(I-765 First) or (I-130 + I-485 + I-765)

[gyucism]

Hi!

Newbie member looking for some advise.

I am a US Citizen engaged to a F1 student from Hong Kong finishing school this August(2009).
We plan to get married in court first probably in a couple months until we can save more for a good wedding.

I've done tons of research online and learned that after our marriage, I need to file I-130 I-485 and I-765.
I am still not sure if this is all of them... If anyone knows of any more forms please let me know.

Since the forms are so expensive, I was wondering:
1) If she should apply for OPT which is the same as I-765 I think, first, which will at least allow her to work for a while until we save enough to file I-130 and I-485.

Or

2) Is it better just to take the hit and apply all at once?

Also, it seems impossible to get hold of someone to talk to at USCIS to ask questions... Any advise on this?

Any help/advise would be greatly appreciated.

[mmadsen55]

I am not very familiar with OPT ,but from the link below, it looks like the I-765 has to be filed anyway with OPT?? OPT is just one of the ways you are eligible for the EAD. OPT also seems to have many restrictions on what type of work and how many hours. It seems to me since you have to do I-765 regardless, it would be better to file it based on the adjustment of status??

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/usc...0045f3d6a1RCRD

There are some other forms that need to be filled out, but should be noted on the I-130 and I-765...for example, there is a biographical data form G-325, an affidavit of support I-864 and some others may be necessary depending on the conditions for you are filing. The instructions for two main forms I-130 and I-485 should spell out clearly what other forms you may need.

At the USCIS Website....www.uscis.gov there is more information and also something called INFOPASS. It is a process where you can make an appointment at your closest ICE office and talk to someone in person. Here is the link for that.

http://infopass.uscis.gov/

[gyucism]

Thanks!

That helps.