I-130 questions

[Charlie Smith]

Hi,

I am about to fill in an i-130 and I have a few questions relating to it.

My wife is US citizen, I am not, we are both currently living overseas. When we fill in the form and its processed (however long that takes) What happens then?, are we then allowed to enter the USA? or is there more to process after the I-130?

After the I-130 is processed and approved, is there a time in which I must enter the USA? eg. Do I have to enter the USA within say 60 days of the I-130 being approved.?

What does the I-130 actually give me? Does it give me a green card, or does it lead to another process where I can file for a green card?

Once approved, am I allowed to work in the USA or do I also need to apply for a work related visa?

Thanks very much!

[Adrian Gruber]

Understanding the I-130 Process

Hi,

I am about to fill in an i-130 and I have a few questions relating to it.

My wife is US citizen, I am not, we are both currently living overseas. When we fill in the form and its processed (however long that takes) What happens then?, are we then allowed to enter the USA? or is there more to process after the I-130?

After the I-130 is processed and approved, is there a time in which I must enter the USA? eg. Do I have to enter the USA within say 60 days of the I-130 being approved.?

What does the I-130 actually give me? Does it give me a green card, or does it lead to another process where I can file for a green card?

Once approved, am I allowed to work in the USA or do I also need to apply for a work related visa?

Thanks very much!

Good morning Charlie,
I'm limited in responding to your inquiry and I am not an attorney.
The purpose of the I-130 is to establish that you are an immediate relative or spouse of a US citizen.
Your spouse is the petitioner/you are the beneficiary
The I-130 takes about 5 months for approval provided all documentation is in order. (I-130 gives no immigration benefits to the beneficiary)
Once its approved you may apply for AOS-"Adjustment of Status"=Green Card using form I-485
I-485 is based on your "Priority Date" on your approved I-130 document know as a "Notice of Action-797c" document.
If you are granted the I-130 based on marriage to a US Citizen you do not have to wait for a Visa # based on a priority date. Again thats if all toyr documentation is in order.
Money wise for both the I-130 and the I-485 you are looking about $2000 plus the cost of the Civil Surgeon exam.