Reentry Permit Filing: Do I Need to Stay Until Biometrics?

[appleblossom 5,092]

7 hours ago, OldUser said:

Think twice before activating your immigrant visa, especially if you're not sure about living in the US. You may get obligations you never asked for.

 

Wise words. Tax obligations on LPR's and USC's are very onerous. There's also mandatory registration for selective service, depending on the OP's age. 

[Beeptweet 3]

18 minutes ago, appleblossom said:

 

Wise words. Tax obligations on LPR's and USC's are very onerous. There's also mandatory registration for selective service, depending on the OP's age. 

Thinking twice, holding the visa at the NVC stage, or moving out immediately are all options that have already passed. I have done my best to hold this process for a year at the embassy.

Now it is time to plan and accept the situation as it is, even if it means handing over the green card.

I am here simply to understand if there are any viable options to navigate this situation or if letting go of the visa is the only choice.

I do not believe I have any additional budget. I would appreciate it if you could explain the OP’s age criteria, mandatory registration requirements, and any other relevant details. This information would be very helpful. I also assume the healthcare system and insurance are mandatory there as well.

[Beeptweet 3]

8 hours ago, igoyougoduke said:

 

Just so you know

 

1) Bank accounts : Most banks will not open an account unless you have a social security number. Some will open but you will be a foreigner holding a US bank account rather than a US resident if you cant get social security number

2) Social security number will take at least 2-3 weeks ( this is being super optimistic . they will only deliver to a US postal address

3) Drivers license cannot be obtained without a residency proof in a state. You need to have address proof of residency like electricity bill,  car registration etc . its not a given that they will give you license with a immigrant visa . you also need to pass a drivers license exam to get DL. 

 

Make sure to plan accordingly and good luck with your goals 

 

I truly appreciate this community. Everyone here is incredibly knowledgeable and offers valuable insights. I have decided to change my plan and not rush to file the re-entry permit immediately. I may travel first to complete my initial entry, spend some relaxing time with my family there, and take the opportunity to discuss, compare, and reflect. I will likely return to this post later to share my experience and learn from you all. I plan to lodge the re-entry permit around mid-2026.

[appleblossom 5,092]

22 minutes ago, Beeptweet said:

I have done my best to hold this process for a year at the embassy

 

Unfortunately, the time to hold it is when it's still at NVC, before a case is DQ'ed, as then it can be held indefinitely. Once it's DQ'ed and an interview is being scheduled it's too late to pause for long really. 

 

You certainly can try the re-entry permit, and it will buy you some time. But if you think your future lies in Australia you may not want to. In terms of taxes, it will depend on your personal situation and also which state you'd be 'resident' in. I'd get really good tax advice because the moment you land and activate that visa, you are a LPR and subject to all US taxation, so you might want to consult a pro first just to double check what your obligations will be. There may be income tax, capital gains tax, potentially exit tax if you decide to give your green card up at a later date. Probably other stuff too that I don't know about - CGT is top of my list at the mo as we're about to sell our UK property! You'll have to file taxes each year, including FBAR (massive penalties if you don't). But you may have nothing to pay (other than a couple of thousand annually for an accountant to file for you), as I said it will depend on your situation so best to get professional advice. 

 

You'll certainly need healthcare when you are resident, but again cost will depend on your personal situation. Ours was approx $2500 a month for a family of four when we were self funding if that helps, now we pay about $400 a month as it's subsidised by an employer. 

 

Good luck. 

Edited Monday at 10:08 PM by appleblossom

[OldUser 10,689]

48 minutes ago, Beeptweet said:

I would appreciate it if you could explain the OP’s age criteria, mandatory registration requirements, and any other relevant details. This information would be very helpful.

All men (citizens and GC holders) between 18 and 25 must register for Selective Service, which means potential conscription:

 

https://www.sss.gov/

Edited Monday at 10:35 PM by OldUser

[Beeptweet 3]

1 hour ago, appleblossom said:

 

Unfortunately, the time to hold it is when it's still at NVC, before a case is DQ'ed, as then it can be held indefinitely. Once it's DQ'ed and an interview is being scheduled it's too late to pause for long really. 

