IR-2 Category - Petition for Minor Children of a US Citizen

[merkin&regine 18]

I have a question.

My stepkids got their IR-2 approved this week and we are leaving for the US tomorrow. They were given a paper that they must pay the $165 immigrant visa fee before traveling. It says that if it's not paid, the green card won't be mailed. IR-2 minors become US citizens upon entry into US, so we don't need a green card. We can use the I-551 stamp to apply for their US passports.

Has anybody not paid this fee?

Thanks.

Great Question but I also want to ask, is the biological parent a US Citizen already?

The minor kids can automatically become a USC only if the biological parent is a USC upon entrance to US.

Congrats to you by the way.

[Worriedmominoc 0]

I have a question.

My stepkids got their IR-2 approved this week and we are leaving for the US tomorrow. They were given a paper that they must pay the $165 immigrant visa fee before traveling. It says that if it's not paid, the green card won't be mailed. IR-2 minors become US citizens upon entry into US, so we don't need a green card. We can use the I-551 stamp to apply for their US passports.

Has anybody not paid this fee?

Thanks.

Hi my son was also approve for IR2 visa, he's already here since nov of 2013, my son is under 18 and im already a US citizen, so the children become automatic US citizen, i didn't pay the $165 fee, since he doesn't need a green card and the I-551 stamp has the validity for 1 year, i already apply him a US passport and use the I-551 stamp, aside from my Certificate of Citizenship, they ask for my old passport that i use to enter the United Stated with my immigrant visa, thank god i still have that in keep, my son has already a US passport last Dec of 2013, now 1 week ago i got a mail from USCIS asking us to pay the $165, i called uscis and speak to immigration officer and i told him that my son is already a us citizen and he already has a us passport, do we need to pay, i was put on hold coz he want to check, he said he doesn't know what is going to be the process and advise me to made an info-pass in my nearest uscis office to speak to an immigration officer about the situation,

I havent made the infopass yet.(-:

[Eric-Pris 1,602]

Great question that I also want to ask.

Congratulations on the approvals!

thanks.

[Eric-Pris 1,602]

Great Question but I also want to ask, is the biological parent a US Citizen already?

The minor kids can automatically become a USC only if the biological parent is a USC upon entrance to US.

Congrats to you by the way.

Thanks, yes my wife petitioned for her kids after she became a US citizen.

Hi my son was also approve for IR2 visa, he's already here since nov of 2013, my son is under 18 and im already a US citizen, so the children become automatic US citizen, i didn't pay the $165 fee, since he doesn't need a green card and the I-551 stamp has the validity for 1 year, i already apply him a US passport and use the I-551 stamp, aside from my Certificate of Citizenship, they ask for my old passport that i use to enter the United Stated with my immigrant visa, thank god i still have that in keep, my son has already a US passport last Dec of 2013, now 1 week ago i got a mail from USCIS asking us to pay the $165, i called uscis and speak to immigration officer and i told him that my son is already a us citizen and he already has a us passport, do we need to pay, i was put on hold coz he want to check, he said he doesn't know what is going to be the process and advise me to made an info-pass in my nearest uscis office to speak to an immigration officer about the situation,

I havent made the infopass yet.(-:

Thanks for the first-hand info.

[Eric-Pris 1,602]

My wife and I brought her kids over to the US last night.

POE was FLL. The primary CBP officer was cool and funny and he brought us over to secondary where it was empty. Took all of 15 minutes to get both of them processed. AWESOME. Turns out that we didn't need the 2.5 hour layover after all.

Anyway, there were 2 CBP's working in secondary. And each one was funnier than the next. Not in a "ha ha funny" way, but in a "these guys don't know basic immigration policies" kind of way

So once he got them fingerprinted and took out all the yellow envelope papers, the first one asked ME (husband of their USC mom) when I'm going to adopt them so they can become US citizens. I educated him by letting him know that since my wife is already a USC, they become US citizens automatically and I don't need to adopt them. LOL

Enter CBP #2... another one was close by and came over to lend us his wisdom because he heard me say that we will just apply for their passports. He says that he would strongly suggest that we apply for the Citizenship Certificate (N-600). Here's the reason he gave: without that, there is no way to prove that they are US citizens. I was going to say that the US passport is pretty good proof of US citizenship, but I just kept my mouth shut and just wanted to get it over with, so we left.

So, POE at FLL was painless and took under 15 munutes, even with 3 international flights landing at basically the exact same time. It was at 6pm. The immigration line for USC's was out the door into the corridor where you exit the jetway. But the line for residents, immigrants, and visitors was only about 20 people deep. Glad they were with us. Actually Global Entry line was completely empty, I could have gone there but my wife and obviously stepkids do not so I was forced to wait.

