Hello all. I'm a confused Canadian in need of some advice. I hope this is the right part of the forum to post in, if not, please let me know.
I'll try to make this as uncomplicated as possible.
I want to know if I can lay claim to American citizenship through blood.
My grandmother was born and raised an American. I have read the retention laws regarding an American born abroad (that would be my mother) and my grandmother meets every requirement of physical residence. However, my grandmother was not aware she could have registered my mother as an American citizen born abroad, and so... she never registered her. (I have read online that this does not matter, my mother is / was an American through blood, whoever needs to know is just not aware of this fact since she was never registered).
Here comes the MIND NUMBING FACTOR : My mother passed away five years ago of cancer. I have spoken to a lawyer that has told me I can register her posthumously, but he did not tell me if I could apply for citizenship after she was registered (if the application even went through).
My grandmother is still alive. She has all the documentation needed to prove she was an American, and I have my mother's documentation as well as her death certificate. I cannot be registered through my grandmother because I am over the age of 18 (that's what I've read, anyway).
Can I still register my mother as an American born abroad, even though she passed away? Can I apply for citizenship through my mother? I don't think she met the physical presence requirements, although I have also read all she would have had to do to reclaim her citizenship would be to take the Oath of Allegiance.
I just want this to be over, I am going to be getting married to my boyfriend who is American, however, I would like to BE an American rather than have to get married 90 days after I receive my K1 visa.
Any advice would be appreciated!!! If you need more information, please let me know!
Thanks.
I'll try to make this as uncomplicated as possible.
I want to know if I can lay claim to American citizenship through blood.
My grandmother was born and raised an American. I have read the retention laws regarding an American born abroad (that would be my mother) and my grandmother meets every requirement of physical residence. However, my grandmother was not aware she could have registered my mother as an American citizen born abroad, and so... she never registered her. (I have read online that this does not matter, my mother is / was an American through blood, whoever needs to know is just not aware of this fact since she was never registered).
Here comes the MIND NUMBING FACTOR : My mother passed away five years ago of cancer. I have spoken to a lawyer that has told me I can register her posthumously, but he did not tell me if I could apply for citizenship after she was registered (if the application even went through).
My grandmother is still alive. She has all the documentation needed to prove she was an American, and I have my mother's documentation as well as her death certificate. I cannot be registered through my grandmother because I am over the age of 18 (that's what I've read, anyway).
Can I still register my mother as an American born abroad, even though she passed away? Can I apply for citizenship through my mother? I don't think she met the physical presence requirements, although I have also read all she would have had to do to reclaim her citizenship would be to take the Oath of Allegiance.
I just want this to be over, I am going to be getting married to my boyfriend who is American, however, I would like to BE an American rather than have to get married 90 days after I receive my K1 visa.
Any advice would be appreciated!!! If you need more information, please let me know!
Thanks.
