Over 60 engaged couple seeking advice on Spousal Visa

[Ausa 66]

5 hours ago, Sukie said:

Another thing to think about - and something that is often glossed-over...

 

If you are SURE that you want to live out the rest of your life in the US, then get married and go through the green card process.  But...if for ANY reason, you think you may NOT end your days in the US, you will want to think long and hard about the tax consequences of his becoming a US citizen or LPR.  The US is one of 3 countries in the world that taxes citizens and LPRs on WORLD-WIDE income (Eritrea and China are the other two, but China does not enforce the rule).  That means ANY monies - whether earned income, investment income, interest income, inheritance, etc., are subject to US tax consideration. 

 

Many retirees don't think about this.  We are both retired (in our 60s). Our case is that I am the USC and my spouse is an Australian, and just got her US Citizenship.  In Australia, the saving-for-retirement system is tax-free in Australia when you withdraw the money after you are retired.  But the US sees that as money that is taxed - and it will do so.  This is causing US/Oz couples much stress at the moment, and many US persons are actively renouncing their US citizenship if they intend to live out their days in Australia.

 

So take a breath for a moment, and make sure the two of you want to live in the US, knowing that any overseas income will be taxed.  Depending on your professions, this could be a killer.

 

Sukie in NY

 

This is very intersting - thank you for sharing.

Edited October 17, 2018 by Ausa

[Jemera 15]

Marrying now and continuing to live together abroad until you're ready to return is the best path. Take tons of photos of your life together - your wedding, your travels, time spent with one another's family and friends. Include many photos and letters affirming knowledge of your marriage from friends and family with your i130 packet. I don't think co-mingling of funds is that important in your case, but living abroad with your partner and being involved with their family and friends there makes for a very strong case.

[Boiler 45,486]

I seriously doubt the OP will have any issue with proving the relationship, even now she has more than enough. 

 

Retiring to the US and the practicalities of doing so is the tricky bit which may or may not impinge on the Public Charge issue.

Edited October 17, 2018 by Boiler