I-130 approved for my wife. What next?

[vishu_gupta]

My sister in law had filed I-130 for my wife in Dec 2009 which has got approved this week. We are also in US. I have few queries on this -

What is the next step? I read that we need to fill I-485 but then there is priority date. I am somewhat confused. I am planning to engage a lawyer but then not sure if its the right time.
How much time does it take to get green card from now on?

Thanks for help!

[rayb]

Most sibling petitions (sister to sister) take about 12 years for visa slots to be available, even if the petition is approved, 23 years for Filipinos. Confirm that your wife's visa class is "F4," sibling, and country of status, and go to the most current visa bulletin to see what priority date year is current. If you wife's Priority Date falls in 2009, the soonest she is eligible for a visa ("current") is about six more years.

If you submit the I-485 now, it will be denied and you will lose the $1,070 submittal fee. If you pay an attorney to get involved now, and he is "honest," you should lose only a consultation fee.

--Ray B

My sister in law had filed I-130 for my wife in Dec 2009 which has got approved this week. We are also in US. I have few queries on this -

What is the next step? I read that we need to fill I-485 but then there is priority date. I am somewhat confused. I am planning to engage a lawyer but then not sure if its the right time.
How much time does it take to get green card from now on?

Thanks for help!

[vishu_gupta]

Most sibling petitions (sister to sister) take about 12 years for visa slots to be available, even if the petition is approved, 23 years for Filipinos. Confirm that your wife's visa class is "F4," sibling, and country of status, and go to the most current visa bulletin to see what priority date year is current. If you wife's Priority Date falls in 2009, the soonest she is eligible for a visa ("current") is about six more years.

If you submit the I-485 now, it will be denied and you will lose the $1,070 submittal fee. If you pay an attorney to get involved now, and he is "honest," you should lose only a consultation fee.

--Ray B

Thanks Ray! I checked the priority dates and its currently on 01JAN01. So a long way across as you mentioned. Thanks for your guidance.

Thanks - Vishal