Slightly confused.

[Ecalos 0]

Okay so assuming it all goes well and I'm awarded a greencard when I get to the US... 2 years later I file to remove conditions... I get the 10 year greencard.. am I correct?

Where I'm stuck at is.... Greencard = Legal Permanent Resident? Or US Citizen? What happens to my Canadian citizenship along the way? Is becoming a USC a totally different process or something that just happens further down the line?

I keep finding differing opinions on this

[YuAndDan 153]

Greencard is LPR not Citizen. To become a citizen you will need to naturalize. You will need to be an LPR for at least 5 years before you can become a citizen of the United States.

http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/general.htm

http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/index.htm

[Ecalos 0]

Oh ok.. so then is naturalizaton something I -have- to do? Or can I keep my Canadian citizenship in some manner while being a LPR?

[YuAndDan 153]

Oh ok.. so then is naturalizaton something I -have- to do? Or can I keep my Canadian citizenship in some manner while being a LPR?

There is no requirement to Naturalize, I have a friend that works at my place of employment who has been in the USA for 20 years as an LPR from Canada. She is still considered to be a Citizen of Canada.

I have another friend who's husband is from Greece, every time they want to travel to Greece he has to reapply for a passport at the Greek Consulate in NY City, and also has to renew the Green card every 10 years. So he is now in the process of getting Naturalized to get an American Passport, and remove the need to renew the green card.

Naturalization just allows you the privileges of being an citizen of the United States, like Voting, or US Passport.

More can be found here: http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/English.pdf

[Ecalos 0]

Ahh thank you, that's exactly what I wanted to know

[KarenCee 3]

Greencard is LPR not Citizen. To become a citizen you will need to naturalize. You will need to be an LPR for at least 5 years before you can become a citizen of the United States.

http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/general.htm

http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/index.htm

I was under the impression that the requirements for citizenship were reduced to three years instead of five, if the LPR comes on a K visa. Maybe I misread that somewhere.

[Flames9_RN 358]

I came on a cr-1 (no clue on K1 stuff) and I know I can apply for usa citizenship 3 yrs after I entered the States. Even though I will become an USa citizen, I wont loose my Canadian citizenship, will have dual.

[Jersey Girl 2]

Yes, many of us are dual citizens of Canada and the U.S. You do not have to give up one or the other. But if you become an American, and later move back to Canada, you will still be liable for income tax in the States no matter where you live. Something to be aware of.

[Flames9_RN 358]

Yes, many of us are dual citizens of Canada and the U.S. You do not have to give up one or the other. But if you become an American, and later move back to Canada, you will still be liable for income tax in the States no matter where you live. Something to be aware of.

That is correct, but I belive many of the tax treaties cover that, one wouldn't be getting double taxed.

[Ecalos 0]

Alright sounds good, I was worried about losing my Canadian citizenship but looks like I have nothing to fear. Thanks!

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Yes, many of us are dual citizens of Canada and the U.S. You do not have to give up one or the other. But if you become an American, and later move back to Canada, you will still be liable for income tax in the States no matter where you live. Something to be aware of.

That is correct, but I belive many of the tax treaties cover that, one wouldn't be getting double taxed.

Yes, tax treaties with many countries - including Canada- address the issue so that you don't face double taxation, but you still have to file an income tax return based upon your world income with the US when you are a US citizen. US taxes on its citizenship as well as its residents; Canada taxes its residents.

[Marilyn. 340]

Greencard is LPR not Citizen. To become a citizen you will need to naturalize. You will need to be an LPR for at least 5 years before you can become a citizen of the United States.

http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/general.htm

http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/index.htm

I was under the impression that the requirements for citizenship were reduced to three years instead of five, if the LPR comes on a K visa. Maybe I misread that somewhere.

yes, you are correct, Karen... if you come to the US on a K visa or a CR1/IR1 visa you can become a citizen 3 years after becoming a permanent resident....

[KarenCee 3]

Greencard is LPR not Citizen. To become a citizen you will need to naturalize. You will need to be an LPR for at least 5 years before you can become a citizen of the United States.

http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/general.htm

http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/index.htm

I was under the impression that the requirements for citizenship were reduced to three years instead of five, if the LPR comes on a K visa. Maybe I misread that somewhere.

yes, you are correct, Karen... if you come to the US on a K visa or a CR1/IR1 visa you can become a citizen 3 years after becoming a permanent resident....

Thanks Marilyn...I was beginning to wonder if I was losing my mind. I knew I had read that somewhere.

[Reba 2]

it doesn't necessarily have to be a K visa or spousal CR1. Just that you are married to a US citizen and have legal permanent residency status in the US, you can apply for naturalization/citizenship 3 years after you get your green card. So if you entered on a CR1, you can apply 3 years after your arrival. If you entered on a K visa, and applied to adjust status, 3 years after you are approved, you can apply. If you enter as a visitor, and apply to adjust and are approved, 3 years later you can apply.

Or, you can just remain an LPR for the rest of your life, depending on your opinions and circumstances. There is no law stating you are required to become a citizen, just that you keep renewing your LPR status.

[Flames9_RN 358]

nope no law, but soem jobs require you to be a USA citizen and in some cases your spouse may be limited as well if your not a citizen, but thats dealing with very specific jobs ie CIA etc etc