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Posted by ihor on May 02, 2002 at 09:25:04:
In Reply to: Change of status questions posted by Galina on May 01, 2002 at 23:51:23:
I was in precise same situation two years ago with the only difference - my parents are elderly people so work permit was not even considered. But anyway, your Mom DOES have to file her own application along with your petition. Yes, she can file an application for work permit together with her main application and though we never had to do this, I am 99% sure that while the case is pending, she can work. Now as far as where to mail it - two years ago we had to mail it to Vermont (that's our regional office, yours might be elsewhere). Go to INS site (any search engine will take you there) and find out current regulations.
If you are a citizen - then the process is pretty much straightforward, just takes long, more than a year altogether. If you are not a citizen - then I am not sure you can file at all.
And one more thing. You wrote: "I must petition for her to become a naturalized citizen." You petition for adjustment of her statue NOT to that of a citizen, but of a permanent resident. She has to apply for her citizenship herself in 5 years after receiving her Green Card.
One more note - once she gets her Green Card, she will NOT be eligible for any social programs (welfare, Medicaid/Medicare etc) until she becomes a citizen - something you should be aware of.
Good luck!
Ihor.