Looking at Moving to US - Visa / Green Card Question
 

Hi,

Me and my family are considering the idea of trying to move to North Carolina.

Now I know lots of people talk about Visa Issues etc, but I have a rather unusual case and wondered if anyone can help.

I lived in America for 10 years between the age of 6 - 16 and during the later part of this time (5 yrs) I had a Green Card - this has been expired for a while now though.

My sister (she lives in the uk) was born in America so has dual citizenship.

My father currently lives in Ohio and has got a valid Green Card.

Would it be easy for me to get a Visa or Renew my Green Card given my history of having a Green Card and schooling there plus my sister and father situation.

thanks very much in advance.

Paul

Re: Looking at Moving to US - Visa / Green Card Question
 

Hi Paul,

Welcome to BE.

May I suggest you have a read of this page in the wiki as it may give you something to start from.


Regards

Sue

Re: Looking at Moving to US - Visa / Green Card Question
 

Hi Sue,

Thanks looks like a good forum.

Had a look at that page already and it has still left me a bit unsure as to where we stand.

I just hope I can get back over to the USA as I loved living there as a kid.

Re: Looking at Moving to US - Visa / Green Card Question
 

I don't know the in's and outs of migration, but I'm sure someone will be along soon to share their experiences.

Re: Looking at Moving to US - Visa / Green Card Question
 

hi there Paul,

How old are you now and are you married? This info will determine your options, in part.

Here are three threads for you to read on related topics. Stick with it.. this is a complex subject.

i think i have a prob with my G/C

Used to live in California, Now living in Norway!

Expired green card and entering US

oops bonus thread: Reapply for GC after abandining LPR Status?

Re: Looking at Moving to US - Visa / Green Card Question
 

Your green card is probably dead now
Your parents or siblings can file for you if they are US citizens

Your father as a green card holder can as well
but time would be slighter shorter if he gets his citizenship

Would appear to take approx 8-10 years (presuming you are over 21 and single)

http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bu...etin_4428.html

Re: Looking at Moving to US - Visa / Green Card Question
 

Hi, thanks all for the replies.

Meauxna,

I am now 29yrs old, married with a baby (less then 1yr old).

THanks for the links will have a read through.

Ray,

My father is not a citizen only a GC holder, and although my sister is a citizen she lives in the UK (she is 18 yrs old), can she do anything for us?

When you say 8 - 10 yrs what is that for? - would that be before we could move?

is it different because i am married with a baby?

Thanks

Re: Looking at Moving to US - Visa / Green Card Question
 

Because you are over 21, and married and your father is a Permanent Resident instead of a citizen, I'm afraid that route is closed.
Only citizens can petition for their adult married children.

Your sister needs to be 21+ to petition you.

Looks like your old PR status is dead, and you don't have a direct route back to it. But hang in there with it, like I said, it's a complex topic and we are giving our best estimate of commonly known info. Every now and again, we learn something new. :)

Re: Looking at Moving to US - Visa / Green Card Question
 

So does that mean it is going to be hard if not impossible for me to get back over to USA?

Is it worth talking to the Embassy about trying to get my Green Card renewed?

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 4.01; Windows CE; Smartphone; 176x220))

the embassy don't give a toss.

Re: Looking at Moving to US - Visa / Green Card Question
 

Not impossible, certainly... but very time consuming.

Ian

Re: Looking at Moving to US - Visa / Green Card Question
 

When you father becomes a citizen its possible

A lawyer would be of more use than the Consulate

Re: Looking at Moving to US - Visa / Green Card Question
 

When you read the links I posted, you'll be able to form an opinion. I think it's going to be difficult, and maybe impossible, yes.

You'll also see that it is not 'just' that your card is expired, it's that you are no longer a permanent resident in the US and therefore probably no longer a Permanent Resident.

I agree with Ray that you'd need/want some creative legal talent to help you.

Re: Looking at Moving to US - Visa / Green Card Question
 

How long has he had the greencard? More than 5-years? If he naturalized and became a US citizen (he would become UK/US dual, like your sister) that opens up another option for you. I would explore that option.

Proof if ever it were needed, people should seriously consider just applying for citizenship the moment they are eligible... which the OP likely was. That would have meant moving back to the US many years later would have been as difficult as buying a plane ticket...

Sounds as though it won't be easy for you to move to the US, but you have more possibilities than most. Best of luck.