What form is most important to send off first when married?

[EmilyJD 0]

I Just got married to my American partner. We got sent a pack of all the paperwork we would need for me to stay in america with him (i am english). 

The documents are:

i-130

i-130a

i-765

i-485

i-693

i-131

i-864

What is it we need to do first to start the process? We was told on the phone that while it is pending i can remain in the USA. 

But which form is the main one and can i fill out the others while the most important one is pending?

I understand that it is probably best to send it all off together but i am getting very confused with the amount of paperwork given to us and we have a limited time to start the process as my visa will expire in 1 month and i do not want to be here illegally!

 

Thank you for any help you can give me, My husband and i will be eternally grateful! 

[debbiedoo 2,339]

Send them all together. Most of them are MEANT to be sent together

 

not sending something only delays things like working and the ability to travel sooner than waiting for AOS to complete

[geowrian 22,335]

The I-130 is the petiton and I-485 is the application for permanent residence. These would be filed concurrently in your case.

The I-130A is required for an I-130 petition for a spouse.

The I-864 is required for family-based AOS.

The I-693 is required for AOS (used to be able to send it later as it was onl;y valid for 1 year and AOS can take longer, but a change in policy effective Nov. 1 changes that).

The I-765 and I-131 are optional but highly suggested so you can work and travel abroad (and return) after approval of those forms. There are no fees for these forms when filed due to an I-485.

 

tldr; Send them all together

NOTE: Don't forget to include all supporting documentation for each form.

Edited October 30, 2018 by geowrian

[Ryan H 3,790]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Progress Reports to Adjustment of Status from Work, Student, & Tourist Visas forum.