Splitting Life Between Two Countries, Before Removing Conditions?

[KansasDragon 1]

I am self-employed, with a portable job. I can work from anywhere there is an internet connection.

My wife's 2-year green card expires next July, we have a plan in place to spend several months per year (possibly up to 6) working in the Philippines, with the rest of the time here in the USA.

We would maintain an address, banks, etc.. in both places.

We are wanting to start this plan shortly, and be gone for several months between now and the renewal of her green card.

Would this likely cause any major issues with her renewal?

Any tips, or advice we should follow prior to going?

Thank you!

Barry & Ann

[Zen Den 18]

I am self-employed, with a portable job. I can work from anywhere there is an internet connection.

My wife's 2-year green card expires next July, we have a plan in place to spend several months per year (possibly up to 6) working in the Philippines, with the rest of the time here in the USA.

We would maintain an address, banks, etc.. in both places.

We are wanting to start this plan shortly, and be gone for several months between now and the renewal of her green card.

Would this likely cause any major issues with her renewal?

Any tips, or advice we should follow prior to going?

Thank you!

Barry & Ann

you shouldn't have problems with your plan to work overseas. when she is eligible to apply for naturalization though, the "welcome to the US" doc says leaving the US for more than 6 months MIGHT be considered a break in her residency, which requires that she be physically present for a continuous 18 months here in the US (for those married to USCs), unless she's able to prove that she has continuos ties here. so either make sure you don't exceed the 6 months every year or make sure you will have strong proof of ties to the US while away.

the other req is physical presence, every month she's out of the US will be counted against the required 18 months, but this only means she'll later on have to stay more months to complete the requirement to make her eligible to become a USC.

one thing you have to remember is that she has to "remove conditions" within 90 days prior to GC expiration (july) so be sure to include that in your plans.

the main thing required of her in removal of conditions is to establish continuing relationship since you two got married and since her AOS to LPR.

other things you have to do:

1. inform (online) the DHS of your change of address every time you move

2. pay taxes every year.

3. read the doc "welcome to the US" to see the rules yourself

good luck and god bless

[mozplay 29]

In regards to ROC, because you will continue to be employed by a US employer (yourself) then I would just consider time spent outside of the US vacation time. You pay US taxes and maintain a US residence. You've already also spent a full year here, so we are only talking about one 6-month period.

I would not change addresses though. You are not moving, just going abroad with the intention of returning home after a lengthy holiday. Make sure that any evidence points to the US as being your and your wife's permanent, primary residence.

As for what comes next during naturalization ... you may want to research that a little before making a decision.

I will be filing for citizenship next year for this same reason. My husband and I want to be able to work both in and outside of the US and I don't want to have to worry about customs every single time we come home here.

[TracyTN 237]

I will be filing for citizenship next year for this same reason. My husband and I want to be able to work both in and outside of the US and I don't want to have to worry about customs every single time we come home here.

Just to be nitpicky, citizens always have to clear customs. I think you meant you don't want to have to worry about immigration.

[mozplay 29]

I will be filing for citizenship next year for this same reason. My husband and I want to be able to work both in and outside of the US and I don't want to have to worry about customs every single time we come home here.

Just to be nitpicky, citizens always have to clear customs. I think you meant you don't want to have to worry about immigration.

I don't want to have to worry facing CBP. Yes, I know I'll have to clear customs, but I always totally stress out thinking that they are going to find some excuse to hold me indefinitely. And when I say stress, I mean STRESS!!! in the most imaginative and exaggerated way too, lol.

[TracyTN 237]

I understand! Though you will always have to face CBP, at least it is just the customs scrutiny once you are both citizens.