Unique situation/question

[MidnightDreary 0]

First of all, I've been enjoying all of the information on this forum; it really is a wealth of knowledge. I hope I'm putting this question in the right place - it seemed like it could fit a couple of different places, so I just chose to go with general. Please feel free to move if it belongs somewhere else.

Here's the situation. I'm a U.S. citizen, and I'm thinking about asking my Filipino girlfriend to marry me sometime down the road (nothing imminent). I think she would, and would like to move to America, except for one thing. She takes care of her 6 y.o. half-sister, and I don't know if she would be comfortable leaving her behind with relatives (if she even could). From what I understand about the K-2 visa, it only applies to children (including adopted children); is it safe to assume there's no way it could be used for a sibling under one's guardianship?

A related question more specific to the Philippines, I guess, would be how difficult would it be for her to legally adopt her half-sister? Is it even possible? The girl's parents are both still alive. However, the father they share doesn't work and doesn't provide for the girl in any way, which is why her sister took her over. The girl's mom just abandoned her; they don't even know what province she lives in now. Her older sister is really all she has, so leaving her behind just wouldn't be much of an option.

Thanks for any insight or suggestions anyone can provide. Like I said, nothing is imminent in terms of a marriage proposal, but I'm trying to think ahead because this would certainly be one potential obstacle.

[TBoneTX 45,047]

*** Thread moved from General Immigration Discussion forum to the Philippines regional subforum, because of the country-specific question and for potential answers to the general question. ***

[tolitzpogi 37]

Well, I know that you can't consider siblings for K2 visa, so that's out of the question. And honestly that is a very complicated situation that can potentially give you headaches. Might be better if you consult a lawyer about this.

Your possible options are:

1. Marry your GF and wait for her to become a citizen, then she can file a petition for her half-sister, but that will take several years, more than 20 last I read.

2. Adopt her sister as your child, which will require a lot of paperwork and requirements as well as consent from her father, and that too will take some time and money.

There is a lot of potential baggage involved in this situation, if you don't mind me saying. If you are serious in your relationship with her, then you will need to prepare yourself, because this is not gonna be easy.

Hopefully someone more knowledgeable here can suggest an easier way of doing this.

Good luck.

[Greenbaum 12,259]

First of all, I've been enjoying all of the information on this forum; it really is a wealth of knowledge. I hope I'm putting this question in the right place - it seemed like it could fit a couple of different places, so I just chose to go with general. Please feel free to move if it belongs somewhere else.

Here's the situation. I'm a U.S. citizen, and I'm thinking about asking my Filipino girlfriend to marry me sometime down the road (nothing imminent). I think she would, and would like to move to America, except for one thing. She takes care of her 6 y.o. half-sister, and I don't know if she would be comfortable leaving her behind with relatives (if she even could). From what I understand about the K-2 visa, it only applies to children (including adopted children); is it safe to assume there's no way it could be used for a sibling under one's guardianship?

A related question more specific to the Philippines, I guess, would be how difficult would it be for her to legally adopt her half-sister? Is it even possible? The girl's parents are both still alive. However, the father they share doesn't work and doesn't provide for the girl in any way, which is why her sister took her over. The girl's mom just abandoned her; they don't even know what province she lives in now. Her older sister is really all she has, so leaving her behind just wouldn't be much of an option.

Thanks for any insight or suggestions anyone can provide. Like I said, nothing is imminent in terms of a marriage proposal, but I'm trying to think ahead because this would certainly be one potential obstacle.

This is my opinion. This is going to take lots of patience, due diligence, a lawyer or lawyers and will take 1-3 or more years depending on the outcome of the courts. I read a blog page where someone talks about their experience and their do's and don'ts. I recommend that you do a lot of research and your first step should be there at adoption.com. Please make sure this relationship is going to last and that she does not milk you for money to satisfy herself. I'm just saying. There are a lot of scammers out there so be careful. Maybe work on your relationship, do your research and then commit to her. Just go slow.

Here's the website:

https://adoption.com/forums/thread/383665/relative-adoption-Philippines/

Edited June 17, 2015 by Greenbaum

[madtownguy 164]

I think she could adopt, and then file like it's her kid. Similar to you adopting I guess. The adoption stuff is slow, I think we would adopt but waiting a year or more seems a bit much for a kid. That's a long time when it's a baby. I suggest you get to work if you think that's the route you wanna go.

[Boiler 45,360]

It is very common for children to be left behind, never mind siblings.

Sounds like you are at an early stage and realistically you may be better looking for a less complicated situation.

[MidnightDreary 0]

Thank you for all of the thoughtful information and suggestions. Yes, we're still at an early stage of the relationship - in fact, I am in the midst of my first visit to the Philippines right now. Neither of us is in a rush to get married or engaged, and I don't think it's something that would be seriously considered for another year or more. But, we do both seem to really like each other, so I'm just thinking of the potential situation down the road... I don't know that I just want to "look for another situation" just because this one might be a little complicated. It seems like perhaps the best option would be for her to start the process of trying to adopt her sister now, and if it takes a year or two, no big deal; if it doesn't work out, at least we tried. Thanks again, and any other thoughts are certainly welcome.

[MidnightDreary 0]

Also, thank you for the link Greenbaum. I read through the thread - it seems like everyone who chimed in there was already married and talking about the process of adopting as a married couple. For some reason, I was assuming maybe it would be easier if she adopted her sister first, because isn't the the k-2 visa pretty much automatic for a child/adopted child once the K-1 is approved? But then again, I don't know how easy/complicated the adoption process is for a single person within the Philippines. I will continue to research that adoption website, so thanks again.

[Boiler 45,360]

Two issues, can she adopt.

Will that adoption get her an immigration benefit.

No harm having a look around as you are there.

[Greenbaum 12,259]

Also, thank you for the link Greenbaum. I read through the thread - it seems like everyone who chimed in there was already married and talking about the process of adopting as a married couple. For some reason, I was assuming maybe it would be easier if she adopted her sister first, because isn't the the k-2 visa pretty much automatic for a child/adopted child once the K-1 is approved? But then again, I don't know how easy/complicated the adoption process is for a single person within the Philippines. I will continue to research that adoption website, so thanks again.

YW

When she goes for the her interview she will also bring her sister. Paperwork and fees need to be paid for each as well as medical, passport, NBI, NSO etc. This is an expensive journey your about to venture on. Count on somewhere around 4-5K from start to finish. Are you up for that kind of investment. An I haven't even included the adoption, as I have no idea what that will cost.