PBabz

3 minutes ago, OldUser said:

Sorry I missed that part and deleted my message after re-reading. I'd think you don't have to pay state taxes unless you live in the state? This may be a question for CPA.

That sounds reassuring, thanks! 
 

First step is letting the state know we’re not there anymore, my husband keeps getting notifications about his car even though we and it haven’t been in Virginia since 2022

1 minute ago, OldUser said:

Do you file federal taxes every year? As As a LPR you have to report world wide income.

Sure do! 
I report my UK income and savings each year as appropriate. 
My husband and I file jointly each year. 

6 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

Is husband's home state Virginia?

Nope, his home state is Kansas. He pays his state taxes. 
 

We only lived together in Virginia for 3 months maximum together before getting overseas orders.
 

I got my 10 year green card this year. 

Hello! 
 

Spouse of an active duty service member currently stationed overseas in the UK. 

When I received my conditional green card, we were residing in Virginia. We have filed taxes jointly without issue since being married and living together.

Today, the thought crossed our minds whether I am liable to be paying Virginia state tax since my husband still pays tax in his home state. 
 

For context, I am a UK citizen and do also pay taxes on income here. 
 

Any help or advice appreciated, thanks!! 

On 1/4/2023 at 8:26 PM, Leah88 said:

Hey thanks so much for your reply!! They have yet another policy for conditional greencard holders - it states pretty much that I’m eligible to apply I believe. I would have to make sure to apply before the 90 days timeframe - it is so complicated I definitely want to contact a lawyer.. https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-g-chapter-5?fbclid=IwAR2jnu2qWZscVTWFy1MKDD6I9t3vQE4OFs3hmekL2B-WjRAWjE2d8yP2edM

I was asking a similar question not too long ago.. 

In short, if you are the spouse of an active duty US citizen “regularly stationed abroad” I believe if the term USCIS have used, and you are listed on your spouse’s orders as a dependent, you CAN apply for expedited Naturalization WITHOUT applying for the I-751 to remove conditions on your conditional green card. You need to have orders for at least 2 years I think, but take a look at some of the information below, it links to the policy manual and the exceptions where the time frames required are explicit.

The big IF here, as you stated was ensuring that your application is sent and in process before the 90 day expiry window of your green card opens. Otherwise, like me (😔) you WILL have to apply for that removal of conditions then Naturalization. 
 

I spoke to the military helpline who weren’t a great deal of help, pointed me to the US Embassy here in the UK who pointed me to the USCIS military helpline.. I’m sure you can see where that went! 

Unless you’ve had some really awful experiences and some issues regarding your immigration past, I wouldn’t personally recommend a lawyer. There’s a lot of support here on the forum and you’re best to save your money. Read as much as you can and you’ll be okay, ask all the questions you need too. That’s how we’ve gotten this far!

See if any of the info here helps: 

13 hours ago, Letspaintcookies said:

Dang you're just a tad too late to jump directly to naturalization. Once the ROC window opens you have to do it 🙈

Yep, so annoyed, information is so elusive! 

Husband and I are drowning in paper and misinformation for both applications. 

Sure there are some people out there going through the same process but will update how I'm doing here after I submit everything. 

3 hours ago, gmbanila said:

I just mailed my I751 along with fingerprints and did the N400 online. I put a cover letter in my envelope with I751 specifying that I will be filling them simultaneously. My fingerprints were taken on the Lakenheath military base, I don’t know if you’re military or not, but your Embassy should be able to do it. 

My husband is military, thankfully I managed to speak to someone this morning and they can help with the fingerprints at Alconbury. 

Any other tips you'd suggest knowing, whole thing drives me crazy!

Thanks!

18 hours ago, Iscir said:

I’m not who you asked, but … you can apply online for the N400, I am just not sure what you have to do about fingerprints in that case. I applied by mail and sent my fingerprints with the petition. 

Thank you! I spoke to USCIS yesterday and they told me I needed to do the N400 application and mail into Chicago lockbox.

I told him how jarring it is to get conflicting information from everywhere - he just said there's so much to sift through makes it difficult! 

On 9/29/2022 at 4:26 PM, gmbanila said:

Thank you. I think that I will mail the I-751, and apply online for N-400, as they need to go to separate facilities, anyway. Fingers crossed about these fingerprints, I did go to my biometrics appointment when I applied for my permanent residence card. I hope they'll reuse my fingerprints. It would be a bummer if I had to go to the United States for that, as I am located in the UK now.

Quick question as judging from what you've shared, it sounds like I'm in the same boat.

I thought overseas applications to USCIS had to be sent by mail, are we able to apply online?

I'm currently completing both I751 and N400 applications to send simultaneously! (Also in the UK!) 

