Ready to File I-130 for Step-Son

[Mike n Huong 1]

I have been researching the process of bringing my Step-Son to live with his mother and I and I hope I can get some guidance from those who have gone trhu the process.

I will be submitting:

Cover Letter

I-130 Apllication

Fee for I-130

Copy of my Birth Certificate (photo copy?)

Copy of Step-Son's Birth Certificate w/ copy of translation (is photo copies ok or originals?)

Copy of our Marriage Certificate (photo copy?)

Copy of Quit Claim w/ translation (photo copies?)

Copy of my previous marriage Divorce Decree (photo copy?)

Copy of my wife's previous marriage Divorce Decree w/ translation (photo copies ok?)

Is this all that is needed to be submitted?

What happens after we submit?

Do we need to gather any other evidence or fill out any other forms before his interview?

If someone could please explain the process (paperwork/interview) it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike

[barbashraf 0]

Hello,

I as well am petitioning for my stepdaughters. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be an abudnace of information about petitioning kids. But those who are able to offer suggestions and support have been great.

We have gotten through the USCIS and NVC process, and greatfully without any RFE's.

They have their interview set for December 13.

I believe what you have ready is correct. Honestly, I believe I sent copies, not originals, but double check the USCIS website for the instructions.

After you submit the paperwork (I always sent it overnight, and had someone sign for it- then you are able to track it, and have proof it was received), you will get a letter (NOA- Notice Of Action), letting you know they have received your application. This letter will also have a receipt number.

You can go on the USCIS website, and enter your case number and track the progress- which many times in nothing! You can also sign up to receive email updates from them when something has been done on it.

After your application has been approved, it is then sent to the NVC, and applications, finacial support evidence, originals, passport size photos to name a few will need to be submitted.

Again, you can check either on this website, or the NVC website to give you an idea of what will be needed.

The one thing I didn't find anywhere, but someone was kind enough to let me know is you will need a letter from the other parent giving permission for the child to immigrate to the U.S. This won't be needed until you send in the paperwork for the NVC. Also, for the NVC paperwork, since the girls are minors, my husband (LPR) signed all of the paperwork. That saved time not having to send the paperwork overseas for a signature, and then having it sent back.

After the application with NVC is approved, you will receive information about your interivew (date, time) and will need to have a medical done. They will also send you a checklist stating anything else the embassy may require (I'm assuming this may be embassy specific).

Keep researching these forums. They are full of good advice. Look at the "flow charts" it will show you the paths the petitions/applications take.

I wish you luck on your journey. It can be long and frustrating many times, but when good news comes your way, it's great.

Don't be afraid to ask questions here, the folks on here are great, with an abundace of experience, knowledge and support.

[Mike n Huong 1]

Thank you so much for all the information. It is of great help to fully understand the process and know what we will be facing. I really think that there should be a secific forum for stepkids and children. It is very difficult to find much information on this and not too many people have much experience on this subject.

If anyone else has any information it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again,

Mike

Hello,

I as well am petitioning for my stepdaughters. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be an abudnace of information about petitioning kids. But those who are able to offer suggestions and support have been great.

We have gotten through the USCIS and NVC process, and greatfully without any RFE's.

They have their interview set for December 13.

I believe what you have ready is correct. Honestly, I believe I sent copies, not originals, but double check the USCIS website for the instructions.

After you submit the paperwork (I always sent it overnight, and had someone sign for it- then you are able to track it, and have proof it was received), you will get a letter (NOA- Notice Of Action), letting you know they have received your application. This letter will also have a receipt number.

You can go on the USCIS website, and enter your case number and track the progress- which many times in nothing! You can also sign up to receive email updates from them when something has been done on it.

After your application has been approved, it is then sent to the NVC, and applications, finacial support evidence, originals, passport size photos to name a few will need to be submitted.

Again, you can check either on this website, or the NVC website to give you an idea of what will be needed.

The one thing I didn't find anywhere, but someone was kind enough to let me know is you will need a letter from the other parent giving permission for the child to immigrate to the U.S. This won't be needed until you send in the paperwork for the NVC. Also, for the NVC paperwork, since the girls are minors, my husband (LPR) signed all of the paperwork. That saved time not having to send the paperwork overseas for a signature, and then having it sent back.

After the application with NVC is approved, you will receive information about your interivew (date, time) and will need to have a medical done. They will also send you a checklist stating anything else the embassy may require (I'm assuming this may be embassy specific).

Keep researching these forums. They are full of good advice. Look at the "flow charts" it will show you the paths the petitions/applications take.

I wish you luck on your journey. It can be long and frustrating many times, but when good news comes your way, it's great.

Don't be afraid to ask questions here, the folks on here are great, with an abundace of experience, knowledge and support.

[David-Hien 11]

I have been researching the process of bringing my Step-Son to live with his mother and I and I hope I can get some guidance from those who have gone trhu the process.