 

You certainly can try the re-entry permit, and it will buy you some time. But if you think your future lies in Australia you may not want to. In terms of taxes, it will depend on your personal situation and also which state you'd be 'resident' in. I'd get really good tax advice because the moment you land and activate that visa, you are a LPR and subject to all US taxation, so you might want to consult a pro first just to double check what your obligations will be. There may be income tax, capital gains tax, potentially exit tax if you decide to give your green card up at a later date. Probably other stuff too that I don't know about - CGT is top of my list at the mo as we're about to sell our UK property! You'll have to file taxes each year, including FBAR (massive penalties if you don't). But you may have nothing to pay (other than a couple of thousand annually for an accountant to file for you), as I said it will depend on your situation so best to get professional advice. 

 

You'll certainly need healthcare when you are resident, but again cost will depend on your personal situation. Ours was approx $2500 a month for a family of four when we were self funding if that helps, now we pay about $400 a month as it's subsidised by an employer. 

 

Good luck. 

 

I can see that you have a background quite similar to mine, and in fact, you are even more accomplished under the EB1 category. I am currently working in my field in Australia, but the financial figures you mentioned sound significantly higher. Even when converted to Australian dollars, we generally pay around 100 to 200 AUD for tax filing, which is claimable every year, and insurance typically ranges between 200 to 400 AUD per month.

I believe that in emergencies, it is important to review your insurance policy carefully. However, here in Australia it is usually manageable even without private insurance, regardless of whether you hold a high-paying position or not.

 

Considering long-term goals at my age, near 40, I do not think keeping the case at NVC would be something I would deeply regret in the future. Of course, things change over time.

 

Option 1: Could you please clarify what would happen if I simply do not travel to the U.S. and keep the visa stamped on my passport for about three years?

Option 2: Alternatively, what if I visit the U.S. during my 2025 Christmas break to make the initial entry, and then return again during the next Christmas break 2026?

 

I understand these options may sound high-risk, and perhaps even unconventional, but I believe evaluating all possibilities is the only way to make an informed decision

 

[Beeptweet 3]

1 hour ago, OldUser said:

All men (citizens and GC holders) between 18 and 25 must register for Selective Service, which means potential conscription:

 

https://www.sss.gov/

I am well above 25 now, approaching 40, and my focus has shifted toward planning a peaceful and stable retirement. I envision a simple lifestyle, perhaps spending my time growing vegetables in my backyard and enjoying a slower pace of life.

[Beeptweet 3]

10 hours ago, OldUser said:

@Beeptweet to elaborate on taxation point @appleblossom mentioned already in this thread... 

 

US is a pretty unique country. Green card holders (LPRs) and US citizens must report their world wide income every year to IRS. So even if you don't live in the US and make money elsewhere, you must report your income and potentially pay taxes in the US too. There is foreign income exclusion and other things which are complex. The penalties for non complying can be severe. And you only stop being LPR when you file and sign form I-407 or immigration judge takes away your status. 

 

Think twice before activating your immigrant visa, especially if you're not sure about living in the US. You may get obligations you never asked for.

 

Good luck!

Considering long-term goals at my age, near 40, I do not think missing the opportunity to keep the case at NVC would be something I would deeply regret in the future. Of course, things change over time.

 

Option 1: Could you please clarify what would happen if I simply do not travel to the U.S. and keep the visa stamped on my passport for about three years?

Option 2: Alternatively, what if I visit the U.S. during my 2025 Christmas break to make the initial entry, and then return again during the next Christmas break 2026?

 

I understand these options may sound high-risk, and perhaps even unconventional, but I believe evaluating all possibilities is the only way to make an informed decision.

 

What is your recommendation above all?

[OldUser 10,689]

1 minute ago, Beeptweet said:

Considering long-term goals at my age, near 40, I do not think missing the opportunity to keep the case at NVC would be something I would deeply regret in the future. Of course, things change over time.

 

 

Ok, so the selective service registration is not required. Great!

2 minutes ago, Beeptweet said:

 

 

Option 1: Could you please clarify what would happen if I simply do not travel to the U.S. and keep the visa stamped on my passport for about three years?

If never activate visa and never travel to the US on immigrant visa, you won't become a LPR.

