CGC - Germany Citizen - pcsing back to Germany

[smallgirlbigworld 46]

Hello everybody! I have a question... I'm about to receive my conditional green card - has been approved yesterday.

Now my questions is... we are pcsing from the US to Germany in a couple months. Is there anything special that I need to do in order for USCIS not to think I'm leaving the US? 

I also hear about SOFA stamps... since I'm a German Citizen do I need that? Is there anything else that I need to do in order to still be eligible for a 10 year greencard once we apply for ROC?

Any and all tips and info is greatly appreciated

[R&OC 371]

Following as it also applies to us... I hope you'll get a good answer.

[Emmsan 51]

If you're pcsing you are leaving America... And technically abandoning your green card, obviously depending on how long you are staying. But I'm assuming it's longer than a year? If I'm not mistaken I think you're eligible to apply for citizenship if you  pcs to another country though. 

[R&OC 371]

As far as I know, hence this is why I am following your threat, is that once you are on your husband's orders (accompanied) your stay in Germany counts as if you are in the US. That is for military dependents only but it would be great if someone could confirm this. 

 

Otherwise you may want to ask legal on base.

 

The other issue you raised is SOFA stamp. Well, you are a German citizen but do you still have residency? Under the SOFA stamp you would be tax exempt (unless you choose to work in Germany as a "German").

Edited January 16, 2018 by R&OC

[Soup Dragon 104]

Hello

 

You will not abandon status if you PCS overseas.  Just make sure you are on your husband's orders and carry a copy with you whenever you travel back to the US.  

 

As for SOFA stamp, I am from the UK and never bothered to get one.  I have had no problems since I've been in Germany.

 

As a LPR you may be eligible to expedite your naturalization due to being stationed overseas  https://www.uscis.gov/policymanual/HTML/PolicyManual-Volume12-PartG-Chapter4.html

[Tom & Lily 15]

Since you are PCSing to Germany on your husbands orders you are still considered as being in the US by USCIS rules!  (APO AE Address are considered US addresses).  I retired from the Army a few years ago and during my career  I and my wife(Germany) PCSed many times; as long as we were on official orders there were no issues. 

 

Have your husband contact his military sponsor and get your new APO address so you can do your address change with USCIS.  You will get your SOFA stamp (card) in your passport once you get to your new duty assignment.  Best of luck in Germany.

[Tom & Lily 15]

Also, I believe you may be able to expedite your AOS if you are on official orders.  Recommend you make an appointment with your local USCIS office and talk to them.

 

My Germany wife passed away in 2014, however, during our 32 to years together we PCSed many time on her Green Card.