do not worry since you have 10 years to prepare I-485.
First step is to file I-130. It will take 2 or 3 years to approve.
Then you just wait for immigration visa quota becomes availble. it will take 12 years.
Then he could file I-485, etc.
before he could file I-485, he needs to keep status valid (such F1 or H1) just as if you did not do anything for him.
if you have shortcut, please let all of us know.