The beginning of the process

[Raptor 0]

Hi everyone,

I read the guide for the CR-1 visa and I think that's the one I should choose. My boyfriend and I came to the US on vacation (I'm American) for 3 months, but now we have decided we want to get married here and want to stay here instead of going back to his home country. We are getting married in a few days and plan to file the paperwork for his visa ASAP. My understanding is I can file an I-130, I-485 and his work permit request all at once. There are some things I am unsure about, though.

Is it correct for me to put together the package for the I-130 and I-485 and send it all at once to the address indicated by the I-485 instructions?

What happens between the time the Chicago lockbox receives my package and when it is sent to NVC? Does it go to some other department that requires extra stuff I don't yet realize?

I am also confused about what happens right after they receive the package. I know they send an NOA, but is that it? Do I then just have to wait until I get a Choice of Agent form and a bill for that? Then I get the I-864 package from them? If all this is right, then how come I can't just include the Choice of Agent form, payment for it and the I-864 package with my original application to save time?

If I'm supposed to get a "fee bill" for so many things, why can't I just send my payment with my whole package up front?

I'm really sorry I have so many questions. I guess I'm just starting out and it's all very confusing. I appreciate any advice! Thanks.

[canadian_wife 1,823]

Try posting this on the adjustment of status forum, you'll get more answers than the Cr-1 forum where the majority of beneficiaries are waiting outside the country

Good luck.