Egyptian asking about the steps to obtain green card

[KBibars 0]

I am an Egyptian citizen  recently  married to an american citizen , we both reside in Egypt at the moment and we are looking into relocating to the USA. 

 

We wanted to ask about the following : 

1. What is the process to apply for me to be eligible to work in the US 
2. If my wife has to be in the US to file any papers regarding the immigration ? if no then how to apply from here ? 
3. Must she have a job & or residence while filing ?
4. What are the required documents for such process?
5. What are the average fees for such a process?

Thanks alot for your help and hope you could help me on this , thanks 

[vegasbound 83]

You can find all the answers here; 

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/immigrate/family/immediate-relative.html

 

Also here on VJ for a useful guide:

 

http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide1

 

Good luck!

[geowrian 22,344]

You will need a CR-1 (spousal) visa. Here is the guide:

http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide1

NOTE: The G-325As are no longer needed, but an I-130A is now required.

1. Upon entry on a CR-1 visa, you will have permanent residency and can work (using the I-551 stamp in your passport until the physical green card arrives). An SSN is still needed, but can usually be obtained pretty quickly after entry.
2. She can file the papers from anywhere. Unfortunately, I don't see DCF being available in Egypt, so you need to go through the "regular" process like most people. ETA: 12-14 months on average.
3. 2 parts...
   1. She must have US domicile, or show sufficient evidence of intent to establish US domicile.
   2. She must file an I-864 showing her capability (125% of the poverty guideline) and willingness to support you so you do not become a public charge. If she doesn't meet this requirement, then she can find a USC or LPR joint sponsor. Only income from a source that will continue after returning to the US qualifies (i.e. she cannot count income from a job in Egypt that won't continue after returning to the US).
4. See the guide referenced above.
5. Fees:
   1. I-130: $535
   2. NVC visa fee + I-864: $445
   3. Medical: Varies by country
   4. Immigrant Fee (to get the physical green card after approval): $220
   5. Other: Flights, paperwork (police certs, translations, etc.)

Edited July 31, 2017 by geowrian

[KBibars 0]

I will get to reading this of course but two more questions if I may , 

 

Does anyone knows HOW can I file it overseas and if its is in anyway BETTER/FASTER for my spouse to travel there in person to file the papers?

Is it better to have legal advice with me and if yes would you please refer me to 1 or 2 so I can contact them ? 

[geowrian 22,344]

Just now, KBibars said:

I will get to reading this of course but two more questions if I may , 

 

Does anyone knows HOW can I file it overseas and if its is in anyway BETTER/FASTER for my spouse to travel there in person to file the papers?

Is it better to have legal advice with me and if yes would you please refer me to 1 or 2 so I can contact them ? 

1. The first part is sending the I-130 petition (+ supporting documents). The USCIS website lists the filing location: https://www.uscis.gov/i-130-addresses
2. The process can be done yourself fine. If you have a complicated case, professional help is suggested. Nothing in particular jumps out as an issue in your case (albeit Egypt is a difficult embassy, but no lawyer can do anything about that). The decision to seek professional help or not is yours alone. Most people on VJ tend to do it themselves, but YMMV.