GC for Parents - AOS and CP - Information Source

Very nice to hear that. At what point can you apply for her SSN?
I mean you may decide to wait for the card but do you know if it possible to apply with the I-130 or I-1485 approval notice copy?

I think once you get their EADs, you can apply for their SSNs, user 'efmef' did that I think based on his signature.
 
By reading your answers it appears that Green card for Parents is almost impossible to get. How come so many (116K+) GCs are given out to parents each year?
I'm sure a large number of these are the CP (file I-130 only for parent abroad, not I-485). These would have no issues with an existing visitor visa.

Many more are I-485 cases. I don't know how strict USCIS enforces the "change of mind" requirement for I-485, but given the pro/cons of all the options, we chose to overstay for a few weeks in our case.

Anyhow, could you tell what reason you gave for extension of visa?
He didn't extend and choose to overstay until the citizenship oath.

-ML

5/13/08 - Parent I-130/I-485/I-765/I-131 mailed to Chicago Lockbox
5/22/08 - checks cashed, receipt numbers from Missouri MSC
5/25/08 - Notice dates for all notices
6/07/08 - Fingerprint appointment letter received
6/12/08 - Fingerprint appointment date
 
Just got back from vacation and received my notices.

Looks like USCIS is doing something new (at least compared to my AOS process a few years back). The receipt numbers are now machine-stamped on the checks and are not the official receipt notices for the application. They are a few digits prior.

Here are the numbers in my case:
MSCXXXXXXXXX0 - stamped on $355 canceled check
MSCXXXXXXXXX1 - stamped on $1010 canceled check
MSCXXXXXXXXX2 - I-485 receipt notice
MSCXXXXXXXXX3 - unknown, invalid number per web site
MSCXXXXXXXXX4 - unknown, invalid number per web site
MSCXXXXXXXXX5 - I-130 receipt notice
MSCXXXXXXXXX6 - I-765 receipt notice
MSCXXXXXXXXX7 - I-131 receipt notice

In the past the receipt number was hand written on the check, and matched the notice number. So if you are trying to use your canceled check image in online banking to get advance notice of your receipt numbers, try a few digits after what is stamped on the checks.

-ML

5/13/08 - Parent I-130/I-485/I-765/I-131 mailed to Chicago Lockbox
5/22/08 - checks cashed, receipt numbers from Missouri MSC
5/25/08 - Notice dates for all notices
6/07/08 - Fingerprint appointment letter received
6/12/08 - Fingerprint appointment date
 
I plan to apply for my parents after they come to US on visitor Visa. I know they will need birth Cert & Marriage Cert. What are the other documents I need them to bring to US? How many original affidavits of Birth are required?

I will be applying for Mother as well as father. Do I need to send my original birth cert with the application? Do I send my original birth cert with my fathers application or mothers application? One of the application will have a copy of my birth cert, is that ok?
 
I plan to apply for my parents after they come to US on visitor Visa. I know they will need birth Cert & Marriage Cert. What are the other documents I need them to bring to US? How many original affidavits of Birth are required?
All the required documents are on the I-130 and I-485 app instructions. I suggest you complete the applications in draft before they arrive, so they can get any documentation that is missing. In particular, the I-485 asks very detailed background questions (your parent's academic, employment, and social history) so it's best if they complete it at home so they have all their records present.

You only need copies of everything for the app, but USCIS reserves the right to ask for originals later, so you should have them available. It appears that they always RFE for original Affidavit of Birth forms from parents from India so it could save time if you sent originals of those initially.


I will be applying for Mother as well as father. Do I need to send my original birth cert with the application? Do I send my original birth cert with my fathers application or mothers application? One of the application will have a copy of my birth cert, is that ok?
Per above, original birth certs are not initially required and per postings here, USCIS does not later RFE for them.

-ML

5/13/08 - Parent I-130/I-485/I-765/I-131 mailed to Chicago Lockbox
5/22/08 - checks cashed, receipt numbers from Missouri MSC
5/25/08 - Notice dates for all notices
5/29/08 - LUD I-130/I-485/I-765/I-131 (received and pending at NBC)
6/07/08 - Fingerprint appointment letter received
6/12/08 - Fingerprint appointment date
6/12/08 - LUD I-485/I-765 (no change, still received and pending at NBC)

All, please post updates to your timelines, thanks.
 
Thanks ml_Boston

Thanks a lot ml_Boston. It helps a lot.

All the required documents are on the I-130 and I-485 app instructions. I suggest you complete the applications in draft before they arrive, so they can get any documentation that is missing. In particular, the I-485 asks very detailed background questions (your parent's academic, employment, and social history) so it's best if they complete it at home so they have all their records present.

You only need copies of everything for the app, but USCIS reserves the right to ask for originals later, so you should have them available. It appears that they always RFE for original Affidavit of Birth forms from parents from India so it could save time if you sent originals of those initially.



Per above, original birth certs are not initially required and per postings here, USCIS does not later RFE for them.

-ML

5/13/08 - Parent I-130/I-485/I-765/I-131 mailed to Chicago Lockbox
5/22/08 - checks cashed, receipt numbers from Missouri MSC
5/25/08 - Notice dates for all notices
5/29/08 - LUD I-130/I-485/I-765/I-131 (received and pending at NBC)
6/07/08 - Fingerprint appointment letter received
6/12/08 - Fingerprint appointment date
6/12/08 - LUD I-485/I-765 (no change, still received and pending at NBC)

All, please post updates to your timelines, thanks.
 
The thread started long back, Is the address for sending the application same as before? Chicago Lockbox?

