De Carabas

Hello all,

I have, as it says on the tin, a depressing question about greencards.

Now, before everyone moans and runs for the door, it is not about how to get one....I already have my change of permanent resident status, and my funky little plastic ID card as well..... no, my question is about being able to keep the blessed thing.

In short, my wife and I moved here to the States five years ago. She came on an L-1and I got a delightful l-2 Spousal visa. OK, so time goes by, yadda yadda yadda, her company applies for (sponsors) and obtains her greencard, along with mine courtesy of my spousal status.... so far, so good eh?

Anywho.... things do not work out all that well between the old ball and chain and I. Suffice to say, she ... er ... retired back to the UK in the company of a gentleman friend.

SO, the question I have is:

Given that my greencard was obtained on the back (so to speak) of my wife's L-1 authorised Greencard application, if I choose to divorce the dear, dear lady, will the IRS then come and revoke my greencard?

Answers/advice/commiserations all gratefully received....

De Carabas

D'oh! Just realised that I have posted this in the wrong forum.

Sorry about that...please go on about your business.......

Manc

you have a Permanent Resident Card.



I believe you are fine.

Angry White Pyjamas

You're a PR in your own right regardless of being E34 category on the card. You keep it (and lose it) on your own merits (ie stay a PR, dont commit crimes etc).

Im the same (But my missus is still here with me).

ScousePete

What is the expiration date on your greencard?

Angry White Pyjamas

I would imagine its sometime around 2014/15 judging by his post.

SecretGarden

I don't want to assume anything. Were you granted permanent resident status with conditions? It makes a difference.

And no, the IRS certainly wouldn't come and take your card away. That's the Internal Revenue Service. The USCIS, however, might have a different opinion.

If you can answer if you're conditional or not, that might make a difference in the answer.

~SecretGarden

Angry White Pyjamas

I get the impression he isnt on a CR as he is/was married to a UK citizen and he got his GC on the back of her GC which she got via work (as did I) so the GC isnt conditional. Its marked with a Cat 34 (Spouse of primary holder) but that makes no odds once you actually have it.

fatbrit

Looks fine to me. Follow the permanent resident rules to keep it, i.e. don't leave for extended periods, pay your taxes, try not to attack your neighbor with an axe, etc. You can naturalize as a US citizen 5 years from the date it was issued, and bung the app in 90 days before that.

Angry White Pyjamas

If you really wanted to.

PS you are becoming so Americanised...neighbour has a U in it you know.

fatbrit

Not much reason not to, really.

Angry White Pyjamas

Unless you like to file US taxes for the rest of your life.

fatbrit

First 80k is free. After that dual taxation agreements cut in. And if you don't want to come back, you needn't anyway. It's just a bit of paperwork, no biggie.

Angry White Pyjamas

Yup. Personally though I can see no real reason to file for citizenship. As and when we move on we'll be moving on as it were.

fatbrit

Actually, there are also tax advantages if you or the missus pop your clogs with assets here.