janeth8711

Can i just say if Ryan can get a US passport which by what ive read he can, where does that leave me and the kids? would we still have to marry before we go?

fatbrit

If Ryan is a US citizen, the next step is to work out whether he transmitted US citizenship to the kids.

If they're US citizens, get passports for them, too. And a consular record of birth and social security card while you're at the embassy.

Which after a pile of ifs, leaves only you! Yes -- it's going to be a lot easier if you're married.

janeth8711

well as i said before i have 2 girls from a previous marriege and we have a son together so i imagine the citizenship would only be passed to him? just when you seem to be getting somewhere theres still tons of questions

meauxna

IF Ryan is a US citizen, (and how exciting to find out!!) AND you are married, he can petition you (his spouse) for Permanent Residency (green card). IF you marry before your daughters turn 18, he becomes their step-father and he can also petition for them at the same time he does for you.
The 3 of your would apply for the correct visa (allow about 6 months and many $$) and everyone can then move to the US.

After a certain number of years as a PR (green card), you can apply for your own US citizenship via 'naturalization'.

Each step will fall into place.. find out Ryan's status first.
I'm still curious how he got PR but not citizenship, previously. I haven't read a lot of adoption tales.

janeth8711

Thanks meauxna,
I have no idea, im still waiting to hear from Ryans dad so he can answer some questions for us, im hoping come tomorrow we will have more information so we can get on with the process.

fatbrit

It's an immigration attorney job.

If you go through this thread a write down all the bits of information you've already provided in a logical order together with your goal, it should make the attorney's job a lot easier.

janeth8711

Yes we do have one in mind, does it matter if its a US attorney? His dad was a defence attorney so knows some good people, so excited, hope it all goes to plan.

Noorah101

Wherever the attorney is located, it should be specifically an immigration attorney with experience in US immigration.

Rene

fatbrit

You need an attorney because your fact pattern contains too many ifs

You need an immigration attorney because they specialize in the area of the law that concerns your issue.

His dad, however, should know how to check an immigration attorney out....and sort the wheat from the chaff.

janeth8711

This is so frustrating, spoken to a few people today and not getting many straight answers. I was wondering if he would just be able to apply for a US passport?

'If you claim citizenship through birth abroad to U.S. citizen parent(s), but cannot submit a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, you must submit all of the following:

Your foreign birth certificate
Evidence of citizenship of your U.S. citizen parent
Your parents' marriage certificate
A statement of your U.S. citizen parent detailing all periods and places of residence or physical presence in the United States and abroad before your birth.'

He has all this so could he just apply????

Thanks again in advance

ian-mstm

Yes. One of 3 things will happen: 1) he gets the passport; 2) he's asked for more information before it's approved; or 3) he won't get the passport. Worst case scenario - there's no change from your current situation, and all you've lost is the application fee and a bit of time.

Ian

Rete

Those are all simple things and ones that I felt you were going to need.

He needs is original birth certificate

He needs is adoptive certificate (more likely than not)

He needs his mother and stepfather's marriage certificate to prove they were legally married

His father will have no problem re saying where he was living all those years. NY

janeth8711

Hi everyone,

Right so since My last post on here we have recruited an immigration lawyer based in Florida/ London.

He's checked Ryans paper work and said the same as you guys that he should qualify for US citizenship. He's sent us a retainer to fill in and wants a initial payment of $2,200, I know lawyers don't come cheap but is there any way around it?

Could we not do something ourselves?

ian-mstm

Yes... don't hire the lawyer.


Yes... file yourself without using an attorney. Facts are still facts... even without an attorney. Proof is still proof... even without an attorney.

Ian

janeth8711

Thanks Ian, your always quick with the right answers, what's our next move?