Help in sponsoring parent

[byobanana]

I am a US citizen. My mom is visiting the US on a vistors visa. I would like to sponsor her while she is here. Is it possible to do so while she remains here in the US or does she have to go back? Civil violence is taking place back in her country and I would not like her to go back anytime soon as I am worried about her safety.
If she can remain here in the US while I file for her, what happens to her visitors visa? Will she be able to leave the US or does she have to wait for her file to process?
What forms do I need to fill out to file for her and what papers will I require to submit if it is possible to file. What is AOS and CP?
I have read a little about the I130 and I-485, but I am confused. Do I need to fill both forms out for her and do I need to send them at the same time. Is there a place where I can see a step by step checklist of what I need to do.

Any help will greatly be appreciated.

[PraetorianXI]

Yes, you can file for her while she is here and she can stay here until a decision is made. Her visitor visa will eventually be voided. But she will change to an "AOS Pending" status, even past her I-94 expiration date.

You should wait at least 90 days from her arrival to file all the paperwork. The main two are the I-130, I-485... along with some other required: I-864, I-694. G-325.

Here is a step by step guide: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/in...age=i130guide2 (just change the word spouse for mother).

[Jackolantern]

The waiting 90 days is VERY important ... apply too soon, and they will assume that she arrived in the US intending to immigrate rather than visit under the terms of her visa.

[byobanana]

Thank you very much for your responses. . Do you think it is better to use an immigration attorney. I just don't want to mess up or make any mistakes, but at the same time I'm not sure if I can afford it.

[PraetorianXI]

Originally Posted by byobanana

Thank you very much for your responses. . Do you think it is better to use an immigration attorney. I just don't want to mess up or make any mistakes, but at the same time I'm not sure if I can afford it.

no.

[Jackolantern]

Originally Posted by byobanana

Thank you very much for your responses. . Do you think it is better to use an immigration attorney. I just don't want to mess up or make any mistakes, but at the same time I'm not sure if I can afford it.

If you aren't confident with the procedures, it would not be a bad idea to see an attorney for a one-time consultation of one or two hours. Gather the documents and fill out the forms to the best of your ability, explain the details of your situation and your mother's situation (how and when she arrived in the US, etc.) then have the attorney look it over line by line, and ask for clarifications if you're not sure what to write for some of the questions, and ask if there are any additional documents you should get (and why). That should cost you no more than a few hundred dollars.

But don't bother to have the attorney process it end-to-end, which would cost thousands.

[byobanana]

Thanks Jack. I guess I'll sleep on it and decide.

[byobanana]

Hey guys. I'm ready and preparing the application. A quick question. With the I-485 packet that was indicated in the link above, there are additional forms like the I-864, I-131 and etc. Do I send these documents in separately or do I send them all in together with the I-485 ?

[Atlanta_Brother]

byobanana,

All the forms are sent together as one package to the following address:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
P.O. Box 805887
Chicago, IL 60680-4120

[byobanana]

SO the I-485 and I-131 go in one packet

[Atlanta_Brother]

Originally Posted by byobanana

SO the I-485 and I-131 go in one packet

Yes, I-485, I-131, I-130, I-765, I-864, I-693 and G325a (4 pages) all go in one package.

[byobanana]

Since my mom is here already on a visitors visa, do I also have to submit her I-693 immediately with her I-485 application, or does UCSIS notify my mom later on after I submit the I-130 and I-485 application on when to take the I-693.

[PraetorianXI]

Originally Posted by byobanana

Since my mom is here already on a visitors visa, do I also have to submit her I-693 immediately with her I-485 application, or does UCSIS notify my mom later on after I submit the I-130 and I-485 application on when to take the I-693.

Read the instructions... it says it is part of the INITIAL evidence.

You need to send the I-693. WITH the I-485.

[byobanana]

Got it. Thanks.