Background: My parents are currently residing in Abu Dhabi, UAE. They both have 10 years visitor visa for USA.
1- if we want to process my mom’s GC in USA, Is it necessary that my Mom be present in USA when I file the petition?
For adjustment of status (AOS) and to file I485 she needs to be in USA. You can do consular processing (CP), if she is outside USA.
2- How much time it will take normally to get the petition approved?
Depends on the service center, 3-6 months.
3- In order to gain time, If I file the petition in advance while Mom is still outside USA, will she be able to enter USA on her existing nonimmigrant visitor visa?
You will be taking a chance. One should not enter US on a non immigrant visa with an immigrant intent. That said, people have done it. However, you should be prepared to be sent back from port of entry.
4- After getting the petition approval, we suppose that the next step will be for her to file her GC application for which she must be present in USA. Is it correct?
Yes. However, if she is in US, I130 and I485 package can be filed together
5- We also assume that the petition , GC application and I-131 all can be filed together to save time – Is it true?
Yes.
6- how soon can she apply for the I -131 application for advance parole to come out of USA on a valid reason ( Is visiting the husband’s work place to join him, considered a geuine valid reason for this purpose?).
You can file it alongwith I485.
7- What is the time taken for getting the I-131 approval, and then once she gets I-131 approved, what is the earliest stage, when she can actually travel to go out of USA? Is it possible that immediately after applying for her GC, she can travel out of USA and return before the GC is approved to complete the balance process of getting SSN, Insurance etc?
It depends, 3-4 months. Please check USCIS processing timelines.
She needs to be in US for fingerprints (towards the beginning of process) and for interview (at the end of process).
8- How soon after applying for her GC, can she get her Social Security Number, Health Insurance cover, Driving License, bank account etc. ? can some of this be done in advance while the GC application is under process or does she have twait until she gets the GC aproved?
SSN can be obtained after I765 (Employment authorization)
9- What is the fastest route for her which u can advise?
Right now AOS is moving faster than CP.
Thanks in advance,
KG