where to file I-130 and I-485?

[anjafromsweden]

I am an H1B married to a USC and about to start assembling the paper work. I have a few quick questions:

1. I understand that the I-485 with all supporting forms shouuld now be sent to Chicago. But should we still send the I-130 to the local service center (we live in DC) and only submit a copy with the I-485?

2. How long does it usually take until you get the EAD? My H1B expires in exactly 89 days, and with the holidays and me needing another couple of weeks to assemble the application, I'm worried I won't get it in time.

3. I am planning to leave the country on my H1B for the holidays. So, the I-94 number that I put on the application will change when I come back into the country in January. Will this affect my application? Should I wait until January to file my application?

Thanks in advance!

 

[ari4u]

I am an H1B married to a USC and about to start assembling the paper work. I have a few quick questions:

1. I understand that the I-485 with all supporting forms shouuld now be sent to Chicago. But should we still send the I-130 to the local service center (we live in DC) and only submit a copy with the I-485?
You send I-130, I-485 and the rest of the forms in one package to the chicago lock box. The service centers no longer accept family based GC appliations.


2. How long does it usually take until you get the EAD? My H1B expires in exactly 89 days, and with the holidays and me needing another couple of weeks to assemble the application, I'm worried I won't get it in time.
EAD gets approved ~30-90 days from the ND. You can look at the EAD timeline here to see how others are doing. http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?t=187359

3. I am planning to leave the country on my H1B for the holidays. So, the I-94 number that I put on the application will change when I come back into the country in January. Will this affect my application? Should I wait until January to file my application?
It wont affect your application. You can make copies of your current I-94 for future reference. Yes, you would get a new I-94 when you re-enter.

Thanks in advance!