late mail and travelling after green card issued

[KOTEI 0]

Hello Forum members,

I have 2 questions for you.

1. I have not received the DV lottery mail notification yet, I checked online and saw the notification that I had been selected. Now on the DS-122 form it says to follow instructions exactly and provide the necessary information and mail back using the enclosed self-adhesive return label. As I did not get the mail yet (6 weeks since 1st May 2012), is it ok to use my own envelope and mail it to the US State Department?

2. If God-willing my family and I are issued with the green card, my plan is to continue working in my country and travel to the US for about 2-3 weeks before 1 year has expired so as not to invalidate my green card status (my family though will stay permanently in the US). Will this affect my application to become a US citizen after the 5th year?

Thank you very much.

[Penguin_ie 5,996]

Not sure on 1, but I think you may only get the mail when it is your turn, which could be months yet, depending on your number.

2: Yes, that is a big problem. The greencard is for legal PERMANENT RESIDENTS, and you would be a visitor, staying only a few weeks a year. Staying out more than 6 months at a time/ more than 6 months in a rolling year can create issues. You will likely get away with it once, to finish up your business and sell, but not for years at a time, they could take away your greencard.

[KOTEI 0]

On my 2nd question, what if I file taxes though I am not in the US? that would mean double-taxation for me, but worth it in the long run, i guess. I have a good job where I am currently and wouldn't like to relinquish it just yet.

[Penguin_ie 5,996]

You will need to file taxes anyway, this is a requirement. You won't have to pay any taxes though, unless you make a LOT of money.

If you weren't ready to move to the USA, you should have waited to apply for the DV lottery- it is for people who are ready to immigrate.

The only way I can see around this is immigrate with your family, then you leave and relinquish your greencard. Once you are ready to immigrate for good, your wife can petition you for a spousal visa. Waitingtime to get it will be about 3 years if she is stil a greencard holder then, or 6-9 months if she is a citizen by then.

[KOTEI 0]

well, it is a lottery and this was my 4th attempt before winning; just trying to see if i can eat my cake and have it too, you know. especially considering the higher unemployment rate over there, it's a bit scary leaving a good job and trying your luck in a completely new society.

Thanks anyway, I'll probably make the jump into the unknown and quit my job when the time comes.

[pastorjo 0]

I am in the same shoe with your number 2 question. I have a good job in my country with an Oil & Gas American company. I don't wish to leave the job yet except I get a better job in US but I planned to settle my family there and dash in every 2 or 3 months. Hope this will work out to keep my GC.

[KOTEI 0]

The mail never came, but we received an email to check online and have been scheduled for a Nov 7 2012 interview.

Now, we believe we have everything in order, of course, we'll have to get the police clearance and medical examination done. There is a small matter of changing the address of our US host. Question: can we make this change in address on the day of the interview at the embassy, or do we have to send the change of address to the Kentucky Consular center in the US?

Thank you!!