To those of you who travel overseas, get Global Entry. It's $100 for 5 years, and you will save hours. I'm gonna get it for my wife and stepkids once they get their US passports.

Oh, let me add a bit about Customs. This is the first time it has happened to me. I have never been "interviewed" by the customs CBP officer who takes the little blue ticket as you leave the immigration/cusoms area. This guy asked us all kinds of things why we wnt to Costa Rica, how long, who are the kids, where we work, is this normal? He had a bit of an attitude (typical power trip).

Edited June 15, 2014 by Eric-Pris

[prmiami 14]

My wife and I brought her kids over to the US last night.

POE was FLL. The primary CBP officer was cool and funny and he brought us over to secondary where it was empty. Took all of 15 minutes to get both of them processed. AWESOME. Turns out that we didn't need the 2.5 hour layover after all.

Anyway, there were 2 CBP's working in secondary. And each one was funnier than the next. Not in a "ha ha funny" way, but in a "these guys don't know basic immigration policies" kind of way

So once he got them fingerprinted and took out all the yellow envelope papers, the first one asked ME (husband of their USC mom) when I'm going to adopt them so they can become US citizens. I educated him by letting him know that since my wife is already a USC, they become US citizens automatically and I don't need to adopt them. LOL

Enter CBP #2... another one was close by and came over to lend us his wisdom because he heard me say that we will just apply for their passports. He says that he would strongly suggest that we apply for the Citizenship Certificate (N-600). Here's the reason he gave: without that, there is no way to prove that they are US citizens. I was going to say that the US passport is pretty good proof of US citizenship, but I just kept my mouth shut and just wanted to get it over with, so we left.

So, POE at FLL was painless and took under 15 munutes, even with 3 international flights landing at basically the exact same time. It was at 6pm. The immigration line for USC's was out the door into the corridor where you exit the jetway. But the line for residents, immigrants, and visitors was only about 20 people deep. Glad they were with us. Actually Global Entry line was completely empty, I could have gone there but my wife and obviously stepkids do not so I was forced to wait.

To those of you who travel overseas, get Global Entry. It's $100 for 5 years, and you will save hours. I'm gonna get it for my wife and stepkids once they get their US passports.

Oh, let me add a bit about Customs. This is the first time it has happened to me. I have never been "interviewed" by the customs CBP officer who takes the little blue ticket as you leave the immigration/cusoms area. This guy asked us all kinds of things why we wnt to Costa Rica, how long, who are the kids, where we work, is this normal? He had a bit of an attitude (typical power trip).

Thank you for your detailed and valuable description.

I also recommend Global Entry, a while ago, after I got USC I used to travel once a month with a green card and you cannot believe the variety of nonsense questions I got from immigration officers and customs at FLL, they are always intimidating people, everyone is suspicious for them.

Nobody knows if one of them got a bad day at home, so better stay at the safe side to avoid delays.

Global Entry was the end of all my fears entering US from other countries and the best way to bypass long lines unless you are part of the flight crew or have a disability.

[Worriedmominoc 0]

My wife and I brought her kids over to the US last night.

POE was FLL. The primary CBP officer was cool and funny and he brought us over to secondary where it was empty. Took all of 15 minutes to get both of them processed. AWESOME. Turns out that we didn't need the 2.5 hour layover after all.

Anyway, there were 2 CBP's working in secondary. And each one was funnier than the next. Not in a "ha ha funny" way, but in a "these guys don't know basic immigration policies" kind of way

So once he got them fingerprinted and took out all the yellow envelope papers, the first one asked ME (husband of their USC mom) when I'm going to adopt them so they can become US citizens. I educated him by letting him know that since my wife is already a USC, they become US citizens automatically and I don't need to adopt them. LOL

Enter CBP #2... another one was close by and came over to lend us his wisdom because he heard me say that we will just apply for their passports. He says that he would strongly suggest that we apply for the Citizenship Certificate (N-600). Here's the reason he gave: without that, there is no way to prove that they are US citizens. I was going to say that the US passport is pretty good proof of US citizenship, but I just kept my mouth shut and just wanted to get it over with, so we left.

So, POE at FLL was painless and took under 15 munutes, even with 3 international flights landing at basically the exact same time. It was at 6pm. The immigration line for USC's was out the door into the corridor where you exit the jetway. But the line for residents, immigrants, and visitors was only about 20 people deep. Glad they were with us. Actually Global Entry line was completely empty, I could have gone there but my wife and obviously stepkids do not so I was forced to wait.

