I'm a US-born citizen who's been living abroad for the last 4 years. I do NOT meet the minimum requirement to file, so I have not done so in the past and plan to include a testimonial to that effect when the paperwork is filed (i hope to plan the I-30, D-230 and I-864 concurrently, if they let me, speed things up!). I will have one of my parents sponsor me. My parent has an income level of approximately 90,000USD. Do I need to worry, or am I ok?

As soon as these papers are filed I plan to fly back immediately, secure employment and living arrangements,etc. before my wife comes over. Any guidance you kind folks can give would be highly appreciated.

Hello there. Your parent would be joint sponsoring your wife not sponsoring you. If they fill out the I-864 as a joint sponsor and provide all the appropriate documents, you will be fine on the financial side of things.

I don't see why you need to return to the US immediately, unless you're making the decision based on personal and financial reasons rather than immigration reasons. I believe domicile requirements are stricter in China than in London (the office I'm going through), but you shouldn't have to go immediately after filing to re-establish US domicile.

I did what you are suggesting. I left Germany the day after I filed the I-130. They obviously didn't care as long as my residency permit was valid and had been. China may be different, make sure you ask. Don't use a US address for yourself on the I-130 on the first page. They will send that sucker right back to you.