Confused with the order of forms to file

[MichaelM 0]

Hello all, I am new to the forum and after about a month of research I find I am still a little confused about the whole process.

Here is my situation;

I am a USA citizen born in the USA, I met a wonderful woman on vacation in Costa Rica last November. We started dating and communicating via skype she visited 4 times for 7-10 days each time over the last 11 months, we got engaged 6 months after meeting and married shortly thereafter. We have been married for 3 months.

This is a legitimate relationship. By coming to the USA she will lose everything. She is a Pharmacist in CR and will lose her license coming here, she has no friends or family here only me.

What I am confused about is what forms to file and in what order.

I know step 1 is to file;

I-130 Petition for alien Relative

G-325a for both her and myself

I-864 Affidavit of Support

DS-230 Required still?

Questions;

1. Besides the I-130, and G-325a's what other forms should be concurrently filed at the same time?

2. Should I file the I-485 with this package?

3. I-684, My job is unstable right now, if I file for this and lose my job while it is in processing will I lose my $1000 and need to refile when re-employed?

Thank you in advance for any advice you can give.

Sincerely,

Michael

[Ryan H 3,925]

My answers in bold:

I-130 Petition for alien Relative Yes

G-325a for both her and myself Include with I-130

I-864 Affidavit of Support Not until your file reaches the NVC

DS-230 Required still? Required when your file reaches the NVC

Questions;

1. Besides the I-130, and G-325a's what other forms should be concurrently filed at the same time? No other forms needed, do include evidence of your relationship and any required documents as spelled out in the I-130 instructions.

2. Should I file the I-485 with this package? No, that form is for the Adjustment of Status process, a process your wife will not be doing because she will be issued a green card on arrival since a CR-1 visa is an immigrant visa. Green card on arrival is issued in the form of an I-551 stamp, the actual card will arrive a short time later.

3. I-684, My job is unstable right now, if I file for this and lose my job while it is in processing will I lose my $1000 and need to refile when re-employed? Are you talking about the Form I-864 (never heard of I-684)? You don't need to think about the I-864 until you receive your NOA2 from USCIS and the file is at the NVC

Thank you in advance for any advice you can give.

Sincerely,

Michael

[Anh map 2,098]

The guides here on VJ are very helpful. >>>> http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide1

[MichaelM 0]

Thank you both! I will start with the guide.

quick question i noticed reading the guide

Do I have to send out the marriage certificate and immigrants birth certificate for translation and "certification"? OR can I get it translated locally by a bilingual friend and not certified?

"Note 14: USCIS no longer routinely requires submission of original documents or "certified copies." Instead, ordinary legible photocopies of such documents (including naturalization certificates and alien registration cards)will "be acceptable for initial filing and approval of petitions and applications."

At the discretion of the officer, original documents may still be required in individual cases. Please be advised that USCIS no longer returns original documents submitted with the exception of Certificates of Naturalization, Forms I-551, Permanent Resident Card, Forms I-94, Arrival/Departure Document, valid passports, or those specifically requested by the officer. Such documents will be returned when they are no longer needed.

The guides here on VJ are very helpful. >>>> http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide1