Question about starting the process for my wife and I

[JPMS]

Hi
My wife and I are about to start our Green Card process and i wanted to get some advice.

our story:
- I am Canadian and my wife is an American citizen.
- We were married july 5th 2013 at which time I was in the USA on a TN visa.
- When the TN expired I went back to Toronto and our plan at the time was to live in Toronto. At this time we started all the paperwork for Canadian immigration
- Right befor appling for Canadian status for my wife, we were offered work in China where we then lived for 6 months
- After China I ended up in Toronto and she in the US where we both started to look for work with the intention to continue our Canadian immigration process
- Over 2 months ago I came down for a visit on a visitors visa(6months) in which time my wife has landed a good job and we have decided that it would be better to be here around her family and with her new job for i was not getting any bites up in Toronto

So from what I understand, the first thing we need to do is submit the I-130 and once that gets approved we can submit the I-485, I-765 and I-131 ?
Are those last 3 forms submitted at the same time?
Also, is it highly suggested to use a lawyer? I have spoken to a few for advice, but we would rather not spend all that extra money if it is not crucial. Our close friends did the process with out lawyers and said it was fine

Thank you!

[mastpakistani]

Question about starting the process for my wife and I

I am not an immigration expert but so far here is my experience and knowledge, I am applying for mine with out a lawyer from toronto as Canadian citizen with an American citizen (Spouse). You probably can submit adjustment of status as visitor ( please confirm this) but getting your green card with in US takes longer period of time and I am assuming it's easier as your spouse is in US. It takes approximately 9 month to get green card from Canada depends all paper work is straight.

I submitted I130 initially then affidavit of support and police clearance ( do check if you need a certificate from china)

Rest if you can afford hire a lawyer but I suggest going through this process with out a lawyer is OK
Good luck eah

[rayb]

If you will be in the U.S. while being processed, submit all your forms at one time.

IF you will be processed in Canada, only submit the I-130 petition initially.

You don't need to pay an attorney $2,000 (more or less) to fill out your forms if you are methodical, read the instructions, AND HAVE A THIRD PARTY WITH EXPERIENCE CHECK YOUR WORK BEFORE SUBMITTING.

--Ray B

Hi
My wife and I are about to start our Green Card process and i wanted to get some advice.

our story:
- I am Canadian and my wife is an American citizen.
- We were married july 5th 2013 at which time I was in the USA on a TN visa.
- When the TN expired I went back to Toronto and our plan at the time was to live in Toronto. At this time we started all the paperwork for Canadian immigration
- Right befor appling for Canadian status for my wife, we were offered work in China where we then lived for 6 months
- After China I ended up in Toronto and she in the US where we both started to look for work with the intention to continue our Canadian immigration process
- Over 2 months ago I came down for a visit on a visitors visa(6months) in which time my wife has landed a good job and we have decided that it would be better to be here around her family and with her new job for i was not getting any bites up in Toronto

So from what I understand, the first thing we need to do is submit the I-130 and once that gets approved we can submit the I-485, I-765 and I-131 ?
Are those last 3 forms submitted at the same time?
Also, is it highly suggested to use a lawyer? I have spoken to a few for advice, but we would rather not spend all that extra money if it is not crucial. Our close friends did the process with out lawyers and said it was fine

Thank you!

[JPMS]

Thank you mastpakistani, I will be in the U.S when applying, not Canada

Yes Ray, i will be staying in the U.S and do not plan to leave unless i get an I-131 form to allow me to travel and not mess up the process.
When submitting all 4 forums, would i send in the total payment at that time? If im adding corret its:

I-485 - Adjustment of status - $1070
I-765 - Application for employment - $380
I-131 - Application for travel - $445
I-130 - Petition for Alien Relative - $420

TOTAL = $2,315

Also, are there any other forms that we need?

Thank you

If you will be in the U.S. while being processed, submit all your forms at one time.

IF you will be processed in Canada, only submit the I-130 petition initially.

You don't need to pay an attorney $2,000 (more or less) to fill out your forms if you are methodical, read the instructions, AND HAVE A THIRD PARTY WITH EXPERIENCE CHECK YOUR WORK BEFORE SUBMITTING.

--Ray B

[rayb]

There is no separate fee for either I-765 or I-131. Those procedures are included in your $1,070 fee payment.

--Ray B

Thank you mastpakistani, I will be in the U.S when applying, not Canada

Yes Ray, i will be staying in the U.S and do not plan to leave unless i get an I-131 form to allow me to travel and not mess up the process.
When submitting all 4 forums, would i send in the total payment at that time? If im adding corret its:

I-485 - Adjustment of status - $1070
I-765 - Application for employment - $380
I-131 - Application for travel - $445
I-130 - Petition for Alien Relative - $420

TOTAL = $2,315

Also, are there any other forms that we need?

Thank you

[JPMS]

Oh great! so the total is $1490 for the I-495 and the I-130?

There is no separate fee for either I-765 or I-131. Those procedures are included in your $1,070 fee payment.

--Ray B

[rayb]

Yes, but you will also need an immigrant medical exam, probably abut $300.

The two fees might best be paid by separate checks, $1,070 and $420.

--Ray B

Oh great! so the total is $1490 for the I-495 and the I-130?