Stand alone I-130 for stepchild(ren)

[jerkchixlvr 2]

we got an RFE this morning..

its asking for the LONG FORM of my birth certificate .. maybe i missed where the short form is not acceptable, ive been using the same document for all my filings w/ no problem???

so anyway..i will call to clarify and then i guess going to write to our regional ofc to request it, only the short form (which i sent) can be obtained from the local branches..

Also it says that they cant determine whether the children were born out of wedlock so they need more evidence of relationship.. If i had known, i would have sent in a statement describing the situation?? which i will do now and they said i can include:

proof of financial support (which we only have since he has been here, but will send that)

photographs with dates and descriptions (we sent and will send again)

military records showing them as dependents NONE

insurance policies showing them as dependents NONE

school records, business records, records of family events NONE

Lastly, there was a statement about if the father ever resided int he same house, to indicate when and where..

maybe i will ask him to have the mother to write a letter describing the relationship while he was in Jamaica??

ACK! I'm sorry to hear that. The one upside is that hopefully this thread can help you collect information. I think a letter from the birth mother would be great, and along with any other letters from family would help. As for your birth certificate, i had no idea there were different kinds.

Also, as beejay recommended to me, if you have any western union receipts showing that you have sent money to the kids

[dancehallquana 5]

ACK! I'm sorry to hear that. The one upside is that hopefully this thread can help you collect information. I think a letter from the birth mother would be great, and along with any other letters from family would help. As for your birth certificate, i had no idea there were different kinds.

Also, as beejay recommended to me, if you have any western union receipts showing that you have sent money to the kids

so true!! .. im grateful that at least i know what to do now.. it jus sucks cuz i know ppl approved few mnths ago with jus what i sent.. but theirs was also completely done in 6 mths instead of jus getting to nvc in that time.. LOL so i should know by now..its the luck of the draw..

[gdalicia 1]

i jus got an RFE for all that stuff. dont really know how to prove relationship before he came here.. but hopefully the recent financial records will be enough..

maybe some of the vets can come and tell us what they sent for proof of relationship.

Bummer! Well, it's good to know that's what we may be facing as well. I had one Attorney tell me we would need all the proof so I received very conflicting information. Hopefully this won't slow you guys down too much.

[beejay 123]

Hi beejay,

My daughter and I just had our DNA sample taken at the US Embassy in Manila today. The DNA sample was taken at the 2nd floor, then we went to the ground floor and we submitted my daughter's passport at window 38. I asked the Filipino guy who accepted my daughter's passport if we need to come back for another interview and how long it would take for the approval of the visa. He replied, "no more interview and after they got the DNA result if it's positive we will get the visa in 2 to 3 weeks."

More great information! So it did take about 3 weeks from interview to collection. Eee. I'm worried about our timing. Glad you are finished with that part though. That's good to know you won't have to go back to the embassy. Are you going to go back to Mindanao to wait out the visa?

Thanks again meblue!

[beejay 123]

Thanks ladies!!! I swear joining this site recently has been a mental savior!

So I was reading the information about what to include with the 130, did you all complete the G-325a for you and the minor child? how about the 864? i didnt see either form on the 130 checklist...

G-325a is not necessary when filing for children, although it won't hurt you if you do fill one out. We did not but I know someone on this board that did. I don't think it helped or hurt their case in the long run. If it makes you feel better to fill it out then you can but according to the I-130 instructions - not necessary.

The I-864 will need to be filled out and submitted when your case reaches NVC in about 5-7 months...that seems like a long time away but it will come

[beejay 123]

Dancehallquana!! so many things to comment on!

hey b..been a minute!!

like you said charter schools are VERY much different from one to another, you have to do your research.. ive seen some TERRIBLE ones.. but the reason i chose the one my daughters came through is academic performance .. the school has always received exemplary marks in standardized testing and have many programs to encourage education for the kids.. however, professionalism and organization is lacking in some areas.. my children know the ropes and are familiar w/ how things go and have great success there, but i dont know how the boys will do with all the OTHER adjustments they are facing.. will the requirements and pace be too overwhelming so soon, i dont know if i can count on teachers there to be sympathetic.. if they were coming in the summer and could be more comfortable with me and their new home, things woudl be easier i think to tackle school.. hmm, i might just be too overprotective..

These are all the same worries I have! Summer would be so much better as far as timing. I have one that gets really nervous about school and one that really likes school...I don't want her to come here and have that crushed and I don't want him to have an already stressful situation be even more stressful) They are on waiting lists at the charter schools so I am just hoping they can get in as they seem like good schools for the transition.

Now this...

