This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment Hello, I looked at your web site and wanted to ask you a question. My stepfather was born in California, but has been living in Canada for 40+ years and has only a Canadian passport. He and my mother were married before I was 18, and I have been told this makes him a legal parent (?). If this is so, then am I eligible for U.S. citizenship? And if so, what kind of financial implications exist for my Stepfather, who has not filed, or worked in the U.S. for his adult life. Please let me know whatever information you might have, I am quite serious about obtaining a green card and would greatly appreciate any guidance. Thank- you, Jxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ========================================================== david ingram replies: If your stepfather was to claim his US passport and therefore his U citizenship, he would have to file six years of back US tax returns and then continue to file a US return every year for the rest of his life. In general, that is no worse than living in Quebec and working in Ottawa where you or he would also have to file two tax returns. And, unless he has a lot of money, he would not usually be subject to any US tax. It does not sound like he lived in the US for a long time. And he did not formally adopt you. So there is no automatic citizenship. The best that could happen is that he could claim his US citizenship (and the attached tax liabilities) and sponsor you for a green card. However, he should be living or seem to be living in the US to sponsor you as well. It would likely be easier for you to get a University degree as an engineer and get a job in the US or better still find a US husband. In an adoption situation, if his paretns are still alive and living in the US, you might have a better chance using their citizenship than your step father's. . Maybe one of our Immigration Lawyer lawyers would like to comment. David Ingram's US/Canada Services US/Canada/Mexico Tax Immigration & working Visa Specialists US / Canada Real Estate Specialists 4466 Prospect Road North Vancouver, BC, CANADA, V7N 3L7 Calls accepted from 10 AM to 10 PM 7 days a week Res (604) 980-3578 Cell (604) 657-8451 Bus (604) 980-0321 [email protected] www.centa.com www.david-ingram.com Disclaimer: This question has been answered without detailed information or consultation and is to be regarded only as general comment. Nothing in this message is or should be construed as advice in any particular circumstances. No contract exists between the reader & the author and any and all non-contractual duties are expressly denied. All readers should obtain formal advice from a competent financial, or real estate planner or advisor & appropriately qualified legal practitioner, tax or immigration specialist in connection with personal or business affairs such as at www.centa.com. If you forward this message, this disclaimer must be included." This from ask an income tax immigration planning and bankruptcy expert consultant guru or preparer from www.centa.com or www.jurock.com or www.featureweb.com. 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