I-130 For a Colombian Step-Daughter

[Mike and Adriana 0]

Thanks to all of you who have provided advice. On your advice...and after reading more information about the adjustment of status process, etc., I have prepared the I-130 for my 9 year old step-daughter (I-130 and I-129F already filed for my wife).

After reading and re-reading the instructions, this is what I believe I need to submit:

*Completed I-130

*Fee

*Copy of marriage certificate (to my step-daugher's mother)

*Copy of my divorce decree

*Copy of my birth certificate

Compared to filing an I-130 for your spouse, it seems so easy....almost too easy. No G-325As. No passport photos. From what I read, I don't even have to provide my step-daugher's birth certificate...to prove that her 18th birthday had not passed as of the date of my marriage to her mother.

Am I right? Is it this simple? Or am I missing something? I'm getting a little paranoid! Even if my step-daughter's birth certificate is not required....do you think I should include it (to verify her age)?

Thanks for everything!

Mike

[aussiewench 9]

Further reading for you.....

If you are a U.S. citizen and the father or stepparent of the child or son or daughter, you must file the following with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services:

* Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative

* A copy of your birth certificate or U.S. passport

* If you were not born in the U.S., a copy of either:

o your Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship or

o your U.S. passport

* A copy of the child’s birth certificate showing the child’s name and the names of both parents

* A copy of civil marriage certificate showing the names of both parents, or proof that a parent/child relationship exists or existed (if you are petitioning for a stepchild, your marriage to the child’s parent must take place before the stepchild’s 18th birthday)

* A copy of any divorce decrees, death certificates, or annulment decrees that establish the termination of any previous marriages entered into by you or your spouse

* Fathers petitioning for a child born out of wedlock must provide evidence that a parent/child relationship exists or existed. For example, the child’s birth certificate displaying the father’s name, evidence showing that the father and child at some point lived together, or that the father held out the child as his own, or that he has made financial contributions in support of the child, or that in general his behavior evidenced genuine concern for and interest in the child. A blood test proving paternity may also be necessary.

* If anyone’s name has been legally changed (if it differs from the name on his or her birth certificate), evidence of the name change must be submitted.

http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/childproc.htm#usstepparent

[Mike and Adriana 0]

Thanks to you, aussiewench. You saved the day. No where in the I-130 instructions did I see that my step-daughter's birth certificate was required. However, it makes absolute sense - otherwise, how can you prove her age!

I have everything else.

Thanks again!

Mike