bueno

Hi Guys

I have a greencard and have relocated to the U.S recently from the UK. GC issued in July 09 and moved to U.S Jan 2010. GC was issued as I am the spouse and father of USC (by birth). The GC was initially activated in Aug 09

I just wanted to know of a typical time frame from LPR to USC. What are the key steps I will need to insure I adhere to to make this journey as smooth and as successful as possible.

Regards
Bueno

TracyTN

Lots of info here on this. Commonly it is 5 years from the time you become an LPR until you can apply for citizenship. 3 years if your GC is based on marriage to a US citizen.

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Natura...ship_Resources

ian-mstm

If you remain married to and living with your USC spouse, you can apply for naturalization in May 2012... and it usually takes about 6-8 months from the time you apply until the Oath Ceremony.


1) Remain married to and living with your USC spouse
2) Continue to file US tax returns - showing "married" (either filing jointly or filing separately)
3) Stay below the radar with respect to law enforcement, except for something minor like a speeding ticket (which is not a problem)
4a) Continue to demonstrate "good moral character"
4b) If you are between 18-26 years old, you must register for Selective Service
4c) If you were required to register but did not, you can't apply for naturalization until after you're 31 (since you must have 5 years worth of "good moral character"... although that may be 3 years if you're married to a USC - can anyone clarify?)

Ian

Bill_S

In addition to Ian's suggestions, keep track of your time outside the US while you're a permanent resident. You'll be required to list all trips abroad when applying for naturalization.

penguinsix

Isn't there some requirement where you have to be here in the US, uninterrupted, for a certain period of time, like 18 months if going for a marriage based sponsorship? Continuous residency or something?

chartreuse

I think it just has to be 18 months out of the three years in country.

Bill_S

Yes, there is both a "physical presence" and a "continuous residence" requirement. They are described in the USCIS Guide to Naturalization. If the applicant is skating close to the edge of either of these, it's very important to have all trips thoroughly documented.

bueno

Thank you so much guys.

When do I need to file taxes. If i was working in the UK until last month but was initially given my greencard back in July 09. Would these need to be declared - Even though I paid income tax in the U.K.

Dont wanna open a can of worms but wanna do things the right way

Thanks

Noorah101

No can of worms to open. If you had your green card in July 2009, then yes...you need to file a US tax return for 2009. Deadline for filing is April 15, 2010, unless you ask for an extension.

You probably won't have to pay any tax in the USA, but you need to file the return and declare all worldwide income. You'll need to do this every year now that you're a US PR.

Rene

bueno

Thanks Noorah

But my working in the UK whilst having a GC - will this affect my GC status? Though it was still within the 6month period.

ian-mstm

No... the US doesn't care where you work - especially for so short a time.

Ian

Noorah101

No.

Rene

Just Jenney

If you already paid UK income taxes, be sure to check out Form 2555-Foreign Earned Income Exclusion.

~ Jenney