Me and my husband have a dilemma!

[OldUser 6,607]

22 minutes ago, Adlitam said:

I wish that was possible, but we need our double income for where we live (we don’t even have kids but it’s still so damn expensive).

Looks like double taxation after becoming a US citizen might not be an issue then.

 

So only left with two problems: cost of living where you are now and cost of filing fees for I-751 & N-400. Filing fees are $595 + $85 for I-751 and $640 + $85 for N-400, bringing it to $1405 in total.

 

Are you sure you want to give up a great opportunity for $1405? I wouldn't. I'd think your US spouse would have to pay more in Europe for his paperwork.

 

In terms of cost of living: while it's generally lower in Europe, are you going to keep same income though? If your income is going to drop due to employment in Europe, I'm not sure if you're going to be saving much.

 

From my observation, it's better to earn more $$$$ in expensive place than less $$$$ in cheaper place. At least in expensive place you can try saving. With 30-50% lower salary in parts of Europe you may have nothing to save after vital expenses. Fuel, transportation etc tend to be more expensive in Western Europe, whereas groceries are about the same as US prices, maybe slightly cheaper. Healthcare is much cheaper in Europe, that's true.

 

Either way, let us know how it goes and what you decide!

[Adlitam 3]

14 minutes ago, OldUser said:

Looks like double taxation after becoming a US citizen might not be an issue then.

 

So only left with two problems: cost of living where you are now and cost of filing fees for I-751 & N-400. Filing fees are $595 + $85 for I-751 and $640 + $85 for N-400, bringing it to $1405 in total.

 

Are you sure you want to give up a great opportunity for $1405? I wouldn't. I'd think your US spouse would have to pay more in Europe for his paperwork.

 

In terms of cost of living: while it's generally lower in Europe, are you going to keep same income though? If your income is going to drop due to employment in Europe, I'm not sure if you're going to be saving much.

 

From my observation, it's better to earn more $$$$ in expensive place than less $$$$ in cheaper place. At least in expensive place you can try saving. With 30-50% lower salary in parts of Europe you may have nothing to save after vital expenses. Fuel, transportation etc tend to be more expensive in Western Europe, whereas groceries are about the same as US prices, maybe slightly cheaper. Healthcare is much cheaper in Europe, that's true.

 

Either way, let us know how it goes and what you decide!

The paperwork for my husband to get a temporary residency card in Sweden was $200, and that was it! So it was cheaper to apply for him than it was for me who have spent thousands of dollars so far getting to the US 😅 I anticipated that though and knew what I was getting into.
 

We will still earn good money in Europe because of our degrees, of course not comparable to the US but in terms of wages in Sweden, it’s still a very good double income I would say because the cost of living is lower, free education and free healthcare - I think we will be more than ok. It’s not really the amount of money that matters to us at this point, we want to have more annual vacation, better benefits, a healthier work vs personal life balance, and parental leave for the day we decide to have children.
 

Anywho, I will keep this thread updated on what I decide. Just reached out to an immigration lawyer to get a legal perspective and will probably make my decision based on what he says.

 

Thank you!

[millefleur 5,046]

2 hours ago, Adlitam said:

Anywho, I will keep this thread updated on what I decide. Just reached out to an immigration lawyer to get a legal perspective and will probably make my decision based on what he says.

While I don't discourage asking a lawyer, it seems your decision is more personal and weighing up things like what matters more, being close to family, quality of life/benefits Europe offers that the US doesn't and others. Seems like it's your call and the lawyer can't advise much.

 

Sweden most likely has some sort of taxation treaty with the US. Your husband will still be required to file US taxes even if he ends up not owing anything, an annoyance but just part of having a US passport when you live abroad. I recommend hiring a tax professional who is familiar with USC's filing taxes from abroad.

[FromTheHills 10]

Logistically I do agree with what's being said. Might as well finish the process.

 

I do believe if you're both living in Sweden you would be eligible for Direct Consulat Processing. Which is a far shorter waiting time. 

 

Of course its the whole process again. But at least you guys wouldn't have to be separated and it would take less time.

 

Good luck in making your decision!

[Crazy Cat 41,810]

13 minutes ago, FromTheHills said:

I do believe if you're both living in Sweden you would be eligible for Direct Consulat Processing.

That only applies for exceptional circumstances...and at the sole discretion of the consulate.

[igoyougoduke 1,653]

16 hours ago, Adlitam said:

Hello!

 

I moved to the US on a K1 visa in February 2020. I am applying for ROC in June 2024. Considering how long the processing times are for ROC, I am probably going to apply for citizenship after 2 years and 9 months on my current conditional status while waiting for ROC. I have been advised to do this, since naturalization typically takes a shorter amount of time currently than ROC.

 

Me and my husband have lived together in the US for 4 years this year, but I have only had my GC since September 2022. We are planning on potentially moving to my home country in May 2025 because we are getting older and might want to explore how it is to live in Europe. Our dilemma is: we have spent so much time and money on my AOS, and even more money will be spent on ROC and naturalization. Should I wait to move back to my home country with my US Citizen Husband until I have received citizenship? Or is there a way for us to move to Europe, while still waiting for ROC or citizenship as long as I travel to the US every 6 months? I do not think that this is possible, but thought I would ask.

 

OR should we just move to Europe, and then apply for a IR1 visa when it is time for us to move back to the US? Would we need to be separated during the processing time? Does my husband have to file from the US or can he file from abroad and reside in Europe while waiting and then move back together?

