r2i forum

Hi,

I will be sponsoring my wife and step daughter for US citizenship. I am clear about my wife's application details. But, not sure about step daughter's. My wife has her full custody. Do I need to adopt my step daughter in India so that she becomes eligible for US citizenship?

Does a US consulate in India (such as Mumbai) apply additional requirements towards US citizen application?

Thanks

Shrinivas

You can sponsor your step-child for US Green card, in the Immediate relative category, provided she is under 18 yrs of age. legal adoption by you is not necessary. A seperate petition is required for her.

If you have lived in India for a period of atleast three months ( proof of residence required), the process can be done in India alone- Relationship petition filed at Delhi embassy as a walk in- no prior appointment necessary ( your presence will be required with your family) - once approved, it will be forwarded to Mumbai embassy, where the rest of the process will take place. The whole process will take 3 months or less and atleast 1 yr or more if applied in US.

PS- Family based green card holders can then apply for US citizenship in 3 years time ( of holding the Green card), independently.