I am a U. S. Citizen. I lived in the U.S. for 18 years, then married a Canadian and had 3 children. I divorced and remained in Canada (except for about 1 year) until 2002 at which time I returned to the U.S. Recently, I was granted custody of my biological grandson. I have been given 1 year to work out the details for Immigration to the U.S. for my grandson, otherwise at the end of that year he has to return to Canada. Immigration authorities have told me that the only way to gain status for my grandson is for me to adopt my grandson. This seems a drastic measure to have my grandson live with me in the U.S. Is there any other way for me to accomplish this goal? I look forward to hearing from you.
Optional Information: Coon Rapids, MinnesotaAlready Tried: Internet Searches, Consultation with Immigration Offices, Local Organizations
Dear vzeen,
Is either of your grandson's paretns a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident?
My grandson's father was born in Canada as was his mother. Is there any chance that my son might have U.S. through me? valorie
DearCustomer
Thank you for the additional information.
There is a route for a granson to use the grandparents Citizenship and residencyin the U.S. as a basis for citizenship, BUT, that is only when the child was born to U.S. parents overfseas, and the parents have not met the U.S. Residency requirement.
That is why I asked if either parent were U.S. Citizens. Since his parents are not U.S. Citizens, then that avenue is not available.
This means, the only way you can get citizenship for this child is to adopt hte child. AND in that instance, after adopting, you would petions first for permannet residencde, and then later for citizenship by Naturalization.