 

If you come to the US to activate visa, leave, and don't travel there for 3 years, there's great chance of being stopped at border after 3 years and being referred to immigration court (NTA). At immigration court you have to prove you had ties to the US allowing you to keep LPR status. If you don't have job, don't have property or lease, bank accounts etc in the US, it will be nearly impossible to prove you have sufficient ties to the US. And at that point, judge will likely take status away and you will have to apply for visas to visit the US 

[OldUser 10,689]

9 minutes ago, Beeptweet said:

 

Option 2: Alternatively, what if I visit the U.S. during my 2025 Christmas break to make the initial entry, and then return again during the next Christmas break 2026?

With option 2 are you moving to the US during Christmas break in 2026 or just visiting? If just visiting, you're taking a big risk. Even if moving you are taking a big risk, but at least you'll may have some sympathy from CBP.

Edited Tuesday at 12:23 AM by OldUser

[OldUser 10,689]

Essentially, once you activate immigrant visa, the general expectation from US immigration officials is for you to start living in the US.

 

 

They may be OK with few months away to wrap things up before you move permanently.

 

 

But ultimately, green card is for living in the US. It's not a fancy tourist visa.

Edited Tuesday at 12:31 AM by OldUser

[igoyougoduke 1,702]

21 minutes ago, Beeptweet said:

Considering long-term goals at my age, near 40, I do not think missing the opportunity to keep the case at NVC would be something I would deeply regret in the future. Of course, things change over time.

 

Option 1: Could you please clarify what would happen if I simply do not travel to the U.S. and keep the visa stamped on my passport for about three years?

Option 2: Alternatively, what if I visit the U.S. during my 2025 Christmas break to make the initial entry, and then return again during the next Christmas break 2026?

 

I understand these options may sound high-risk, and perhaps even unconventional, but I believe evaluating all possibilities is the only way to make an informed decision.

 

What is your recommendation above all?

1) How do you have an immigrant visa that is valid for 3 years ? they are usually only valid for 6 months max. 

[OldUser 10,689]

38 minutes ago, Beeptweet said:

I am well above 25 now, approaching 40, and my focus has shifted toward planning a peaceful and stable retirement. I envision a simple lifestyle, perhaps spending my time growing vegetables in my backyard and enjoying a slower pace of life.

US is a big country, and can fit different types of lifestyle, but it sure is expensive. The work culture is pretty intense subjectively (at least compared to certain European countries). The health insurance arguably gets very expensive as you get older.

 

Have you ever visited the US? Do you have family or other connections in the US?

 

If I wanted a peaceful chill life, US wouldn't be in the top of places I'd pick. Australia can be a better fit for more laid back lifestyle (though it is expensive too).

On the other hand, if you want to work hard and build a decent retirement, it's possible in the US if you're in your late 30s /  early 40s.

Edited Tuesday at 12:41 AM by OldUser

[Beeptweet 3]

10 minutes ago, igoyougoduke said:

1) How do you have an immigrant visa that is valid for 3 years ? they are usually only valid for 6 months max. 

Yes its 6 months validity and if I do not travel to USA with in 6 months do I need file a new petition from scratch or after 3 years I just need to pay the fees of NVC and appear for the Interview again?

[Beeptweet 3]

9 minutes ago, OldUser said:

US is a big country, and can fit different types of lifestyle, but it sure is expensive. The work culture is pretty intense subjectively (at least compared to certain European countries). The health insurance arguably gets very expensive as you get older.

 

Have you ever visited the US? Do you have family or other connections in the US?

 

If I wanted a peaceful chill life, US wouldn't be in the top of places I'd pick. Australia can be a better fit for more laid back lifestyle (though it is expensive too).

On the other hand, if you want to work hard and build a decent retirement, it's possible in the US if you're in your late 30s /  early 40s.

Very well said.

I have never been to the U.S. before, although I have some very close relatives living there.

Our family moved from a third-world country to both the U.S. and Australia, so there is not much left to compare between the two in terms of lifestyle or opportunity.

Whenever I talk to my relatives in the U.S., they are often surprised and curious about how I obtained an EB2 visa while living on the other side of the world. They honestly have little idea about how life in Australia compares to life in the U.S.