now that I have my 10 yr card

[giraffemd 0]

so, for those of you that are, or are considering naturalizing, other than the voting, and never having to worry about USCIS again, what are the pros and cons...I can't seem to make up my mind ....all opinions welcome

[KyngSilva 0]

Federal Jobs. For some of us it is easier to travel with a US passport, most countries allow you to enter without a visa. The privilege of being called a Yank!!!LOL

[payxibka 10,045]

so, for those of you that are, or are considering naturalizing, other than the voting, and never having to worry about USCIS again, what are the pros and cons...I can't seem to make up my mind ....all opinions welcome

The decision parameters might be very different coming from the country of Canada versus the country of "podunk". For a Canadian, there might not be a significantly perceived reason.....

Edited December 10, 2008 by payxibka

[broma25 2]

The ability to stay out of the country for long periods of time.

Having dual citizenship....and also doing it just cos ya can!!! Lots of people would love the opportunity but will never get it.

[eau_xplain 2]

Another benefit is that you can petition a family member who would like to come and live in the United States.

[giraffemd 0]

hm thanks for the input...I was wondering about any tax implications if we decide to reside in Canada again for awhile?

[asid 0]

hm thanks for the input...I was wondering about any tax implications if we decide to reside in Canada again for awhile?

You will have to pay uncle Sam the tax differential. That may not be an issue if the tax rate in Canada is higher than the US. You will have the hassle of filing US taxes each year. The US is one of the few nations that taxes your global income (Canada may be another). So if you go work in Hong Kong that has flat income tax rate of around 15%, for example, you'll have to pay the IRS the differance between 15% HK rate and your marginal tax rate according to the IRS schedule. The IRS has a whole section on expat taxes, which is a complicated arena.

[NickD 202]

so, for those of you that are, or are considering naturalizing, other than the voting, and never having to worry about USCIS again, what are the pros and cons...I can't seem to make up my mind ....all opinions welcome

never having to worry about USCIS again is a really big pro.

Make sure you always carry your green card with you, if you lose it or your wallet or purse is stolen, going to cost you a small fortune to replace it. And do not forget to renew it, or to contact the USCIS whenever you move. Could also have to play games with your DMV. Keep track of all your trips if you decide to apply for USC, keep track of everything. A PITA way to live.

[giraffemd 0]

hm thanks for the input...I was wondering about any tax implications if we decide to reside in Canada again for awhile?

You will have to pay uncle Sam the tax differential. That may not be an issue if the tax rate in Canada is higher than the US. You will have the hassle of filing US taxes each year. The US is one of the few nations that taxes your global income (Canada may be another). So if you go work in Hong Kong that has flat income tax rate of around 15%, for example, you'll have to pay the IRS the differance between 15% HK rate and your marginal tax rate according to the IRS schedule. The IRS has a whole section on expat taxes, which is a complicated arena.

eww this sounds like a pain....filing one set of taxes is bad enough........

[Flames9_RN 358]

Canada and the US do have a tax treaty, so I belive if you make under a certain amt of $$$$ you wouldn't actually have to pay!!

[giraffemd 0]

Canada and the US do have a tax treaty, so I belive if you make under a certain amt of $$$$ you wouldn't actually have to pay!!

under a certain amount of $$$$'''means I probably don't have to pay..I guess that's good and bad.....working in retail..ya know I'm never gonna strike it rich....especially these days!!!!!!!

[diadromous mermaid 36]

Perhaps not applicable, and potentially rare, but an LPR always runs the risk of being convicted of a deportable offense. It doesn't happen often, but there are some innocent people charged of crimes!

Canada and the US do have a tax treaty, so I belive if you make under a certain amt of $$$$ you wouldn't actually have to pay!!

under a certain amount of $$$$'''means I probably don't have to pay..I guess that's good and bad.....working in retail..ya know I'm never gonna strike it rich....especially these days!!!!!!!