Also it says that they cant determine whether the children were born out of wedlock so they need more evidence of relationship.. If i had known, i would have sent in a statement describing the situation?? which i will do now and they said i can include:

proof of financial support (which we only have since he has been here, but will send that)

photographs with dates and descriptions (we sent and will send again)

military records showing them as dependents NONE

insurance policies showing them as dependents NONE

school records, business records, records of family events NONE

Lastly, there was a statement about if the father ever resided int he same house, to indicate when and where..

maybe i will ask him to have the mother to write a letter describing the relationship while he was in Jamaica??

Are they asking for proof of the relationship between your husband and the mother or his relationship with the kids or both?

It's good they have that list and at the same time very helpful to future filers as it gives some insight into what they are looking for. So if it makes you feel any better your delay benefits the future... maybe that's not helpful...

I think that's a good idea to have the mother write a letter but I'm trying to figure out what you would want her to put in it. I can't imagine anyone involved being happy about having to write the details of their relationship. I would just keep it simple - I was involved with xxx from this time to this time. We had child A at this time and child B at this time. During that time xxxx was involved in their upbringing by ........ and would visit the children/lived with the children ....... He has provided for them financially since their birth (specify how and how often money is sent/transferred) and communicates with them ...... (how often and through what forms - email, phone, skype) Maybe even try and include a simple uncomplicated statement at the end as to why she is giving permission for the kids to come and live with you and their father.

I think you're right it might also be helpful to include a statement from you and one from your husband explaining the situation but keeping it simple. He can write a statement of his involvement from his perspective and you can write one talking about your interaction with the kids and how you are excited that they are coming and that your family will be growing larger (I don't think this will make or break your case but it will provide context).

I would also print out some chat logs/phone records that you have with the kids. (The list did seem to focus on financial support and 'legitimation' aspects so this might not quite be what they are asking for but it can't hurt to show his emotional involvement).

Financial receipts - In our case I made a spreadsheet on the computer of all the receipts (date, amount, recipient) and then sent copies of maybe 15 of them spanning the last four years. I included a note at the top of the spreadsheet that said we had originals of all receipts listed and would be happy to provide them if needed. In theory Western Union will provide a transcript of all your transactions for the last 5 years but you have to send a money order to a PO box in Colorado - which we did and then never heard from them. (Hence the back up plan of the spreadsheet).

Your husband was listed on the b/cs' wasn't he? What else do they want? Do you have any other documents where he would have been listed as their father after their birth? Is he listed as their father in their records at school?

Does the wording of "prove they were 'born out of wedlock" bother you? Do they want you to prove they weren't married at the time of birth or am I reading too much into that? Maybe include a line in the mother's letter about how they weren't married and have never been. Has she gotten married since their relationship ended? If so, that might be worth mentioning at the end of the letter.

yeah, kinda messed up.. it really upsets me.. they are making us track down info about relationship to the child when i know we are gonna still have to do a DNA test costing up to $500??

and i did jus double check..nowhere does it say i have to have the LONG form.. i sent in my certified copy with the seal and everything??

So frustrating that you have been using the same b/c this whole time and now they want a different one It's one of those situations where you want to smack the officer in charge of your case right in the forehead but you can't so you grumble and then do what they ask. At least it's easy.

It does seem counter-productive to make you gather all this other stuff if they are just going to have you do a DNA. It certainly makes the process a little scary. I'm pretty sure we are going to get an RFE, I just don't know what for yet... but what if it's something we don't have? Why didn't they just send you (and eventually me) an RFE for a DNA test?!

That's all I got for now. I'm not sure if I headed in the right direction with my response but at least it's another perspective. To quote you - "you got this!"

[meblue 5]

More great information! So it did take about 3 weeks from interview to collection. Eee. I'm worried about our timing. Glad you are finished with that part though. That's good to know you won't have to go back to the embassy. Are you going to go back to Mindanao to wait out the visa?

Thanks again meblue!

I think our schedule of the DNA sample collection was earlier than the other visa applicant because my husband called the US Embassy, he talked to the supervisor and told her that the tracking number showed that the DNA kit was delivered at the USE, and he want this DNA collection to be done soon. My husband also emailed the US Embassy FPU department, they replied his email and told him that we already got a schedule. I also went to St Luke's and told them that I hope they can schedule us earlier because I really need to go back to the US because I'm running out of my prescription medicines, I can't leave my daughter because no one can come with her to the US Embassy but me and she can't travel alone to the US because she's still a minor. Then St Luke's called on my phone and told me that they scheduled us 2 weeks earlier. I also asked the other visa applicant at the US embassy during collection, some said that they got a DNA collection schedule 2 months from interview, some are 6 weeks from interview.

