Cupertino, CA Immigration Law Firms & Lawyers

If you lost your permanent resident status, the process has to start over, essentially. So the forms to file together would be I-130, I-485, I-765, and I-131 (as well as all required supporting forms and documents, of course). The last two forms have no filing fees if filed together as one large package. If you filed only I-130, once it is approved, you will have to file the remaining forms. But until you actually get your green card or your employment authorization card (as per I-765), you may not legally work. I cannot tell you how long it will take; you may want to follow up with USCIS now and add all those remaining forms to your pending I-130 if you already have a receipt number. The USCIS must issue your work authorization within 90 days from the date they receive your I-765; that is about the only real deadline that is ever solid with them.

You should be filing both forms at the same time (assuming you are eligible to adjust your status in the US). This is the case for those who have recently married US citizens and have entered the US legally.

It would be best for you to simultaneously apply for naturalization if you are eligible. You can go ahead and file a petition for her as a resident once you are married, but she will have to wait until you naturalize before she can adjust her status. Please consult with an experienced immigration lawyer before filing any forms. Best of luck.