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I am a US citizen. Can I sponsor my step-daughters to the United States? How long will it take to bring them to the U.S.?
Anonymous2 views4 answers
I married my husband and sponsored him to the US. But when I applied the visa for my husband, I didn't file the visa for my step daughters because I was afraid that the process would take longer than just to apply the visa for my husband alone. Now my husband is here and he gets a 10 years green card. And now we also want to sponsor my step daughters here. I wonder if I can file the petition for them as a step mom or it has to be my husband. If it has to be my husband to file the petition, how long will it take since my husband is only a permanent resident. My step daughters are 14 and 16 now and they live in Cambodia. And my income is about $35, 000 a year and my husband is about $24, 000 a year. Thanks in advance.
To be able to petition your step children, your step-parent relationship must have begun before their 16th birthday.
You should retain an experienced immigration lawyer, whether myself or one of my colleagues, to review all the facts, advise you, and handle the case.
Yes, you can sponsor your step-daughters. If all goes well, with careful planning and preparation, the process typically can be completed in less than 1 year.
You, the US Citizen step-mother, may file the I-130 Petitions (one for each step-daughter) to begin the process. (Your husband could also file, but it would take longer, so it would be better for you to file.)
You really should consult with an experienced immigration attorney near you, to have the best chance of success. Good luck.
Generally, a United States Citizen can file a Petition for Alien Relative on behalf of his/her step-child under certain conditions. Your step-children qualify and are eligible to receive immigrant visas (once the I-130 petition is approved) as an immediate relatives since they are under 21 years of age and the step-parent relationship formed before their18th birthdays. Please hire a qualified immigration attorney to file petitions on their behalf as soon as possible.
Rajesh Prasad
Attorney at Law
Parikh & Prasad Law Group
5861 Pine Avenue, Suite B
Chino Hills, CA 91709
Office: (909) 248-3212
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.path2immigration.com
