HK Permanent Res. Adopted by American Citizen

Hi, everybody. This is my first post on Asia Expat and I hope that someone could help me out. This is regarding my eligibility for a US residency or citizenship.


When I was 15, I was adopted by an American citizen in Hong Kong. My parents were in the process of applying for a US passport and citizenship for me in Hong Kong when I was younger but stopped midway due to some financial complications.



In August 2009, I moved to California on an F-1 Visa. I hold permanent residency in Hong Kong but hold a Filipino Passport. I am now 25 years old and currently residing in California, Los Angeles, on an F-1 Visa. Now that my student visa is soon expiring and I am about to return to Hong Kong in June, I would like to know if I am eligible to apply for a US passport and citizenship even though I am over the age of 15. (Again: I was adopted before the age of 16; my parents however stopped mid-application for my US passport).



I do not know how unique my case is, however, I have asked a couple of immigration law firms in Los Angeles but they do not seem to understand my case. I hope that someone in these forums is able to provide some help or direct me to knowledgeable lawyers.


Thank you for reading.


Best,

AC

Regarding your case.

It would be much harder for you to find qualified help in Hong Kong than from California.

You should stay in California, and process your claim there.