I saw the list in St Luke's when I was there. I can't believe that there are lots of relative visa applicant in US Embassy Manila that need DNA in order to get a US visa.

Edited June 30, 2012 by meblue

[beejay 123]

I think our schedule of the DNA sample collection was earlier than the other visa applicant because my husband called the US Embassy, he talked to the supervisor and told her that the tracking number showed that the DNA kit was delivered at the USE, and he want this DNA collection to be done soon. My husband also emailed the US Embassy FPU department, they replied his email and told him that we already got a schedule. I also went to St Luke's and told them that I hope they can schedule us earlier because I really need to go back to the US because I'm running out of my prescription medicines, I can't leave my daughter because no one can come with her to the US Embassy but me and she can't travel alone to the US because she's still a minor. Then St Luke's called on my phone and told me that they scheduled us 2 weeks earlier. I also asked the other visa applicant at the US embassy during collection, some said that they got a DNA collection schedule 2 months from interview, some are 6 weeks from interview.

I saw the list in St Luke's when I was there. I can't believe that there are lots of relative visa applicant in US Embassy Manila that need DNA in order to get a US visa.

That is really good to know. We're also going to have to be really proactive to get this taken care of in the amount of time we will have. Just out of curiosity do you know the name of the supervisor your husband talked to? What is the FPU department of the embassy?

I know I've said this before but I really appreciate your taking the time to share all this information. You've worked hard to make all this happen, I hope you can return soon to the states with your daughter

[meblue 5]

That is really good to know. We're also going to have to be really proactive to get this taken care of in the amount of time we will have. Just out of curiosity do you know the name of the supervisor your husband talked to? What is the FPU department of the embassy?

I know I've said this before but I really appreciate your taking the time to share all this information. You've worked hard to make all this happen, I hope you can return soon to the states with your daughter

All cases that needs DNA are transfered to FPU(Fraud Prevention Unit)department. I don't know the name of the supervisor but this is the name and address of the person who replied my husband's email.

Emma N Montillano

US Embassy, manila

Consular Assistant

CON/FPU

Ext 5182

You are very welcome beejay.... Many members here gave me good advice about immigration for years now. I also want to share everything about immigration that I've been through to the other members here.

Edited July 1, 2012 by meblue

[Kazulie 132]

we got an RFE this morning..

its asking for the LONG FORM of my birth certificate .. maybe i missed where the short form is not acceptable, ive been using the same document for all my filings w/ no problem???

so anyway..i will call to clarify and then i guess going to write to our regional ofc to request it, only the short form (which i sent) can be obtained from the local branches..

Also it says that they cant determine whether the children were born out of wedlock so they need more evidence of relationship.. If i had known, i would have sent in a statement describing the situation?? which i will do now and they said i can include:

proof of financial support (which we only have since he has been here, but will send that)

photographs with dates and descriptions (we sent and will send again)

military records showing them as dependents NONE

insurance policies showing them as dependents NONE

school records, business records, records of family events NONE

Lastly, there was a statement about if the father ever resided int he same house, to indicate when and where..

maybe i will ask him to have the mother to write a letter describing the relationship while he was in Jamaica??

We also don't have much proof of evidence of a relationship between my husband and his kids. He came to America when they were 5 and 8. They also didn't take many pictures. They have ONE family picture, and that includes the mom, but it will have to do as its the only picture we have!!!

Sooooo, we've had to come up with creative ways to prove a relationship if we are going to avoid the DNA test, the extra 3 months estimated time it takes and the extra $1600 for those tests!!!!

Here is what we have come up with:

A notarized letter from the boys' mom and one from each of the boys. Mom's letter will state that she had a relationship with my husband from X to X and although they were never married, 2 children X and X were a result of the relationship. She will go on to say that who.e he was in Nigeria, they lived together from when to when and where. That since he's been in America, he and the boys still maintain a father/child relationship. That we send them money for schooling, presents on birthdays and Christmas. Constant contact through phone calls. Also state that the boys see my husband's side of the family on a regular basis. She will provide us with 2 copies of this letter as we have 2 kids and they will each need their own copy in their own packet. And she can keep a copy for when she goes with the kids to the interview.

The boys letter will be from them and will just state how their relationship was with their dad before he moved to America and after.

Until be very recently, my husband never kept his western union receipts so we have to ask the boys mom or our nephew (we send to both depending on who was able to pick up the money in a timely manner) to send us any and all receipts they may have kept.

We are asking for ANY picture. Even if my husband isn't in it. We will have them write the date and maybe a note to their dad on some of them.

We are looking for any medical records or emergency contact that my husband was made either before or after he moved to America.

