How to get my Thai stepson to America ?

[EyesWideOpen]

Well I have received a CR-1 visa for my wife, and we will be leaving for the states

in two weeks along with our daughter who already has a US passport. However

my wife has a son from a previous relationship, who is now living the standard

life in the village while being raised by his grandmother . So I would like to do the

right thing, and also bring him over to America to go to school. I started some

research, but the options are somewhat confusing. Has anybody done this ?

If so would like a few pointers to speed me up.

I will be in the states for this process. As near as I can figure out the I-130 form

is filed in the states, and while that process is grinding along a K-4 form is filed

which allows him to come to the states while the I-130 is being approved ??

Appreciate any information...

[EyesWideOpen]

I think attempting to bribe US officials would result in a quick trip to

the cross bar hotel.... Am wondering if I can do a direct consular

filing of the I-130 at Bangkok before I leave if that is the correct

form. Things here seemed to move along pretty fast, whereas

in America I think the system is simply swamped with the

endless Hispanic applicants. And thus very very slow...

Edited May 18, 2015 by EyesWideOpen

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Eyes

VisaJourney.com has a bunch of comments on step-children, take a wander:

http://www.visajourney.com/search/index.php?cx=007424365766759747816%3Auy9flr-th5y&cof=FORID%3A10&q=step+children&sa=Search&siteurl=www.visajourney.com%2F&ref=&ss=1965j1516361j4

Mac

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Two posts suggesting illegal activity have been bounced.

Forum rule #3, says in part: "3) You will not post about activities or links to websites containing such material that are illegal in Thailand." Or, illegal elsewhere, too.

Mac

[BarnicaleBob]

You could apply for a tourist visa for you step son so he would have a chance to see what life is like in America, he may not like it. Then if he did not like it he could be sent back to Thailand. If he did like it then while in America he could apply for residency.

[yankee99]

You could apply for a tourist visa for you step son so he would have a chance to see what life is like in America, he may not like it. Then if he did not like it he could be sent back to Thailand. If he did like it then while in America he could apply for residency.

Yes he could but if he words it like you have written it he will never get a tourist visa....USA doesnt want people coming as tourists with thoughts of staying permanently.

[jcnbkk]

I've briefly looked into it. I believe once your wife has her "green card" and is a legal resident she can apply for her child to come. I think it's called a K2 visa.

[EyesWideOpen]

I did contact the US embassy. They said I needed to file another I-130

form for him. But maybe me sponsoring him through that form is not

really the right path. It would make more sense for my wife to apply

for him once she has her green card. Can see I need more research......

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Eyes

More info at VisaJourney, I'd expect. You need to factor the timelines of filing DCF here, which at least would sure cut down the time with the USCIS, then look at filing in the U.S. after your wife gets a Green Card. Makes a whole lot of difference which USCIS office you're filing with, a lot.

http://www.visajourney.com/content/times

My gut feeling is that DCF would be better.

Mac

[umbanda]

After a foreign mother married with an US citizen get a green card, she can apply for its children, and will be approved, but only when they are under 18. Older than 18, the process will take longer and not warranty of approval. If the children are married, even more complicated.

In the US I will recommend to use a visa office called Catholic Charities to apply for spouse residence, and for its children's too. Very experienced and honest people dealing with the process.

[thailand49]

This is the best advice I can get you from my own experience. Right now you are spinning your wheels and time is important although you might not see it that way.

The cost is nominal for the results... This place is across from the U.S. Embassy. Lawyers brother and sister both Thai raised in the U.S. and educated.

TSL & ASSOCIATE (THAILAND) CO. LTD. IMMIGRATION LAW AND VISA SPECIALIST VIRGINIA LY, MOBILE - 080-232-4111, 130-12 SINDHORN BUILDING 2ND FLOOR TOWER 1, WIRELESS ROAD. LUMPINI, PATUMWAN, BANGKOK 10330

TEL- 02-251-8130, 02251-8131, WEBSITE: WWW-TSLTHAILAND.COM

Business card is a few years old, sorry, but good luck..

[EyesWideOpen]

Eyes

More info at VisaJourney, I'd expect. You need to factor the timelines of filing DCF here, which at least would sure cut down the time with the USCIS, then look at filing in the U.S. after your wife gets a Green Card. Makes a whole lot of difference which USCIS office you're filing with, a lot.

http://www.visajourney.com/content/times

My gut feeling is that DCF would be better.

Mac

So I guess with a DCF , you would have to do it in person. I wonder if the I-130 could

be mailed to Bangkok from the states...... :-)

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Eyes

Mailed from the U.S. with U.S. stamps and postmark, I'd think not, as the DCF is for folks here in Thailand.

Mac