Green Card renewal

[The Moose]

NMNeil said:

The Moose said:

That’s rather astonishing…we’re planning on citizenship when we get to 5 years for similar reasons.

When i had my citizenship interview the young lady asked if I spoke English. My reply of, "Perfectly, and I'm now trying to learn to speak American", had her laughing so much the interview ended very quickly, and she approved my application.

I'll have to remember that line!

[Matt Harper]

The Moose said:

That's what I thought...but hoped I was wrong and Matt Harper knew something I didn't

Nah, I just make it up as I go along....

[The Moose]

Matt Harper said:

The Moose said:

That's what I thought...but hoped I was wrong and Matt Harper knew something I didn't

Nah, I just make it up as I go along....

You and me both!

[dvs_dave]

h0b0 said:

Maybe not, but it has been a pain in the backside for Boris Johnson who ended up renouncing his citizenship in 2016 after paying between $50k and $100k in additional tax charges on the sale of a house.

Well, unless you’re in the “unfortunate” position of having made over $500k in gains on your primary residence, you’ve nothing to worry about.

Also its not well publicized, but as a non-citizen you can get hammered on estate/inheritance tax, inclusive of if it’s due to your spouse passing. A particularly bitter pill to swallow if you’re not aware of it. Being a permanent resident doesn’t shield you from this, which is actually an area where the IRS does treat permanent residents very differently to citizens.

Edited by dvs_dave on Thursday 3rd February 17:45

[off_again]

Good news on the process - my Green Card isnt up for renewal until 2026, but have been considering citizenship. Anyone know what the total costs are at the moment? There are 4 of us and had previously heard it can get quite steep. Last time I checked it was around $700 for each applicant, but is there any additional costs like the passport etc?

[h0b0]

Clearly not answering you question but the green car renewal is about $500. A large portion of that is for bio metrics which I did not need to do as they reused my previous ones and kept my money.

[The Moose]

h0b0 said:

kept my money.

They're good at that!

[NMNeil]

off_again said:

Good news on the process - my Green Card isnt up for renewal until 2026, but have been considering citizenship. Anyone know what the total costs are at the moment? There are 4 of us and had previously heard it can get quite steep. Last time I checked it was around $700 for each applicant, but is there any additional costs like the passport etc?

Unless it's changed you don't need to apply for a passport at at he same time. In fact until you get your citizenship papers you are ineligible to apply.
The fees at the moment.
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document...
But there is something going through the courts about the fees, so this may be subject to change
https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees

[geeman237]

I'm not sure if this still applies, but I got my citizenship in Nov 2012 (election day I think) and at the ceremony I am sure they took your Green Card off you there and then. So make sure you don't have plans to travel internationally soon afterwards and get your passport applied for.

[NNH]

geeman237 said:

I'm not sure if this still applies, but I got my citizenship in Nov 2012 (election day I think) and at the ceremony I am sure they took your Green Card off you there and then. So make sure you don't have plans to travel internationally soon afterwards and get your passport applied for.

Still true as of Nov 2021

[dvs_dave]

NNH said:

geeman237 said:

I'm not sure if this still applies, but I got my citizenship in Nov 2012 (election day I think) and at the ceremony I am sure they took your Green Card off you there and then. So make sure you don't have plans to travel internationally soon afterwards and get your passport applied for.

Still true as of Nov 2021

Yes, you turn in your green card at the ceremony. You then have to apply for your US passport if you want to travel outside of the US.

It was a 3 week turnaround to get my US passport. I paid for the expedited service, otherwise it’s a 12 week wait.

[Matt Harper]

I had a work trip to Europe between the naturalization ceremony and my US passport being issued - I don't recall what the document I got (from USCIS) was called - something like "Parole for Essential Travel". I think the fee was about $200. My US passport arrived while I was away.

[off_again]

Thanks all - looks like $750 per person. Damn, thats $3k for all of us! Think I need to save a little cash first ;-)

[Zeek]

off_again said:

Thanks all - looks like $750 per person. Damn, thats $3k for all of us! Think I need to save a little cash first ;-)

Maybe don't wait for too long. The price had risen to $1170, but the increase was "temporarily" halted by the courts.

[jimmyjimjim]

BertieWooster said:

Thanks for that - I downloaded the civics test app so will get studying. I might as well get the process started as I'm guessing it won't get any cheaper. I'm surprised it only took you 12 weeks - I know it takes some people ages.

5 months for me. It's utterly straightforward. Email if you need anything - but you won't

50 people in a nat. ceremony at a time in Denver, don't expect a same day ceremony

[Olivero]

I am thinking it might be time to go for citizenship.
Quick questions, is it possible to travel out, and back to the US on my UK passport while paperwork is going through?
What is the current turnaround time for a Green Card holder to receiving papers and US Passport?

[dalecan]

I did this about 3 years ago. They advise not to leave the country while the paperwork is being processed. From my time of application it took about 18 months. I had thought and heard it took only a few months, but the length has increased dramatically and likely to be even worse with COVID.

[jimmyjimjim]

Mine was 5 months pre-covid. I'd advise looking on visa journey and checking the times for your processing center.

[Matt Harper]

Olivero said:

I am thinking it might be time to go for citizenship.
Quick questions, is it possible to travel out, and back to the US on my UK passport while paperwork is going through?
What is the current turnaround time for a Green Card holder to receiving papers and US Passport?

It is possible - see my comment above - but you will require a Travel Parole authorization from USCIS, because you are relieved of your green card at the naturalization ceremony. Without that parole authorization, you will have nothing to present CBP on your return - because VWP won't apply to you anymore, either.

[jimmyjimjim]

I think he's more concerned about the period between submitting the N-400 and the ceremony, than the ceremony and getting a passport.