Petitioning for Step Daughter

[SailorBoy1297 0]

It's been 4 1/2 years since I last posted to this site. My stepdaughter has reached age 18 and is now able to get a passport and come join her mother and I here in the USA. I use to be good at this but now find myself a little rusty. So here's what I've gleamed so far since it looks easier if I apply as a USC and a stepparent:

I-130

Stepdaughter's birth certificate

My birth certificate

My marriage certificate (to her mother)

Our divorce certificates

Seems simple enough. My wife and I were married when my stepdaughter was 13 so we meet that criteria for establishing her as my unmarried child under 18 when married. I don't think I need a G-325A as that is criteria for my wife. Aside from all that, what am I missing? Even bigger question, will the path be the same as when I did my wife? Is it shorter, by chance? Thanks to all who might respond.

[Dakine 26]

It's been 4 1/2 years since I last posted to this site. My stepdaughter has reached age 18 and is now able to get a passport and come join her mother and I here in the USA. I use to be good at this but now find myself a little rusty. So here's what I've gleamed so far since it looks easier if I apply as a USC and a stepparent:

I-130

Stepdaughter's birth certificate

My birth certificate

My marriage certificate (to her mother)

Our divorce certificates

Seems simple enough. My wife and I were married when my stepdaughter was 13 so we meet that criteria for establishing her as my unmarried child under 18 when married. I don't think I need a G-325A as that is criteria for my wife. Aside from all that, what am I missing? Even bigger question, will the path be the same as when I did my wife? Is it shorter, by chance? Thanks to all who might respond.

Check on using Ling Ches NVC shortcuts for the NVC stage. Faster. If everything goes smoothly it shouldn't take more than 10 months. Maybe even faster.

You need original I-130 and the G325A for the initial petition. Only copies for the other documents. Originals will be needed at the NVC stage.

Edited March 7, 2010 by Dakine

[Otto 83]

Follow THIS guide for best results.

[Darnell 8,479]

Be sure to use NVC Electronic Processing - it will shave off 60 to 120 days of 'wait time' after 'NVC sent to GUZ'.

I've a wiki page about it, have a look sometime?

re: G-325A - should be TWO - one on you, one on the step-daughter. I THINK need one on yer wife, as well.. (can't remember)

Edited March 9, 2010 by Darnell

[SailorBoy1297 0]

Check on using Ling Ches NVC shortcuts for the NVC stage. Faster. If everything goes smoothly it shouldn't take more than 10 months. Maybe even faster.

You need original I-130 and the G325A for the initial petition. Only copies for the other documents. Originals will be needed at the NVC stage.

Thanks Dakine! You mentioned Ling Ches NVC shortcuts...is James' shortcuts not up to date? Those are the shortcuts I used the first time, in fact, that's when James' developed them! Under the instructions for the I-130, it shows the G325A needed when petitioning for a wife or husband. I am just petitioning for my stepdaughter so I thought it wasn't needed...hmmmm...better safe than sorry...silly me.

Follow THIS guide for best results.

Thanks and way ahead of you....that guide was my initial getting "reacquainted" guide I looked at first.

[SailorBoy1297 0]

Be sure to use NVC Electronic Processing - it will shave off 60 to 120 days of 'wait time' after 'NVC sent to GUZ'.

I've a wiki page about it, have a look sometime?

re: G-325A - should be TWO - one on you, one on the step-daughter. I THINK need one on yer wife, as well.. (can't remember)

I read about the electronic processing on the GUZ Consulate page. Will most definitely look at your wiki page and check that guy out! Saving 60 to 120 days off anything (except the NVC shortcuts) was unheard of the first go around. Thanks so much! You surprised me with the info on the G325A. I had prepared mine and my stepdaughter's, then reread the instructions and thought it wasn't indicated like it was when petitioning for a wife or husband. Interesting...no problem, I have them ready as well. Super help...thanks.

[Dakine 26]

Thanks Dakine! You mentioned Ling Ches NVC shortcuts...is James' shortcuts not up to date? Those are the shortcuts I used the first time, in fact, that's when James' developed them! Under the instructions for the I-130, it shows the G325A needed when petitioning for a wife or husband. I am just petitioning for my stepdaughter so I thought it wasn't needed...hmmmm...better safe than sorry...silly me.

Thanks and way ahead of you....that guide was my initial getting "reacquainted" guide I looked at first.

Ling Ches shortcuts are just a step up from James.

[SailorBoy1297 0]

Ling Ches shortcuts are just a step up from James.

Thanks...always nice to have 'a step up' on the process. OK...time to get started is now. Interestingly, now my wife sees clearly what I had to go through in getting her to the US. She's understanding the process a little better I think. Take care.