To those of you who travel overseas, get Global Entry. It's $100 for 5 years, and you will save hours. I'm gonna get it for my wife and stepkids once they get their US passports.

Oh, let me add a bit about Customs. This is the first time it has happened to me. I have never been "interviewed" by the customs CBP officer who takes the little blue ticket as you leave the immigration/cusoms area. This guy asked us all kinds of things why we wnt to Costa Rica, how long, who are the kids, where we work, is this normal? He had a bit of an attitude (typical power trip).

Congrats. Anyway, did you pay the $165 fee? I try to make an info pass appointment and theres none available appointment at this time in our local uscis

My wife and I brought her kids over to the US last night.

POE was FLL. The primary CBP officer was cool and funny and he brought us over to secondary where it was empty. Took all of 15 minutes to get both of them processed. AWESOME. Turns out that we didn't need the 2.5 hour layover after all.

Anyway, there were 2 CBP's working in secondary. And each one was funnier than the next. Not in a "ha ha funny" way, but in a "these guys don't know basic immigration policies" kind of way

So once he got them fingerprinted and took out all the yellow envelope papers, the first one asked ME (husband of their USC mom) when I'm going to adopt them so they can become US citizens. I educated him by letting him know that since my wife is already a USC, they become US citizens automatically and I don't need to adopt them. LOL

Enter CBP #2... another one was close by and came over to lend us his wisdom because he heard me say that we will just apply for their passports. He says that he would strongly suggest that we apply for the Citizenship Certificate (N-600). Here's the reason he gave: without that, there is no way to prove that they are US citizens. I was going to say that the US passport is pretty good proof of US citizenship, but I just kept my mouth shut and just wanted to get it over with, so we left.

So, POE at FLL was painless and took under 15 munutes, even with 3 international flights landing at basically the exact same time. It was at 6pm. The immigration line for USC's was out the door into the corridor where you exit the jetway. But the line for residents, immigrants, and visitors was only about 20 people deep. Glad they were with us. Actually Global Entry line was completely empty, I could have gone there but my wife and obviously stepkids do not so I was forced to wait.

To those of you who travel overseas, get Global Entry. It's $100 for 5 years, and you will save hours. I'm gonna get it for my wife and stepkids once they get their US passports.

Oh, let me add a bit about Customs. This is the first time it has happened to me. I have never been "interviewed" by the customs CBP officer who takes the little blue ticket as you leave the immigration/cusoms area. This guy asked us all kinds of things why we wnt to Costa Rica, how long, who are the kids, where we work, is this normal? He had a bit of an attitude (typical power trip).

Congrats. Anyway, did you pay the $165 fee? I try to make an info pass appointment and theres none available appointment at this time in our local uscis

[Eric-Pris 1,602]

Now, we didn't pay the $165, and we don't plan to. Sometime this week, we will go to the Post Office to apply for their passports.

[prmiami 14]

Now, we didn't pay the $165, and we don't plan to. Sometime this week, we will go to the Post Office to apply for their passports.

I think that the officer that advised you to apply for the certificate of citizenship was right. I know it's pretty expensive but it's like having the birth certificate and the best proof of USC.

[brian and aileen 14]

Hi to all who had complete their journey on NVC, i am petitioning my step-son and i already paid the AOS, now do i have to send the I-864 ? together with other other attachments to NVC?

[Eric-Pris 1,602]

Good day,

I am expecting my 8 year old daughter from the Philippines to migrate here in CA in a couple months for good. (IV visa) IR2- Is it possible for me to file a tax amendment form and claim her as my dependent. I started filing my Tax from 2006 to present... If so, what are the procedures? Can I just go to a regular H&R block offices?

Thanks in advance,

Ann

Yes, you can add your daughter as a dependent when she arrives, for tax year 2013 and after. You cannot amend tax forms to include her in previous years since she was not in the US.

Procedure is simple.... No need to amend anything. When you file your 2013 tax return (in early 2014), ask your preparer to add your daughter (should have a SS number) to your return.

[merkin&regine 18]

Yaay! Thank God! My son's visa got approved today. Good luck to everyone.

[JannaDavey 1]

Yaay! Thank God! My son's visa got approved today. Good luck to everyone.

-Congrats to you! Hopefully me too, the waiting game is killing me..

[merkin&regine 18]

-Congrats to you! Hopefully me too, the waiting game is killing me..

Thank you and I'm sure yours is coming soon

Good luck

[cdayan 0]

Hello po Me and my brother will be having our interview next week. I'm turning 18 this October and my brother is turning 13 this August, so basically we're minors. Uhm, is it mandatory that we must be accompanied by our biological mother to the interview or is it okay that it's just the two of us?