does have one already.
Most of your questions are fully answered in the Instructions for the I130 which is found on the USCIS website
photos can be scanned and placed 4-6 to a page on a word document
You can email the consulate and explain the circumstances . The worst that will happen is they will refuse to delay /hold over the process. You then start again when you are ready
Pay the first fee.. pay the second fee as soon as they open it up .. start filing all documents and completing DS and I864. No order required for the documents ..
You have secured work outside the US. That and your suggested travel pattern for your spouse will raise red flags. Not advisable.
She should apply for the reentry permit. She can request it to be sent to the HCM consulate for pick up but she must not leave the US until
1. she has the notice of action for the application
AND
2. she has either completed the required biometrics or has bern notified that biometrics on file have been reused.
This will give her 2 years from the date if issue of the permit when she can reenter the US without being presumed to have abandoned her LPR status
If you have a current c1d visa in hand you will be ok to work within the scope of that visa. Applying fir spouse visa will not be affected by the C1d. However you may face a denial of a new c1d if you need to apply for it before the spouse visa is approved (18 months approx). This is because the spouse visa application will demonstrate immigrant intent and the c1d is non immigrant.