Does my wife need written permission

[rsm113 0]

Hi all,

My spouse is going back to her country(Colombia) to see her family, I had heard that she needs written notarized permission from me stating she can take our 2 children with her, is this true if so how do I do it.

Thanks

[Kathryn41 3,205]

The biggest concern the border officials will have about young children travelling to another country with a single parent is international abduction. To ensure that your wife has no problems, write a "To Whom It May Concern" letter that she can show officials. Identify the children by name, date of birth, passport numbers, and any distinguishing features, stating that you are fully aware that these children will be travelling out of the US to such and such a location from the dates of ____ to____ and that you give your permission for these children to travel with your wife, and then identify your wife by name, date of birth, passport number, etc. Be sure to date it, include your full name, address and contact phone number on the letter, and sign it. You can have your signature notarized if you wish for added security.

Your intent is to make sure the children are fully identified and that there is no question that she may be taking the children out of the US without your awareness and permission. This requirement is in place for your children's protection and having the letter will make their exit and re-entry to the US much easier. You may wish to provide her with more than one copy in case the border officials want to keep a copy.

Your file is still listed as K-1. I assume that your wife is not currently a K-1 and has some sort of new status in the US, either as an applicant for a green card or a green card holder. Make sure she and the children have their travel documents in order so they can return to the US as well. They will need AP if they are still waiting for green card approval, unless the children have derivative citizenship in which case they just need their US passports.