LA Sunshine

My baby son was born this week while we were on vacation in Los Angeles (on a 12 month tourist visa). We did not know my wife was pregnant when we left the UK and the baby was born prematurely. We are still in the USA but do not know the process about how to get our son back in to the UK - what paperwork etc. would be needed and does he need a passport before we can return to the UK? How do we register him here? Our tourist Visa lasts another month.


Sorry to seem dim, this is all very complicated subject and we don't want to do anything wrong!

robin1234

Wow - congratulations!
Your son is a US citizen and a UK citizen. You can get him a US passport, because he has a US birth certificate, but it will take longer than a month. Surely you won't be able to travel with him at the age of five weeks, especially since he was premature - you might want to see if you can extend your stay.
Then, ask the UK consulate what the procedure is for registering the birth of a UK citizen abroad. His birth certificate combined with your wife's passport prove he's a UK citizen. But you could travel home with him just on his US passport (which you could get expedited if necessary.)
Good Luck

Robin

penguinsix

Congratulations.

In a pinch, you can get an American passport in as little as 3-5 days (for a fee). You simply need to provide details of your flights to the passport authority. I use a service here when I need visas and passports for people:

http://www.abriggs.com/

My fastest was 36 hours (though I was in Washington at the time at that saved mailing back and forth and whatnot).

Your child is an American citizen, and quite frankly, there is nothing you can do about that. You cannot renounce his citizenship on his behalf (should you want to) as only he is allowed to do so and then only after they turn 18 (I think). That doesn't mean much, though he will have to register for military service (i.e. the draft) when he turns 18, and should he ever enter the United States he *must* do so on a US passport (he is not allowed to enter the US on a UK passport if he is a US citizen).

As for the UK citizenship, check the many threads in this forum about getting a UK passport from the embassy or consulate. You'll need to register his birth and go through the forms.

In addition, eventhough you might not use it, I would write to the INS and ask for a 3 month extension on your visa. Explain the hardship of having to travel with a newborn child (5 weeks is a bit early, especially for a premie) and that you fully intend to return after the extension. If memory serves, merely by writing that letter you remain 'in status' on your visa while you are awaiting a reply (I think). Do not overstay / fall out of status as that can affect future re-entry. (I really think you'll get an extension for a situation like yours--you can send a couple of pictures, birth certificate, and if at all possible, a note from a doctor saying they recommend against travel at this time).

Anyway, congratulations again.

Jerseygirl

I believe they are taking longer than that because of the huge backlog of applications for US PP. The normal route is taking 3 to 4 months and the expedited route 6 weeks. Not sure how quickly the private companies can turn it around at the moment.

To the OP: maybe you should repost your question in the BE Immigration forum. Congratulations on your new arrival...good luck.

Ozzidoc

I just wanted to say congrats!

Many people are in a similar situation to you/your wife in terms of a surprise baby arriving. Over time, it may be that some people suggest that perhaps you are not very bright for not being aware. I want to make it very clear that there really are many, many people who are in your shoes, due to one or more of many contraceptive/menstrual-related issues.

Good luck with this surprising twist in your travel plans

TruBrit

[QUOTE=LA Sunshine;5218319]My baby son was born this week QUOTE]

just read your post and wanted to say congratulations all round

penguinsix

For what it is worth, I used them last week for a friend. 5 days. They hand deliver the passports to the urgent passport office at the State Department. The overall slowdown for mail applications is pretty bad, but the walk-in line for last minute passports is still functioning normally.

Jerseygirl

Well that's good news. We know someone who waited in line for 8 hrs in Philly a couple of weeks ago at the walk-in.

fatbrit

To confirm US citizenship:
*Get multiple copies of his US birth certificate now while you have the easy opportunity.
* Get an apostille on several of the copies, instructions here: http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/notar...entication.htm
* Apply for a social security number and card, instructions here: http://ssa.gov/gethelp2.htm
* Apply for a US passport, instructions here: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

To confirm UK citizenship:
* Get a Consular Report of the Birth, instructions here: http://www.britainusa.com/sections/a...=41016&a=25315
* Get a UK passport, instructions here: http://www.britainusa.com/sections/a...=41001&a=25297

If the US passport has not arrived by the time you leave, you should be fine leaving with the UK one provided you have a friend who can post it on to you since there are no exit controls for US citizens. However, the child should not return to the US on the UK passport.

lapin_windstar

Congrats! Don't mention your "anchor baby" to any Minutemen!

meauxna

What's a '12 month tourist visa'?

The date you need to be concerned with (as far as leaving) is the date on the I-94 card stapled in your passport.

It's not unheard of for you to get a 12-month admission, just really unusual.

You're both (the parents) UK citizens?

triciacass

Wow congratulations. I'm curious though how does one get a 12 month tourist visa? My American boyfriend and I were thinking of touring the states but I thought we were limited to 90 days. Once again what a wonderful miracle blessing. What fun you must've had telling the family and friends - whoops we've an American baby.

Ray

Interesting question The London Embassy will sometimes issue a 12 month visa instead of 10 years when there is a background problem
but its not a 12 month stay visa.. just valid for 12 months ...

anabella

Congrats!

Morag McDoogal

Ray, 12 months does NOT mean a background problem. I was at the embassy last week for a B2. I previously had one (2004) which was valid for 12 months. At last week's appointment, I asked why only 12 months instead of 10 years. I was told that our ages were the main factor....we've never committed any crimes, overstayed etc. I also thought that maybe my military service was an issue due to the corps that ~I was in but was assured it was the age thing. :curse:

PS: The new visa is also only for 12 months......I get to pay loads of money to the Embassy...