I have an I140 + marrying a US citizen, need inputs

[kuldeepsingh]

Hey ya'll,

I'm an Indian citizen living in California, on an H1-B and have an approved I-140 with a priority date of June 2016. I'm going to get married to a US citizen next week and wondering what are immediate next steps? Do I find an immigration lawyer to file a 485? What is a 130? Do I need one? Can I do both at the same time? Info on costs, timeframes would be really appreciated.

Thanks

[ember]

Hey ya'll,

I'm an Indian citizen living in California, on an H1-B and have an approved I-140 with a priority date of June 2016. I'm going to get married to a US citizen next week and wondering what are immediate next steps? Do I find an immigration lawyer to file a 485? What is a 130? Do I need one? Can I do both at the same time? Info on costs, timeframes would be really appreciated.

Thanks

I130 is the petition your spouse submits for you. This is required.
I485 is the application you submit to adjust status. This is required.
I-765 is the work authorization application.
I-131 is the travel authorization application.

You can & should submit the I130 & I485 at the same time as one packet with all required evidence for both.
You can also submit the I765 & I131 with that same packet as well, if you want work & travel authorization (since you already have this, you can decide if you want to switch).

Cost for I130 is $595.
Cost for I485 is like $1225 or something (you can see on uscis.gov, I am only going by memory)
Cost for I765 & I131 is nothing. It is free.

It will take about 8-12 months. It can be as little as 5 months or as long as 2+years (not normal but it happens). But I think most are within the 8-12 month range. Also depends on where you live.

Many people hire a lawyer, and many do not. We had a lawyer come to the interview but did not hire one to prepare and submit the application packet. If you have any issues or weird things (criminal, overstay, you and your fiancee/wife don't live together, children in India, etc. etc.) then probably you should get a lawyer.

That is just my opinion, though.

[newacct]

Cost for I-130 is $535. I-485 is $1225.