Chicago Lockbox
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
P.O. Box 805887
Chicago, IL 60680-4120
 
Great Forum!!!
What are the requirements to maintain GC after getting one? How many days you need to be in US each year? The following site says it is not enough to visit once a year.
http://www.immigration.com/faq/greenvisa.html#144 We are double minded as my parents may not be willing to live here or may not want to come here every year. What are the advantages of getting GC? I know you can get additional dependent on your tax return. I have also heared that parents become eligible for Medicaid after they live here for 5 years. Any other Major advantages which are not discussed in Immigration.com forum? They do not get Medicare if they never worked in US for 10 years. I hear lot of Doctors do not accept Medicaid. They all want Medicare...
 
How much are the total expenses per person for filling GC after coming to US? I am looking for Approximate amount. Thanks in advance.
 
How much are the total expenses per person for filling GC after coming to US? I am looking for Approximate amount. Thanks in advance.

$1010 for the I-485
$355 for the I-130
$100 - $400 for the medical exam (depending on location)
$10 - $50 for pictures (depending on whether you submit I-131/I-765)
$10 - $50 for shipping in forms (depending on method)

$1485 - $1865 Total

-ML

5/13/08 - Parent I-130/I-485/I-765/I-131 mailed to Chicago Lockbox
5/22/08 - checks cashed, receipt numbers from Missouri MSC
5/25/08 - Notice dates for all notices
5/29/08 - LUD I-130/I-485/I-765/I-131 (received and pending at NBC)
6/07/08 - Fingerprint appointment letter received
6/12/08 - Fingerprint appointment date
6/12/08 - LUD I-485/I-765 (no change, still received and pending at NBC)

All, please post updates to your timelines, thanks.
 
Thanks a million ml_boston

Thanks a million ml_boston

$1010 for the I-485
$355 for the I-130
$100 - $400 for the medical exam (depending on location)
$10 - $50 for pictures (depending on whether you submit I-131/I-765)
$10 - $50 for shipping in forms (depending on method)

$1485 - $1865 Total

-ML

5/13/08 - Parent I-130/I-485/I-765/I-131 mailed to Chicago Lockbox
5/22/08 - checks cashed, receipt numbers from Missouri MSC
5/25/08 - Notice dates for all notices
5/29/08 - LUD I-130/I-485/I-765/I-131 (received and pending at NBC)
6/07/08 - Fingerprint appointment letter received
6/12/08 - Fingerprint appointment date
6/12/08 - LUD I-485/I-765 (no change, still received and pending at NBC)

All, please post updates to your timelines, thanks.
 
Is it cheaper to do Consular processing?
How much does it cost for consular processing? What costs are different?

Also is it risky to Adjust the status because the intent was non immigrant when they entered US?

$1010 for the I-485
$355 for the I-130
$100 - $400 for the medical exam (depending on location)
$10 - $50 for pictures (depending on whether you submit I-131/I-765)
$10 - $50 for shipping in forms (depending on method)

$1485 - $1865 Total

-ML

5/13/08 - Parent I-130/I-485/I-765/I-131 mailed to Chicago Lockbox
5/22/08 - checks cashed, receipt numbers from Missouri MSC
5/25/08 - Notice dates for all notices
5/29/08 - LUD I-130/I-485/I-765/I-131 (received and pending at NBC)
6/07/08 - Fingerprint appointment letter received
6/12/08 - Fingerprint appointment date
6/12/08 - LUD I-485/I-765 (no change, still received and pending at NBC)

All, please post updates to your timelines, thanks.
 
I-131 and I-765 approved email today morning (12:15 a.m. from INS)

My Timeline

This is for both my parents -
SENT 130, 485, 131, 765 on 2/27/2008
Received Receipt Notices - 03/5/2008
Completed FP on 3/27/2008
Received RFE for Birth Certificate on 3/19/2008
Sent RFE reponse on 3/31/2008
RFE response received by USCIS on 4/3/2008
LUD, Message and EMail from USCIS for 485 - RFE response received and case resumed - 04/06/2008
AP and EAD LUD - 06/2/2008
AP and EAD Approved Email - 6/20/2008
 
Hello BM,
congrats.
Just one question. Were your parents here in US for finger prints? IF parents are in india , is there a provision to give FP in india?
 
Hi MALS

My parents were in USA during the fingure print time. They came over here on Visitor Visa and I did the change of status for them. So, they went for fingure prints at Newark, NJ location.

Bm13
 
Thanks BM,

All,
Please letme know how to apply GC when parents in india.
Will finger prints be taken in india?
What all forms Ishould fill and what all documents I need to attach. Any pointers would be helpful
 
$1010 for the I-485
$355 for the I-130
$100 - $400 for the medical exam (depending on location)
$10 - $50 for pictures (depending on whether you submit I-131/I-765)
$10 - $50 for shipping in forms (depending on method)

$1485 - $1865 Total

-ML

5/13/08 - Parent I-130/I-485/I-765/I-131 mailed to Chicago Lockbox
5/22/08 - checks cashed, receipt numbers from Missouri MSC
5/25/08 - Notice dates for all notices
5/29/08 - LUD I-130/I-485/I-765/I-131 (received and pending at NBC)
6/07/08 - Fingerprint appointment letter received
6/12/08 - Fingerprint appointment date
6/12/08 - LUD I-485/I-765 (no change, still received and pending at NBC)

All, please post updates to your timelines, thanks.

ML, did you hire a lawyer also? Would you recommend hiring one for parents GC?
 
How much are the total expenses per person for filling GC after coming to US? I am looking for Approximate amount. Thanks in advance.

I'm sure it is cheaper to do Consulate processing but there are several drawbacks. It takes one year based on current timeline and during that time you cannot travel to US even if you have a valid B1/B2 visa. Secondly your parents have to get police certificate from every place they stayed which is logistically tough. It can be a huge pain.
 
Top