OldUser

Didn't know that. Which options to pick when filing FOIA? I won't do it but just curious 😃

I don't think @Lil bear implied you cannot visit your country of origin. You absolutely can (unless you got your GC through asylum from your country). If you go for 180 days on a single trip, or spend more time outside of the US than inside by coming to the US every few months and leaving after few weeks - that's how US residency is broken.

No, you break residence if you spend over 180 days in any given trip overseas. Then you'll have to apply on 4 year and 1 day rule since you return from that trip. Of course if you don't have any other trips over 180 days. 90 day residence rule is... You cannot move states, for example from California to Texas and apply for N-400 immediately. You need to spend at least 90 days in the new state, get new DL / state ID etc and only then apply.

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.

This is normal. I-751 approvals take 12-48 months to get approved nowadays. Only then you would receive 10 year GC. Yes, it's possible to apply for naturalization (N-400) when you become eligible even if you don't have 10 year GC. I-751 will always have to be approved before you can naturalize. Often (but not always) you will get a I-751 and N-400 interviews together (so-called combo interview). You can apply for N-400 at 3 year minus 90 days of your anniversary of being a LPR. You'd have to be still married to your US citizen spouse and live together all the way until you naturalize. You have to have a good moral character (no crimes), pay all taxes, spend enough time in the US, don't break continuous residence, have a residence in your state for at least 90 days when you file and pass the civics test.

If you end up getting the interview, you will likely get questions about marriage too.

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.

Is she happy with it? 😃 I'm yet to find an ID where my photo is great. But I don't care enough to update it.

Yes, print all pages of all documents you submit. Otherwise you may get RFE. You only do I-751 once, it's well worth spending time and money for it to go smooth. Congratulations! Instead I'd print out copy of the deed (are the both names on it?) which is only few pages long typically.

Yes you should do all that. Ideally she should have waited for N-400 to change name legally, but she now should notify USCIS about name change. Also, she better renew passport with new name too.

Typically, no new picture would be taken.

If N-400 interview is scheduled, you should bring your spouse in case if they decide to do combo!

It will be late to request combo interview at N-400 interview. Sometimes USCIS would figure you have I-751 pending and schedule the combo themselves. However, VJ seen stories when officer was not ready to conduct combo during N-400 interview. The best strategy is to write a cover letter asking for combo interview and submit copy of I-751 extension when you file N-400

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!

There's no way I-751 would be "canceled out". In fact, I-751 must be approved for N-400 to be approved. Here are some possible scenarios when having both I-751 and N-400 pending: - You get I-751 approved without interview, then get N-400 interview - You get I-751 interview first, and then N-400 interview at a different day - You get N-400 interview, and you pass it but decision cannot be made due to pending I-751 - You get both I-751 and N-400 interviews on the same day (combo). Most people hope for first or last scenario. The first one is unlikely if you apply right when you become eligible on 3 year rule, because I-751s take forever nowadays.

You can always go visit family twice a year for 5 months collectively. One more thing to consider is political situation in Europe in recent years. By having a US citizenship, you'd have a plan B for staying further from Europe should anything change for worse.

Don't forget about foreign income exclusion: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/foreign-earned-income-exclusion Unless you're income is amazing for Europe (well above $120K per person), I wouldn't worry about taxation too much. Also, don't forget, even now you're taxed worldwide as LPR. Even if you abandon residency, your spouse will be double taxed as a US citizen.

Yes You will likely lose GC What if it takes 3-5 years when you apply in the future? The backlogs are growing and processing times only get worse historically.

I'd listen to lawyer's advice. You can start on W-2, work for a year or two and reevaluate at later stage. As LPR and W-2 employee myself, I can reassure you, the taxes and health insurance are already complex and only get more difficult on 1099. Being new in the country, I would start with W-2 even if I had 1099 as an option.

In certain scenarios yes. But also, consider the costs that your employer will pay for VS potential tax savings if you're self employed. It's not always straightforward. W-2 employees often receive benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave. Contractors typically do not receive these benefits and must arrange them independently. It depends whether tax savings are going to be sufficient enough. I personally won't work under 1099 if I only saved few thousands a year in taxes. Time spent on admin work would not be worth it.

What matters to you? W-2 employees typically have more benefits and protections, such as health insurance from employer. As self employed, you'd have to arrange it and pay it yourself. I'm not a lawyer, but AFAIK, you can go either route. I'd stick to W-2 for the first few years of living in the US, so you have less administrative work.

I'm not saying they'll deny you 100%. But CBP can deny any tourist from entering the US, they have the right to. You should definitely bring some documentation with you.

I'd do it at the time of entry to the US. Be prepared that you may be denied entry when you give up LPR status, since tourist entry is a CBP discretion.

Did you file I-407 when you left the US? When did you apply for ESTA? When you applied for it, was there a question about LPR status?

Sounds like a logical plan, good luck! I hope it works out.