When do I submit the affidavit of support for my parents?

Question

I'm a US citizen and filed an immigration petition for my parents. They live in Mexico, and currently have a tourist visa, but they wish to stay in the United States permanently. I submitted the I130 for both of them on January and just today, I received letters from the Department of Homeland Security that tell me that both petitions have been approved. They sent the petitions to the National Visa Center. Then, my parents will be scheduled an appointment in the US consulate in Ciudad Juarez. My question is, do I need to mail the affidavit of support before that interview, or would it be ok just to take all the paperwork on the day of the interview and give it to the people in the consulate directly?

Answer 1

After the immigrant visa number is "current" for your parents, you will get notice from USCIS to submit Affidavit of Support for your parents to get immigrant visa.  

The USCIS Form I-864 - Affidavit of Support is required for family-sponsored immigration. An affidavit of support is a guarantee to U.S. government that an immigrant will not become a public charge. The affidavit could be offered by the petition sponsor or someone who could provide financial assistance to the immigrant in the event that such help would be necessary.

All petitioners, regardless of whether or not they have been working or living in the U.S. since the past three years, must submit a notarized Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, for the beneficiaries of the petitions. The determination of a possible public charge must be made in all cases. A public charge is defined as someone who cannot support him or herself, and may therefore become reliable on the adopted country - the United States. (http://www.greencardfamily.com/parent/pa...

Answer 2

Either way is fine as long as your parents have it before the interview.