US citizen bringing minor stepchild

[L and E 305]

Hi VJ community, 

 

I am posting because I am about to file to bring my 9 year old stepson over.. I feel nervous because this is so important and my husband and I have been waiting patiently for this moment.. So here are my questions (I have tried to search this site and apologize in advance if this needs redirecting)...

 

-How long is this process taking on average from submission to approval?

 

-Besides passport and birth certificate with translations are there any other documents required for bringing a stepchild over? His mother is a part of his life and she is supportive of him coming to live in the US with us... I have a notarized letter from her stating she has met me and I have spent time with her son but is there an official document we need to get for this kind of a situation?

 

-Any tips or experience is welcomed... thank you!

[arken 4,197]

From filing petition to visa interview: 1-2 years

 

During his visa interview, a statement from his bio mother is required stating she is allowing him to immigrate to the US.

 

 

[L and E 305]

I see.. so he will have an in person interview at the embassy. Thank you! Is there any rhyme or reason as to why it might take longer to get him here? do certain countries or situations cause the process to take longer/shorter? 

[Chancy 6,233]

3 minutes ago, L and E said:

do certain countries or situations cause the process to take longer/shorter?

 

Depends on the visa processing backlog at the consulate.  Some consulates have a bigger backlog than others.

 

[L and E 305]

Also, a couple years ago we applied for a tourist visa for stepson and it was denied. I am submitting the application online and I'm not sure where to disclose this. I was advised that it does NOT go under the "Other Information/Prior petitions" section, but I don't want to be perceived as trying to hide anything 

[Chancy 6,233]

22 minutes ago, L and E said:

a couple years ago we applied for a tourist visa for stepson and it was denied. I am submitting the application online and I'm not sure where to disclose this.

 

No need to disclose it on the I-130 form.  The relevant question will be in the DS-260 form when your child's case gets to the NVC stage after petition approval.  Provide the details of the B visa denial on that form.

 

[L and E 305]

If someone could clarify for me... when you are uploading evidence to the application there is a part that says "upload no more than 5 documents at a time" ... that doesn't mean you can only submit 5 pieces of evidence for each section does it? I'm not the most tech savvy so I thought I'd ask here just in case...

[HandmadeTurnip 150]

14 hours ago, L and E said:

If someone could clarify for me... when you are uploading evidence to the application there is a part that says "upload no more than 5 documents at a time" ... that doesn't mean you can only submit 5 pieces of evidence for each section does it? I'm not the most tech savvy so I thought I'd ask here just in case...

 

No, it just means don't upload a lot of files in one go, probably to limit the load on the system. If you need to upload more than 5 documents, split them into multiple uploads.

[Mike E 11,723]

23 hours ago, L and E said:

 -Besides passport and birth certificate with translations are there any other documents required for bringing a stepchild over?

Evidence he is your stepson:

 

* the marriage certificate of his father and you.  

* Marriage certificate and divorce decree of your husband and your stepson’s mother.  

 

Evidence you are a USA citizen: USA birth certificate is queen.  If not born in the USA, then the evidence you used to get your first USA passport.  

Edited February 18, 2022 by Mike E