gcdvl (u/gcdvl) - Readit News

gcdvl commented on I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA · Posted by u/proberts

gcdvl · 8 years ago

Recent permanent resident (since September, green card holder).

I stayed in the USA until December to get the actual green card (virtual mailboxes work despite what people say online), open a resident bank account, get a state ID, renew my social security card, get a credit card, basically take care of bureaucracy.

I've since returned to the EU with one objective: to sell my house.

My question is: If I stay more than 6 months abroad but less than one year, will I face issues going back for good?

I'll be able to show that I sold the house with intent to live in the USA permanently. I also plan on filling taxes for 2017 even though I barely have income. I'll also keep my bank account, state id card and plan on trying to get a remote work arrangement.

I take it anything under 6 months will by default not be problematic, right?

Thank you again for this service you regularly provide.

gcdvl commented on I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA · Posted by u/proberts

proberts · 9 years ago

The mis-delivery of green cards and work cards isn't uncommon and can really mess up the process so it's better to be conservative.

gcdvl · 9 years ago

I'll start looking for an immigration lawyer right away since this is the only loose end.

If things go really wrong my passport stamp is good for one year and from what I understand I'll still be a permanent resident, it'll just be more difficult for me to demonstrate that.

gcdvl commented on I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA · Posted by u/proberts

proberts · 9 years ago

Regarding your first question, you should consult a tax accountant but the short answer is that the penalty provision doesn't apply unless and until you have been a permanent resident for at least 8 years. Regarding your second question, this can be a real issue and one option is to hire an attorney for the sole purpose of having your green card delivered to him or her. Whoever this is should charge you next to nothing so this might make sense.

gcdvl · 9 years ago

Thank you for your answer. I had read about the 8 year rule but was afraid that there might be any other condition (like making more than ~ 100K in one year)

Regarding the address, I didn't know hiring an attorney was possible for that because I keep reading that the address must be a residential address. It's ridiculous that this can't be updated after one lands, but such is life and bureaucracy.

I still have a few weeks and will try to hire someone in my arrival city remotely.

I take it from your answer, the "General Delivery" is not an option? I find that strange because that would imply me having to identify myself to get the mail, so in a way it's actually more reliable than using a friend's address.

Thank you for generously letting us use your time.

gcdvl commented on I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA · Posted by u/proberts

gcdvl · 9 years ago

I won the green card diversity lottery and will finalize the process in about a month when I land in the USA. After that I'll be a permanent resident. I'll stay for a few months to set things up, leave for a few more months to sell some property and then move there permanently.

If things don't go very well and I decide to relinquish the green card and return, will I be subject to any kind of exit tax?

Also, I'm having a lot of trouble setting up an address to receive the physical card. A PO Box or mail aggregator is not acceptable and I can only change the address up to the point of entry. This is a major concern for me because I don't have anyone in the USA that could receive it on my behalf.

Is it possible to use "General delivery" near my arrival airport to get the card? I ask because up to 2 weeks ago I didn't even know about that concept so I'm still exploring that possibility.

Thank you for your time.