 

Thank you

unless there is health issue or family concerns to abruptly move to europe right away, it would be extremely waste of time and $$$ to move to europe and abandon getting US citizenship right now 

 

[carmel34 3,620]

17 hours ago, Adlitam said:

I am applying for ROC in June 2024. Considering how long the processing times are for ROC, I am probably going to apply for citizenship after 2 years and 9 months on my current conditional status while waiting for ROC. I have been advised to do this, since naturalization typically takes a shorter amount of time currently than ROC.

 

Me and my husband have lived together in the US for 4 years this year, but I have only had my GC since September 2022. We are planning on potentially moving to my home country in May 2025

The processing times for naturalization have been very good lately, some cases are done in 4-5 months nowadays.  If this holds or even speeds up, you could have a combo I-751/N-400 interview in November of 2025, that's only six months after your May 2025 potential plan to move to Sweden.  Why not wait those six or seven months to be done with USCIS and leave with a US passport?  You'll be able to come and go much easier, either to live/work or to visit as a tourist.

[Adlitam1 18]

1 hour ago, carmel34 said:

The processing times for naturalization have been very good lately, some cases are done in 4-5 months nowadays.  If this holds or even speeds up, you could have a combo I-751/N-400 interview in November of 2025, that's only six months after your May 2025 potential plan to move to Sweden.  Why not wait those six or seven months to be done with USCIS and leave with a US passport?  You'll be able to come and go much easier, either to live/work or to visit as a tourist.

Yes if it would be only a six month delay, of course I would stay and wait it out. I’m just afraid it’s going be another year. I live in Seattle, looks like the average time is 7.5 months currently. 

I just want to make sure I’ve understood correctly. I have been a conditional GC holder for three years on September 8th 2025. I’m applying for ROC in June 2024. Is it correct that I then should apply for N-400 in June of 2025? That’s 2 years and 9 months of being a conditional GC holder.

 

[OldUser 6,607]

16 minutes ago, Matildathulin said:

I just want to make sure I’ve understood correctly. I have been a conditional GC holder for three years on September 8th 2025. I’m applying for ROC in June 2024. Is it correct that I then should apply for N-400 in June of 2025? That’s 2 years and 9 months of being a conditional GC holder.

 

Yes, you understand it correctly. You can expect becoming a US citizen beginning of 2026.

 

I also wanted to add, there may be a new administration in power after upcoming US elections. They can radically change immigration process and make it more difficult to come to the US / become a resident again. I'd think hard before giving up this opportunity. 

[Adlitam1 18]

3 hours ago, FromTheHills said:

Logistically I do agree with what's being said. Might as well finish the process.

 

I do believe if you're both living in Sweden you would be eligible for Direct Consulat Processing. Which is a far shorter waiting time. 

 

Of course its the whole process again. But at least you guys wouldn't have to be separated and it would take less time.

 

Good luck in making your decision!

Thank you! 
 

I have a question about direct consular processing: could we both remain in Sweden when looking at this route? I know that when we applied for K-1 we needed to file the I-130 from the US, because the sponsor needs an American address. Just curious.

[Adlitam1 18]

36 minutes ago, OldUser said:

Yes, you understand it correctly. You can expect becoming a US citizen beginning of 2026.

 

I also wanted to add, there may be a new administration in power after upcoming US elections. They can radically change immigration process and make it more difficult to come to the US / become a resident again. I'd think hard before giving up this opportunity. 

Yes, I’ll think long and hard about this 😊 I have about a year to decide and weigh pros and cons. Thanks for your input!

[Adlitam1 18]

13 hours ago, millefleur said:

While I don't discourage asking a lawyer, it seems your decision is more personal and weighing up things like what matters more, being close to family, quality of life/benefits Europe offers that the US doesn't and others. Seems like it's your call and the lawyer can't advise much.

 

Sweden most likely has some sort of taxation treaty with the US. Your husband will still be required to file US taxes even if he ends up not owing anything, an annoyance but just part of having a US passport when you live abroad. I recommend hiring a tax professional who is familiar with USC's filing taxes from abroad.

Yes it’s deeply personal and there are a lot of emotions behind my reasoning. But I’m also capable of making rational decisions, it’s just I feel like I’ve had enough of making rational decisions at this point 😅 I miss my family! That’s it. There’s also the factor that I’m not getting any younger, and life is just sprinting by. Makes me panic a little.
 

Yes, that sounds like a great idea. I know several Swedes who have gone through the same process as us and they all have great tax people at home that we can contact.

[OldUser 6,607]

8 minutes ago, Matildathulin said:

Yes it’s deeply personal and there are a lot of emotions behind my reasoning. But I’m also capable of making rational decisions, it’s just I feel like I’ve had enough of making rational decisions at this point 😅 I miss my family! That’s it. There’s also the factor that I’m not getting any younger, and life is just sprinting by. Makes me panic a little.
 

Yes, that sounds like a great idea. I know several Swedes who have gone through the same process as us and they all have great tax people at home that we can contact.

If you can, go to Sweden for few months to see everybody, explore living situation (prices, rent etc), apply for few jobs. That would help making the right decision.

[millefleur 5,046]

3 hours ago, Adlitam1 said:

I have a question about direct consular processing: could we both remain in Sweden when looking at this route? I know that when we applied for K-1 we needed to file the I-130 from the US, because the sponsor needs an American address. Just curious.

DCF is currently only available if you have exceptional circumstances, such as a short notice job offer/relocation back to the US (the USC must provide this.) Unfortunately merely being a USC living abroad no longer qualifies for DCF.