IMMIGRATION STEPS FOR STEP DAUGHTER

[NOVA2300 0]

My wife attained her permanent residency this past October and all without a hitch. Now her 17 year old daughter has decided she wants to come to the USA. What are the steps involved on my end and her end as well. I know that the whole thing starts with my filing a I-130 as her sponsor. But after this point I am lost and cannot find much on this site or on the USCIS site about the balance of the steps, both mine and hers. Thanks for any help. Really all I am looking for is a simple list of the steps together with appropriate form #s. Also could you elucidate on what is a CR-2 and is that document is necessary? Our visa lawyer in Thailand is telling us that we need one and that her mother and I should file jointly as sponsors. I've not seen any thing about joint sponsorship anywhere. I'm thinking that since we are married it goes without saying that we'd be in a companionship process.

[YuAndDan 153]

Guide: http://www.visajourney.com/content/childpet

NVC and Consulate process is pretty much the same as for a spouse..

[NOVA2300 0]

Still nothing about a CR-2???

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

Still nothing about a CR-2???

Did you read the link that YuAndDan posted? That guide IS about CR2/IR2 visas.

[NOVA2300 0]

Yes, I did and there was nothing about a CR-2. So I called the USCIS help line and they explained the whole process to me. As you may know the whole thing starts with an I-130 and if approved you get a notice within 10 days on an I-797 after which you are told what else to do. And this always requires an additional I-864 Affidavit of Support. In the meantime my step-daughter will be notified by her Consulate of what she needs to bring and an interview with her will be scheduled. If everything is approved then she is issued a CR-2 which is the actual Visa to come to the USA.

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

CR/IR-2 Process is the same as the CR/IR-1 Process.

At the I-130 Stage you'll even use almost the exact same evidence, the Marriage Certificate between you and the child's biological parent established the Petition-able Relationship that is required. Instead of submitting a G-325a for your spouse (and their birth certificate) you'll submit a G-325a for the child along with the Child's birth certificate (well a copy of it).

Therein lies the difference between CR/IR-1 & CR/IR-2...

Edited March 9, 2012 by Bob 4 Anna

[NOVA2300 0]

A special thanks for all the tips folks!!! We really appreciate it!

[Princessblack 21]

Your marriage to the step-child's daughter is enough evidence to initial a cr2. THe poarent of the child does not need to file an aff. of support with u jointly.

Read instructions carefully for I-130 and I-864.

[beejay 125]

CR/IR-2 Process is the same as the CR/IR-1 Process.

At the I-130 Stage you'll even use almost the exact same evidence, the Marriage Certificate between you and the child's biological parent established the Petition-able Relationship that is required. Instead of submitting a G-325a for your spouse (and their birth certificate) you'll submit a G-325a for the child along with the Child's birth certificate (well a copy of it).

Therein lies the difference between CR/IR-1 & CR/IR-2...

I thought the G-325a was not necessary when sending the I-130 for minor stepchildren. It's not stated on the vj guide and it seems to be implied that it is not necessary on the instructions for the I-130.

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

I thought the G-325a was not necessary when sending the I-130 for minor stepchildren. It's not stated on the vj guide and it seems to be implied that it is not necessary on the instructions for the I-130.

We included it for both of our I-130 Step children packets, better to include it and they ignore it than someone makes a mistake and thinks it's required then we have to deal with the delay...

[Ning 619]

Yes, I did and there was nothing about a CR-2. So I called the USCIS help line and they explained the whole process to me. As you may know the whole thing starts with an I-130 and if approved you get a notice within 10 days on an I-797 after which you are told what else to do. And this always requires an additional I-864 Affidavit of Support. In the meantime my step-daughter will be notified by her Consulate of what she needs to bring and an interview with her will be scheduled. If everything is approved then she is issued a CR-2 which is the actual Visa to come to the USA.

I dont see anything about the required letter from the childs other parent allowing the child to leave Thailand. Please take the time to get all the current info on this important subject. The embassy will provide a sample letter if asked. They do not explain that the letter must be signed by the parent & in both languages.

[beejay 125]

We included it for both of our I-130 Step children packets, better to include it and they ignore it than someone makes a mistake and thinks it's required then we have to deal with the delay...

I see what you are saying but it's too late now for us. Hopefully we won't have an issue with our petitions.