Am I Eligible For US Citizenship?

[ShaneM 0]

Hi, I'm a Canadian citizen, 23 years old. I am looking at getting my American citizenship. My dad is an American citizen, but he moved over to Canada when he was 11. His father (my grandfather) lived his whole life in the USA as a citizen. Is there a way I can get my citizenship through my dad or grandfather? I would appreciate any input.

Thank You.

[nwctzn 55]

Hi, I'm a Canadian citizen, 23 years old. I am looking at getting my American citizenship. My dad is an American citizen, but he moved over to Canada when he was 11. His father (my grandfather) lived his whole life in the USA as a citizen. Is there a way I can get my citizenship through my dad or grandfather? I would appreciate any input.

Thank You.

When you were born, did your dad register your birth at the US Embassy/Consulate? That would make things easier.

If not, I think you may be still eligible for US citizenship through derivation. Check the following USCIS publication: http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/Resources/A4en.pdf

And here is one encouraging story you might want to read: http://shusterman.com/citizenshipthroughparents.html

[Sandra G. 5,102]

For children born on or after November 14, 1986, the U.S. citizen parent must have lived in the United States or an outlying possession for five years, of which two years had to be after the age of 14, prior to the birth of the child.

[Sandra G. 5,102]

If your grandparent was physically present in the United States for a period totaling five years, and at least two years after the age of 14 you qualify to obtain US Citizenship,but If deceased, the grandparent must have been a citizen prior to the child's birth and at the time of the grandparent's death.

Edited May 3, 2012 by sandranj

[VanessaTony 3,567]

If your grandparent was physically present in the United States for a period totaling five years, and at least two years after the age of 14 you qualify to obtain US Citizenship,but If deceased, the grandparent must have been a citizen prior to the child's birth and at the time of the grandparent's death.

Please provide a link. I have never read of the grandparent rule being EXACTLY the same as the parent rule.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

If your grandparent was physically present in the United States for a period totaling five years, and at least two years after the age of 14 you qualify to obtain US Citizenship,but If deceased, the grandparent must have been a citizen prior to the child's birth and at the time of the grandparent's death.

According to this link: http://www.apsanlaw.com/law-159.Obtaining-US-Citizenship-Through-a-Grandparent.html USC must be obtained before the child is 18, the OP is 23.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Hi, I'm a Canadian citizen, 23 years old. I am looking at getting my American citizenship. My dad is an American citizen, but he moved over to Canada when he was 11. His father (my grandfather) lived his whole life in the USA as a citizen. Is there a way I can get my citizenship through my dad or grandfather? I would appreciate any input.

Sorry but no. According to my reading you COULD have got it through your grandfather if done before you turned 18. Your father hasn't lived enough time in the US to pass it on.

HOWEVER, your other option is for your father to move back to the US and petition you for a GC. Once you arrived you should get USC immediately (I believe). Given your age though I'm not sure how long the waiting time is.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

No immediate USC for adult sons of USC. Your father could establish residence, file for you then when you get a green card it is a 5 year wiat to be able to apply for USC. All the short paths ended when you became an adult.

[nwctzn 55]

Hi, I'm a Canadian citizen, 23 years old. I am looking at getting my American citizenship. My dad is an American citizen, but he moved over to Canada when he was 11. His father (my grandfather) lived his whole life in the USA as a citizen. Is there a way I can get my citizenship through my dad or grandfather? I would appreciate any input.

Thank You.

Just to remind you, we are not lawyers and are expressing our opinion only here.

If I were you, I would talk to an immigration lawyer to get some expert advice.

Once you do, can you give us some feedback since this would be very useful information.

Thanks and best of luck!

[B whitecotton 0]

Is there a form you can file to see if you are eligible for citizen ship

 

[TBoneTX 47,648]

1 hour ago, B whitecotton said:

Is there a form you can file to see if you are eligible for citizen ship

No.

Thread from 2012 is now closed to further comment.