Timing of Filing Forms I-130 and I-485
I am a U.S citizen and would like to apply green card for my parents. Right now my parents are visiting me with their 6 month tourist visa. I fill out the form I-130 but as I was going through USIS site I see following statement:
“After Filing Your Petition
You will be notified by USCIS if your Form I-130 petition is approved or denied. If it is approved and your parent is outside the United States, he or she will be notified to go to the local U.S. consulate to complete visa processing.
If your parent is currently in the United States, he or she may be eligible to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status, at the same time as you file Form I-130.”
My question is, do I have to fill out Form I-485, If they just want to get a green card (They want to go home for now and return sometime in future)? Can they fill this form I-485 some other time or in their own country? I was thinking of submitting Form I-130 and send them home and may be take care of I-485 from their country, if possible.
Thanks in advance
Re: Timing of Filing Forms I-130 and I-485
Once they receive their GC, they have a limited amount of time (6 mo) to enter and establish residency in the US. You should factor this into your filing.