Rissian passport renewal if you are a U.S. citizen

[Nancy2015 2]

Hello, dear Russia forum participants!

I don't know if anyone can shed any light on this issue, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

I immigrated to the U.S. from Russia and I am now a US citizen. My Russian passport is expiring in April. I've previously renewed my Russian passport through the consulate in San Francisco, but I was an LPR back then. Now that I'm a USC, when I fill out the application at the consulate, I'd have to state what my temporary status in the US is (becasue they will always treat you as if you were in the US temporarily, unless you renounce the Russian citizenship). If I write that I'm a USC as the basis for my temporary visit to the US, it doesn't make any sense. Russia and the US do not have a dual citizenship agreement so I feel like I'd be doing something bad :/

Has anyone ever been in this situation? What did you do? I'm actually thinking about givng up my Russian citizenship as well - it looks like a more straightforward process than renewing a passport.

Thank you!

[S_R 148]

If Russia doesn't recognize dual citizenship then I suggest you put the renewal fee to other use. This is something you should have considered before applying for citizenship too.

[Nancy2015 2]

If Russia doesn't recognize dual citizenship then I suggest you put the renewal fee to other use. This is something you should have considered before applying for citizenship too.

It's common practice for many Russian citizens to get US citizenship and not give up citizenship in Russia. Many people hold two passports. It's not specifically disallowed, but it's not regarded as "dual citizenship" from the legal standpoint. It's just, you have two at the same time, but neither country recognizes the other one. For example, I can't enter Russia with my US passport because I have Russian citizenship and they do not recognize me as a US citizen if I'm there. Same here, in the US - I am a US citizen for the US goverment and they won't recognize my other citizenship status. In short, no one gives a ####### for the most part. It may very well be that no one gives a ####### at all, since presumably there are many people who have had two passports for a really long time.

Thank you, I have considered many things prior to my N-400 application - enough to avoid being lectured on the legalities.

[KoulioTex 0]

I am in the exact same position, renewing my Russian passport (yesterday, actually) at the consulate in Houston. You still do it as if you're in the U.S. temporarily. Having a US citizenship does not mean you "live" here permanently as far as Russia is concerned. You could be considered Russian, have registration there (прописка), travel there frequently to see family, conduct business, etc.

[KoulioTex 0]

Forgot to mention two things:

1. They now let you apply for a 10-year "biometric" passport, so you should do that, obviously.

2. I was told yesterday that the new passport will take 2.5-3 months to be issued, so you should call the consulate in SF and schedule it *now*. Mine will be ready after my current one expires, which is of course not ideal.

[workin4somethin 0]

Forgot to mention two things:

1. They now let you apply for a 10-year "biometric" passport, so you should do that, obviously.

2. I was told yesterday that the new passport will take 2.5-3 months to be issued, so you should call the consulate in SF and schedule it *now*. Mine will be ready after my current one expires, which is of course not ideal.

You are referring to the international passport, correct?

I have had family and friends apply and receive an international passport from the consulate; however, you must return to Russia for issue/replacement of your regular passport. Correct?

[KoulioTex 0]

Yes, the international or "travel" (загран) passport. The regular passport needs to be obtained in Russia.

[bublik 26]

Go and apply. I have been doing this for many years. Both of my kids, born here, have also both passports- USA by birth, and I applied for russian citizenship for them (being Russian citizen).

Everybody does that. I travel to Russia twice a year- would be insane to obtain visas...

[Dashinka 24,667]

Thanks for the information on this post. My wife is a bit far removed from naturalization, but it is on her mind. I will pass it on to her.

[Amelie123 2]

Dear all,

I have a question which is a little bit off topic and is about Russian Immigration Law.

I got my green card in February 2015 and I want to go to Moscow to see my parents, and according to the new law, I have to report my perm. residency to the immigration department there.

The problem is that the name on my green card is my married name and it doesn't match the name on my passport (my passport has my maiden name).

Has anybody here had the same situation? Did it pose any problems? How long did it take?

Please, share your experience!

Thanks a lot!!!

[bublik 26]

My Russian internal passport is on maiden name (I never changed it), but my American passport is on married name. Didn't have any problems.

Just in case- bring your marriage cert where your maiden name is stated.

It is not a big deal at all- any post office does it. You will have to fill out couple of annoying forms and that's it.

I just did it in March when I was visiting.

[bublik 26]

Oh,

It only takes as long as the line in post office is:)

Fill out the forms, pay the fee, and they give the half of form back to you, stamped, and mail your docs. I think they also need copies of your documents.

You go to the post office and ask for those forms (need to fill two identical ones), and on this firm there is a list of docs you need to have copies off.

You can go home, fill them out, collect all the docs and go back and file.

[Amelie123 2]

Aww, Thank you for your response, Bublik!!

Such a relieve!