Adoption of stepson Philippines

[Tourseasia 5]

In the Philippines as a USA citizen, I married a filipina and her son is 14 1/2 yrs old. I would like to adopt her son [my stepson] so that he can get USA citizenship and go work in Guam or the USA after he gets his HS diploma here in the Philippines, while I'm still living in the Philippines.

Does adoption in the Philippines have to be done through a attorney here, what are the steps/requirements/costs and time frame to complete this?

Thanks

[Tourseasia 5]

Can't edit:

To add to this, my spouse has been living with me for 12yrs and her son now 4yrs. I have been sending my stepson to a private school during the 4yrs he has lived with us in the Philippines.

Edited July 26, 2012 by Tourseasia

[Markieboy 104]

In the Philippines as a USA citizen, I married a filipina and her son is 14 1/2 yrs old. I would like to adopt her son [my stepson] so that he can get USA citizenship and go work in Guam or the USA after he gets his HS diploma here in the Philippines, while I'm still living in the Philippines.

Does adoption in the Philippines have to be done through a attorney here, what are the steps/requirements/costs and time frame to complete this?

Thanks

IMHO, it is easier to file an I-130 petition (if you haven't already) for your stepson. After a successful interview/receives immigrant visa, he can travel to Guam or mainland. Once he receives his I-551 stamp (proof of permanent residency) or green card, he can start working. U.S. citizenship is not required to work legally in the U.S.

You will have a much easier time adopting when he reaches the age of majority (18 for many states). If you decide to adopt him while he is a minor, this involves home study by state social workers. The steps/requirements/costs and time are much greater to adopt him under this route. However, if you decide adult adoption, there is no home study. The court filing costs are significantly lesser.

With regards to adoption in the Philippines, I cannot give specifics. All I know is that adoption there is more time consuming, more expensive, and more stressful than in the U.S. I would highly discourage adoption in the Philippines if time is a factor.

I hope this helps you some.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

You can't sponsor your step-son for an immigrant visa if you intend to remain in the Philippines. A sponsor is required to be domiciled in the United States. The whole purpose of family immigration is to reunite families, and that purpose isn't served by a petitioner/sponsor who intends to remain living abroad.

The Philippines is a Hague Convention country. The adoption won't be final in the eyes of the US government until it's been approved after you and the child have lived together in the US for six months. If the child is under 18 at that time, and living in the US in the full physical and legal custody of the adoptive parents, then the child can acquire citizenship. There are a boatload of other requirements, as well, beginning with the US government approving of you as an adoptive parent before you file for the adoption.

Read about international adoption at adoption.state.gov.

[Tourseasia 5]

So there is no way I can remain in the Philippines by adoption of my stepson, I thought that part of the process would be would be going to Guam for processing, returns to the Philippines and receives his USA passport in the Philippines, which would mean he would be living with me here for 2-3yrs after he got his passport, and at 18 could travel to Guam by himself?

I just can't Adopt the Child (or Gain Legal Custody) in the Philippines and stay in the Philippines?

Edited July 26, 2012 by Tourseasia

[Tourseasia 5]

Can't believe that he would be forced out of school and to live in the USA to make the adoption finalized. He can work with a green card and not be a USA citizen correct? Isn't there a route thur adoption for a green card?

Thanks All