We will send copies of the kids report cards to try to prove relationship and and that we cared how they were doing in school.

I don't know...all of this is such a stretch but we are desperate to make this all happen by the end of the year! Thank god for CSC at least being on our side this time around!

[lucy4 11]

Hi everyone,

Here is my story. I am a USC and want to file for my stepdaughter. My husband pretty much raised her, until he left to come to the US 4 yrs ago. She currently stays with her two grandmothers, back and forth. What do I need to include with the application?

I have the I130, my birth cert, her birth cert, my marriage cert. We never really kept receipts of money sent, or items sent. He sends her supplies, clothes, shoes, school stuff, all the while. But we never ship them, we usually give them to people traveling there. I do have a handwritten note from her mother stating that my husband provides support for her. I can probably also dig up a few pictures from the past few years with the two of them together.

What else will I need to provide?

[velrich 50]

hello VJers!

My husband filed I-130 for my daughter - his stepdaughter in 2011 when he was an LPR and she was 19 years old. The petition was approved on August 15, 2011. He became a USC 3 days after she turned 21 in June and requested upgrade of petition.

I am wondering if she will be kept in the system as a minor child. I think my 13 year old son will remain as a minor.

Any thoughts on this will be appreciated.

[PSDAVID 2]

Hi! case was forwarded to NVC o june 27, havent call yet to see if is already there(i have see a lot of VSC already assigned). it is better to have the petitioner as a agent or should i put myself(the beneficiary) as the agent? when i call NVC i have to give them my email address? my stepfather doesnt have an email account. it is better to pay online?

[beejay 123]

Hi everyone,

Here is my story. I am a USC and want to file for my stepdaughter. My husband pretty much raised her, until he left to come to the US 4 yrs ago. She currently stays with her two grandmothers, back and forth. What do I need to include with the application?

I have the I130, my birth cert, her birth cert, my marriage cert. We never really kept receipts of money sent, or items sent. He sends her supplies, clothes, shoes, school stuff, all the while. But we never ship them, we usually give them to people traveling there. I do have a handwritten note from her mother stating that my husband provides support for her. I can probably also dig up a few pictures from the past few years with the two of them together.

What else will I need to provide?

Welcome Lucy4!

You've established your petitionable relationship with your stepdaughter but there is a paragraph from the I-130 instructions that says when filing for "a child born out of wedlock and you are the father" that they also want to evidence that a 'bona fide parent-child relationship existed [and] that may include evidence that the father lived with the child, supported him or her, or otherwise showed continuing parental interest in the child's welfare'.

If you could find evidence they lived together that would be good. Maybe school records for her listing their address and anything from him from that time period showing that was also his residence would be good.

I would try and find whatever receipts you can or call the company that you sent money through and see what services they have for providing records of your account/transaction history with them.

Pictures are good, I would try and include ones from when she was young until now. How old is your stepdaughter? I don't think you need to overload them but it's seems better if they span a period of time. If you had picture of her wearing/using the stuff you sent that could help with the 'support' part. You could include a caption like 'xxxx on first day of school wearing clothes we sent/backpack we bought' etc.

We included screenshots of chat logs from skype and things but not the actual messages. If you can get/print copies of the records of his phone calls home to his daughter that would be good.

In addition to the birth cert do you have any other documents where he is listed as the father? School records? Doctor visits? Anything like that?

I'm not exactly sure how much evidence they need but I think if you can find some evidence that shows financial involvement, emotional investment and documentation as father you should be good. You can't provide what you don't have so just do your best to cover those areas. We had evidence of the first two but none of the last, so we'll see how that goes.

In the letter from the mother you might want to have her add that the child has her permission to immigrate and live permanently in the US (or whatever the arrangement is) with you and her father. It varies by country but you might need some legal documentation to prove that at the interview.

I think the fact that she spends such a significant portion of time with her paternal grandmother is good and something that should be mentioned.

Those are just some ideas, hopefully others can add or correct based on their experiences so far Good luck!!

[beejay 123]

hello VJers!

My husband filed I-130 for my daughter - his stepdaughter in 2011 when he was an LPR and she was 19 years old. The petition was approved on August 15, 2011. He became a USC 3 days after she turned 21 in June and requested upgrade of petition.

I am wondering if she will be kept in the system as a minor child. I think my 13 year old son will remain as a minor.

Any thoughts on this will be appreciated.

Hi Velrich, welcome to the site! There are rules about 'locking' a child's age but I don't know enough to feel comfortable answering your question. Somebody else on this thread might be able to or I would start a new thread here asking your question. There are people on this site that can give you a very confident answer - just not me

Be sure to come back here and update us on the status