Do i need i-130 and i-485?!!

Question

i came to the US from ireland to stay and visit the states and my family here for a solid 4 months. I have a b1/b2 at the moment. however i've met someone and we have just married. I've now looked into remaining in the US(as an alternative to her returning with me) but am slightly confused with procedure. I would like to stay here without returning home. Do i have to file both i-130 & 1-485?!its like a 1000 bucks for i485 & another 350 for i130! would it be cheaper for me to return to ireland & file just i130? although ive considered using i765 & staying also. please help!!suggestions?thanks

Answer 1

If you want to stay in US while you are waiting for your green card process, you must concurrently file I-130 and I-485 and of course you can file I-765, I-131. Once your get the Receipt Notice of I-485, you are status is Pending AOS (Adjustment of Status) status which makes you legal without any other visa to stay in US.

Approval of I-765 you will receive Employment Authorization Document Card which enables you to have Social Security Card and to work.

Yes, it is a lot of money, but you don't have to be apart from your wife.

If you choose to go with CR1/IR1 Immigrant Visa processed in your home country, it will be from 18 months to 24 months waiting for the whole process.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index....

Answer 2

yes, of course it's necessary. The I-485 eligibility is based on the filing of the I-130. if you don't file the I-130,the I-485 is meaningless. Don't forget the other forms Yak Rider mentioned, either.  

Answer 3

Your US spouse needs to file I-130, I-864 and G-325A.

You need to file I-485, I-131, I-765 and G-325A.

You need to file them all at the same time, in the same envelope.  The total cost to file is $1,365.  (The I-131, I-765 and G-325A are free when filed with the I-485.)

If you go back to Ireland it will take over a year before you'll get your visa and, in the end, you'll spend the same amount of money.  There's no cheap way to do it.