Emma1420

I immigrated to the US more than #5 years ago when I was still in secondary school. I was born in the U.K. and I am a citizen, and 95% of my family still live there.

i am in the process of adopting an infant domestically in the US. While I don’t have immediate plans to go back to the U.K., I do want o make sure that I get my child a British passport, to make things easier if I do want to move back in the future and/or my child would like the opportunity to work in the U.K. in the future. I had initially thought I could just register my child’s birth abroad just like a biological child, but after reading more carefully it sounds like I need to provide significantly more information (some of which I don’t have, like an abandonment notice/info). I don’t want to screw up any application so i was wondering if anyone had moved back with an adopted child (the US state department won’t issue Hague Certificates for domestic infant adoption - if they did I think it would easier). And if anyone could point in the direction of finding a good lawyer or what to ask immigration lawyers in the US to help make sure the paperwork is completed accurately.

SanDiegogirl

W hat does #5 years mean ? At first I read it as 'you moved 5 years ago when in secondary school'

.... but that can't be right can it, seeing as you are adopting a child?

(do you just not wish to give us an indication of your age?)

Emma1420

That was my iPad being temperamental. It should say 25 years. I’m over 40.

moi

I am a British/US citizen. We adopted an American infant 4 years ago here in NJ. Not sure if my adoption post about 4 years ago is any help to you, but take a look at the thread regarding adoption. My son is registered with the UK Embassy and has both American/British passports. I did not hire any lawyer.

Emma1420

Thanks. I will take a look. Did your agency provide you with a certificate of abandonment? My agency is arguing that the finalization paperwork should be all I need.

BritInParis

moi’s adoption thread for reference:

Adoption/Applying for British Citizenship

moi

Emma1420 - No, my adoption agency did not supply a certificate of abandonment. I don't think they would have known what it is even if I had asked. However, they did provide me with a letter regarding my son's background and how the adoption came about, etc including dates. All typed up on their letterhead. I included that letter in his application to the British embassy. I have to admit I was worried, but it turned out to be pretty quick and no issues. I also have a biological son, which was more straightforward to file him with the embassy. Congratulations on your adoption by the way! My son is now 4 and wants to go on the BIG airplane to see Grandma England.

moi

By the way, do not waste your money on a lawyer. You can do it yourself. Just lots of paperwork and obtaining requested documents and you can get it done by yourself probably quicker and cheaper than a lawyer. Everything will be fine.