Bringing my step child to US

[Lizzy O 0]

Hi.

My husband came on a K-1 visa and we have since been married. I just filed his forms for Adjustment of Status (I mean, put it in the mail today). He has a 3 year old daughter still in Ghana that we want to bring here. It's a long story but we did not put her on the original K-1 visa petition or application. So, I am wondering if I have to wait until my husband receives his "green card" before I can start the process to bring his daughter here or can I go ahead and file a I-130 for her?

[Boiler 46,143]

Why not?

Does the mother agree?

[Penguin_ie 5,997]

You can file now as her step mom, but they will ask some serious questions about why you left her off the original petition. Expect a DNA test too.

[Lizzy O 0]

Why not?

Does the mother agree?

The mother doesn't even seem to care about her. She is living with my husband's parents. Her mother has married herself and lives nearby and doesn't even try to come and take her. Poor little girl!

You can file now as her step mom, but they will ask some serious questions about why you left her off the original petition. Expect a DNA test too.

Thanks! That is good to know! I will be ready for that!

[Lizzy O 0]

Does she need to have a passport before we start the process. I can't seem to figure this out.

[Penguin_ie 5,997]

No, but she will need one by the time the interview happens.

[Lizzy O 0]

No, but she will need one by the time the interview happens.

Thanks! I really appreciate being able to ask someone who knows.

[apple21 953]

Does she need to have a passport before we start the process. I can't seem to figure this out.

She will need to submit a photocopy of her passport bio page together with the DS-230 form and other civil documents at the NVC stage.

So better get her a passport before or at the same time that you submit i-130. Passport processing may take weeks depending on your stepchild's home country. It won't hurt to prepare it early.

Edited March 31, 2013 by apple21

[Lizzy O 0]

She will need to submit a photocopy of her passport bio page together with the DS-230 form and other civil documents at the NVC stage.

So better get her a passport before or at the same time that you submit i-130. Passport processing may take weeks depending on your stepchild's home country. It won't hurt to prepare it early.

Thanks for the help!