Q: I am preparing to file for a K-3 Visa for my wife. I just returned from the Philippines last week and I am trying to gather all of the documentation needed to file this. I plan on including EVERYTHING that I needed to be married over there as well as everything that was requested on the I-130. I will provide notarized copies of all of the original documents and fill out the form entirely.
She has two lovely daughters which I will adopt when they arrive. Our current plan is to get her over here first so that she can start working and we can actually make her a contributing member of American society and then bring the daughters over. (I’m thinking maybe a year later.) As I am not a wealthy man, I will need her income as well to make this a smooth adjustment. I want her settled first before we have to deal with the kids and school and such.
I will go Active Duty Army in about a month. I’m a little old for it, but I think it is the best place for us as a family. That and my patriotic duty got the best of me.

My Questions:

1. Is the I-130 the first correct step?
2. Should I apply for the kid’s visa at the same time?
3. Is there a quicker way to get her here and change her visa status?
4. Should I wait to go Active and then enlist the aid of the many facets of the military?

I will look at obtaining a lawyer for this, as the instructions are convoluted at best. But financially the trip was a burden in and of itself.

Answers:

1. Is the I-130 the first correct step?

That should be okay, and you should be able to do a K-3/K-4 for her children if they are minors. To be safe in this regard it would be good to also file I-130’s for your step children also

2. Should I apply for the kid’s visa at the same time?

That would be a better idea

3. Is there a quicker way to get her here and change her visa status?

No

4. Should I wait to go Active and then enlist the aid of the many facets of the military?

That would certainly be of great assistance to you