Citizenship through deceased father

My girlfriend was born in 1989, her dad died in 2001. Her parents were never married. He kept his citizenship when him and his family moved here when he was 12. He only returned to America for 6 months after he was 14. I've been told (and verified this online) that she is not eligible for citizenship because he died over 5 years ago and because he didn't spend 2 years in the US after he was 14. Any ideas?

-- Thu Dec 02, 2010 4:31 pm --

I should also add, her grandparents are still in Canada and they are dual-citizens.

I pretty sure that the 5-year limit, and the fact that he did not spend sufficient time in US makes his US citizenship non-transmissable, neither through him nor the grandparents.

What makes you think that the information you were told and verified is somehow wrong?

An immigration lawyer I spoke to seemed to think it was possible but a difficult case. He said he could answer all my questions over a half hour consultation ($125). But I feel like he might just be after my money because I've already looked it up and spoke with two other immigration lawyers about it.

save your money.