Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 10:09 am-
Chelsea,
I'm in the EXACT same situation as you. I've been doing research for the past four months and spent countless hrs trying to figure something out.
Like you, I'm a Canadian with a mother who was born in the US but didn't actually live there. If only our mothers would have applied for our dual citizenship before we turned 18!
This is what I've found out so far that MAY help you:
First, if you're under 21 and your grandparents are US citizens you CAN become a dual through them. This isn't well known but I spoke to immigration about it, so it's definitely a fact.
Second, there is also something called an I-130 which allows your mother to sponsor you. If you are under 21 yrs old, there is not a waiting list and you could get your visa within 3 months to 1 yr.
Here's the bad news, if you are over 21 there is a waiting list and it's back logged for 6 yrs.ouch!
There is one thing that gives me a little hope with the I-130. The first time I went to immigration with questions regarding the I-130 I gave specific details on my situation (excluding the boy part!)The officer made a point of asking if I was Canadian, born and raised. When I told her I was she said 1 yr tops, from start to finish. One thing I need to add here; I'm 29 yrs old and find it extremely hard for her to have passed me for being UNDER 21.
So maybe it makes a difference that we're Canadian rather then from somewhere else in the world.I'm not sure and like I said, it gives me a LITTLE hope but I'm not holding my breath!
I hope some of this helps. I'll cont' to post on here as I find info out, PLEASE do the same!
Natalie