Fastest Way to bring child to usa

[gatoradenz 0]

I asked a few weeks ago about how to bring my 15 year old daughter from NZ here to the states. It looks at though if I petition for her with an I-130, it could take literally years. She is having major problems at home with her father almost to the point of violence. Last year she moved out for 3 months bec they almost got into a physical fight. In June she will turn 16, legal age for her to decide where she wants to live, shes made it quite clear to him and I that she wants to move here.

So with all that being said I need to get her out of that situation asap when she turns 16. My husband is a USA citizen, I have been told it would speed up the process if he were to sponsor and petition for her to come here as his step child. I've also read (although it confuses me) that he can put in a K4 Visa? And that would mean she could come here 'while' the I-130 is being processed. I'm also confused about the fees, the I-130 seems to be $355 but I cant find a fee for the K4 visa, which on the immigration site says its a fiancee visa.... AAAAHHHHHHHH

Can somebody that has been thru this or knows about this confirm if I am on the right track?

[gatoradenz 0]

I just read on another similar post about Immediate Relative Visa, could my USC husband use this to bring my daughter here as his step child? Ok really stupid question - does he have to legally adopt her, or by marrying me does she just 'become' his step child?

Thanks for any advice.... going a little insane trying to figure this stuff out, and having a daughter asking every time i speak to her when can i come....

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

No adoption required, your USC hubby can file I-130 for step-child...

You will need written permission to travel abroad/immigrate from her father.

[Bernie C 24]

I don't believe that K-4 is an option. That is for the child of a K-3 spouse applicant in process. I wish I was more knowledgable in this so I could help.

I think the I-130 is the way to go but not sure how it works when filing at a different than the spouse I-130.

I can feel the worry and stress in your words and know that you will get the advice your looking for soon from the VJ family.

My Best Wishes are with you and your daughter!

[NArocks 13]

I just read on another similar post about Immediate Relative Visa, could my USC husband use this to bring my daughter here as his step child? Ok really stupid question - does he have to legally adopt her, or by marrying me does she just 'become' his step child?

Thanks for any advice.... going a little insane trying to figure this stuff out, and having a daughter asking every time i speak to her when can i come....

As long as the marriage took place before the child turned 18 ( which it appears it did ) you Hubby the USC can petition your child as a step parent. You need to have him file the I-130 on her behalf. Make sure to include your marriage certificate which will show the step parent relationship and all other docs the I-130 lists. Should take 9-12 months for her to be here barring any RFE's . However you will need a notorized letter from the father allowing the child to immigrate to the US permently. This will be needed at the NVC stage and should accompany the DS230. Good Luck

[gatoradenz 0]

Why do I need a letter from her father, when she can legally leave his home and live somewhere else at the age of 16 in New Zealand?

[NArocks 13]

The laws that govern the US beg to differ, as a child is not an adult here in the uS until thw age of 18. EMail the NVC or the embassy and ask the question to see what they state. My step son was 16 at interview still needed the letter and then there was a differnt letter he needed to leave the country of Colombia with only his dad. Might want to check that also. Good luck

[gatoradenz 0]

Ok I understand, thanks for everyones help!