I will be submitting:

Cover Letter

I-130 Apllication

Fee for I-130

Copy of my Birth Certificate (photo copy?)

Copy of Step-Son's Birth Certificate w/ copy of translation (is photo copies ok or originals?)

Copy of our Marriage Certificate (photo copy?)

Copy of Quit Claim w/ translation (photo copies?)

Copy of my previous marriage Divorce Decree (photo copy?)

Copy of my wife's previous marriage Divorce Decree w/ translation (photo copies ok?)

Is this all that is needed to be submitted?

What happens after we submit?

Do we need to gather any other evidence or fill out any other forms before his interview?

If someone could please explain the process (paperwork/interview) it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike

It is lack of affidavit form, your tax transcript from IRS, joined account statement and other papers to prove your marriage status, and her greencard (copy).

You must prove two relationship: your marriage status and mother-son relationship.

Edited November 5, 2009 by Hien

[Mike n Huong 1]

I think the Marriage Certificate and a copy of her Green Card will be evidence of our marriage. The instructions for the I-130 regarding Stepson says nothing else about proving our marriage. Every step we have taken is in their system, AOS and Removal of Conditions.

I will include Tax Transcript and bank account statements for proof of income.

What affidavit are you refering to?

I appreciate your help.

Thanks,

Mike

It is lack of affidavit form, your tax transcript from IRS, joined account statement and other papers to prove your marriage status, and her greencard (copy).

You must prove two relationship: your marriage status and mother-son relationship.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

I think the Marriage Certificate and a copy of her Green Card will be evidence of our marriage. The instructions for the I-130 regarding Stepson says nothing else about proving our marriage. Every step we have taken is in their system, AOS and Removal of Conditions.

I will include Tax Transcript and bank account statements for proof of income.

What affidavit are you refering to?

I appreciate your help.

Thanks,

Mike

It is lack of affidavit form, your tax transcript from IRS, joined account statement and other papers to prove your marriage status, and her greencard (copy).

You must prove two relationship: your marriage status and mother-son relationship.

My guess is she's talking about the I-864 affidavit of support.

[Mike n Huong 1]

I believe your correct about the I-864. The I-864, Tax transcripts, Bank account, and emploment letter will be needed later on down the line, but should it be submitted with the I-130?

I think the Marriage Certificate and a copy of her Green Card will be evidence of our marriage. The instructions for the I-130 regarding Stepson says nothing else about proving our marriage. Every step we have taken is in their system, AOS and Removal of Conditions.

I will include Tax Transcript and bank account statements for proof of income.

What affidavit are you refering to?

I appreciate your help.

Thanks,

Mike

It is lack of affidavit form, your tax transcript from IRS, joined account statement and other papers to prove your marriage status, and her greencard (copy).

You must prove two relationship: your marriage status and mother-son relationship.

My guess is she's talking about the I-864 affidavit of support.

[David-Hien 11]

I believe your correct about the I-864. The I-864, Tax transcripts, Bank account, and emploment letter will be needed later on down the line, but should it be submitted with the I-130?

I think the Marriage Certificate and a copy of her Green Card will be evidence of our marriage. The instructions for the I-130 regarding Stepson says nothing else about proving our marriage. Every step we have taken is in their system, AOS and Removal of Conditions.

I will include Tax Transcript and bank account statements for proof of income.

What affidavit are you refering to?

I appreciate your help.

Thanks,

Mike

It is lack of affidavit form, your tax transcript from IRS, joined account statement and other papers to prove your marriage status, and her greencard (copy).

You must prove two relationship: your marriage status and mother-son relationship.

My guess is she's talking about the I-864 affidavit of support.

The I-864, and emploment letter will be needed later on down the line.

But Tax transcripts, Bank account, house morgage with your name and her name should it be submitted with the I-130, the copy ones is enough.

I thought the same as you did that all the financial papers is for later but the problem is not the financial requirements. They need those for your husband and wife relationship, they want to know that you are living together.

We sent all the I-864, emploment letter and tax transcript but they didn't accept, they gave my son the green sheet, they required us more about the bank account statement, and everything about property to prove that we are husband and wife. Therefore, you should send them first to prevent that requirement in the last minutes.

It sounds unreasonable because we have our names on the tax transcript in the last year, and the marriage license.

Edited November 5, 2009 by Hien

[Mike n Huong 1]

Thank you so much for the good advice. I will include evidence of our relationship so we don't run into any problems. I do appreciate the heads up on that.

For some reason we have to continue to prove our relationship. We just proved the validity of our relationship earlier this year when we filed for the Removal of Conditions with the same government agency. It is just a never ending cycle of repeating the same thing over and over. Her son is 9 years old and we have to go thru this same BS of proving ourselves.

Thanks,

Mike