I-130, Petition for Alien Relative (Spouse & Stepchildren)

[MattBo 2]

Hello all, this is my first post on Visa-journey after countless hours reading all the great information here I want to make sure I have everything I need for my I-130 petition for my wife and 2 stepchildren.

My wife and I were married Oct 7th of this year (2016) in HCMC Vietnam; We have not lived together nor do we have joint bank accounts or property...

We do have:

Her listed as my Primary beneficiary for my life insurance.

Receipts for wedding reception expenses/Rings/Food/MC/DJ/Photographer/Tux & Wedding Dress/Bus tickets/Hotel/Airplane Boarding passes.

Email logs.

Chat logs.

Skype logs.

Facebook posts.

Photos of us with her family on several occasions including our wedding.

Photos and receipts from trips we took together (just the 2 of us)

Photos and receipts from trips we took together with her 2 children / my 2 step daughters.

We also have Certified/Translated copies of the following:

Marriage Certificate

Birth Certificates

Certificate of Criminal Records

Household Registrar

Passport sized photos

I have filled out (3) I-130 petitions, one each for my wife and 2 stepdaughters (4 years old and 2 years old).

I have also filled out 2 G-325A Bigraphic Information forms; One for myself and one for my wife.

Do I need to file a G-325A for my stepdaughters as well?

What about fees for my step children?

Any advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Edited December 8, 2016 by MattBo

[LuckyNoSeven 51]

Hi,

I am in the same situation. My husband filed a petition for me and my daughter (12). This petition is way easier to file.

Each child need their own petition and has to include following documents:

-Proof of citzienship (petitioner)

-childs birth certificate

-marriage certificate

-any divore decree (if one of you were married married before)

The fees are the same as for your spouse petition.

Only AOS filing fee is one fee for all of your petitions as i found out.

Make copies of all the paperwork..the originals have to be taken to the interview. Only the form I-130 needs to be the original.

You don't need the Form G-345 for your stepchildren nor proof of bona fide marriage for their petition..

You don't need the Form G-345 for your stepchildren nor proof of bona fide marriage for their petition..

You don't need the Form G-345 for your stepchildren nor proof of bona fide marriage for their petition..

[LuckyNoSeven 51]

https://www.uscis.gov/family/family-us-citizens/children/bringing-children-sons-and-daughters-live-united-states-permanent-residents

[LuckyNoSeven 51]

Hope this information helps you.

By the way the criminal records are not required in USCIS stage. They will need it at NVC

[MattBo 2]

Hi,

I am in the same situation. My husband filed a petition for me and my daughter (12). This petition is way easier to file.

Each child need their own petition and has to include following documents:

-Proof of citzienship (petitioner)

-childs birth certificate

-marriage certificate

-any divore decree (if one of you were married married before)

The fees are the same as for your spouse petition.

Only AOS filing fee is one fee for all of your petitions as i found out.

Make copies of all the paperwork..the originals have to be taken to the interview. Only the form I-130 needs to be the original.

You don't need the Form G-345 for your stepchildren nor proof of bona fide marriage for their petition..

You don't need the Form G-345 for your stepchildren nor proof of bona fide marriage for their petition..

You don't need the Form G-345 for your stepchildren nor proof of bona fide marriage for their petition..

Thank you for the great information! I have made high resolution photocopies of everything and was planning on sending everything I listed in with the i-130 petitions... This is my 2nd marriage and her first marriage. I have 2 types of certified divorce decrees, a "short hand" version (1 summarized/certified with judges signature and state seal) decree as well as a 60 page full divorce decree. I was going to just send both of them in but I don't want to go overboard. what do you think?

Edited December 9, 2016 by MattBo

[LuckyNoSeven 51]

I am not sure to be honest but if the short version shows the proof of the termination of your previous marriage and the date it took place it should be fine. If you unsure send both and you are on the safe side. Maybe other VJ members can answer this question. I don't want to give you false advice.

[LuckyNoSeven 51]

One more thing.. file each petition separately..we send them together in one envelope but each had its own cover letter and E-notifacation form. Plus each has its own set of paperwork.

If you have any questions..feel free to PM me!