Canadian Minor Wanting To Live w/ Grandma in US?

Hi all, just found this site.

I'm fourteen and my grandmother lives in Southern California. I've been contemplating moving in with her, because her husband recently passed away and I'm seeking change/adventure, if that makes any sense. Anyway, would that be possible in anyway? Neither of my parents are US citizens, or have dual citizenship. I don't exactly know what my grandmothers status is, but she's been living in the US for years now. I think she obtained citizenship or being allowed to stay from marrying US citizens.

So, is it possible? And how would I go about it? She's my fathers mother. I also have other American family members, but none of them are immediate. My father's cousins, and my father's aunt and uncle.

How long do you guys estimate it would take to sort this out, if I wanted it to happen?

Any information you could supply me with would be amazing, thanks so much. Feel free to message me or reply here. I know this post sounds immature and uneducated, but that's why I'm here to get more information on it. My mom is potentially okay with it since I'd be with my grandmother. My dad, I don't talk to him but making a decision like this, I will need to! Oh, something else to consider, would it not work because my grandmother doesn't have any custody privileges? Sorry for the questions!

-KM

You can visit, but since you cannot go to school there, forget this, stay in school, and learn to get along with your parents.

Since you are a minor, your grandmother would have to obtain legal guardianship for you and then petition for your permanent residency. My aunt did this for me when I was a teen minor under 16 in the early 90's. I am not sure how much the law has changed since then, but this should work of course with the permission of your parents... So again, she MUST obtain legal guardianship for you before any filing can be done for your green card.

I would speak to your parents more in-depth about this and also find out whether or not your grandmother is indeed an American Citizen.

Thanks everyone.

My mom and I get along fine, me leaving has nothing to do with disagreements/disputes. My father... long story, doesn't do anything, doesn't pay us, help out, etc. Deadbeat! My mom is away but she said when she comes home, we'll talk seriously about it. I want to study, I like school. I really am looking for new experiences, studying abroad etc. I'm only fourteen, I know there's not much for me to do, but I don't know, knowing that I have my grandmother in Cali, where I long to live, is boosting.

Thanks so much for the information. I'm going to Los Angeles in a couple of months, so I'll probably speak with my grandmother about it too, and look into things more.