10 minutes ago, Dashinka said:

I also found this.

 

May I file my naturalization application if I am a conditional resident? What should I do? If you are a conditional resident, you may file for naturalization. If you are within the 90 days of the two-year anniversary (the expiration date on your green card) or if your naturalization application will not be processed prior to your two-year anniversary, you must filed a Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, according to the instructions on the form. If you have already filed your I-751 Petition, please notify our office so that the Form I-751 may be considered and adjudicated at the time of your naturalization interview.

 

https://www.hoodmwr.com/acs/Media/Program_folder/IRO/Naturalization/319b_FAQ.pdf

Thank you so much @Dashinka

The thread you shared is extremely helpful, I have already started reading and this post is pretty explicit. 
I’m just kicking myself because it seems like we will have to apply to remove conditions after all. If only I had known, we would have jumped straight to naturalisation. I don’t have a particular interest in doing so, but I know it has the potential to make things easier, especially when we leave the UK and head back, thinking about employment, etc. 

Darn!!

Seems it's that time again for me after successfully navigating the mayhem of USCIS, the NVA and US Embassy in London to obtain my CR1 visa and subsequent conditional green card, I'm back to get support from everyone's expertise here. 

Will try to keep my questions succinct and provide some background first.

My husband, the USC is active duty Air Force, we have been married for 3 years. We applied for CR1 almost immediately after our wedding with the intention of me moving to join him in Virginia, all was successful and I got my green card in the mail (waiting for me) when I arrived on 28 Feb 2021. Husband then received overseas orders (for England of all places!) 13 March 2021 and we moved back to the UK on 1 May 2021. We have been here in the UK ever since. 

My conditional green card is set to expire Feb 2023 so of course I've been reading and we were all set to do our I751application because I thought I had to be a LPR for 3 years minimum before applying for naturalisation, but today I'm reading differently! 

Questions are as follows, please:

1. I think I qualify for naturalisation under 319(b) provision, we're on overseas orders until May 2024, does that mean I qualify? 

(From: https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-i-chapter-9)

2. Do I still have to apply for I751 to remove conditions if applying for N400 if I do qualify under 319(b) provision? 

If so, should I be applying at the same time?

3. Provision states that interview and oath ceremony must take place stateside - not a huge problem, but would it have to be me + husband?

4.I have also read under Section 4. this excerpt: The overseas naturalization provisions allows such an LPR spouse to apply for naturalization from abroad and complete any procedure relating to his or her application for naturalization while residing abroad.^[28]

Does that mean I could go through naturalisation without having to head back stateside? Has anyone known or been able to confirm this?

Everyone has always been so helpful so always a big thanks from me any support anyone can offer  

On 5/16/2021 at 7:44 PM, Wuozopo said:

Next year when you file a 2021 tax return, you will report that UK income earned Jan to Mar 2021 and exclude it with Form 2555.

Based on your advice about this year, that seems right - the only complication to that will likely be since we are back in the UK, might it be the same case again that all of my income from this year Jan - Dec 2021 has to be excluded on the returns too?! 

On 5/17/2021 at 7:17 PM, Wuozopo said:

“unless disqualified on height income”. *high income.  😜

Fortunately or unfortunately, we won't be disqualified based on that, but it seems you're absolutely right. According to what my husband filed yesterday 🙄 we should be getting my part of $1800 to include the last $600 that was issued along with the previous $1200. There's apparently a military exception that we fall under too which also indicates that we're entitled to stimulus payments for the both of us. 

It seemed very much that MFJ was our better option so that's what we did. 

I really appreciate you taking so much time to explain things in such detail for me. It really is a lot for me to try and get my head around and of course because it's such a novel situation for my husband too, he's not exactly versed in tax law! 😆

Until next year I guess 😁

2 hours ago, Wuozopo said:

You just figure out what got paid to you between Jan 1 and March 31. I had the same situation first year, and mine was frankly a big ‘ol guess. But I did try to be as accurate as I could figure out. The IRS doesn’t know what you were paid either. 
 

The one thing I think we're still a bit confused about is whether or not we should actually be filing jointly at all, yet.

I know I might seem daft spelling it out, but he's working through his 2020 tax returns, and I didn't have my SSN until February of this year, so are we getting confused and worked up for nothing. 

Looking at my income for Jan 1 and March 31 2021, is that what I need to do next year when it's time for his 2021 taxes?

3 hours ago, Wuozopo said:

You also will qualify for two stimulus payments as credits and the extra standard deduction will reduce your husband’s taxable income. Filing jointly will surely be a better result than him filing Married Filing Separately. 

Any idea how we would go about doing that, because I know he did get his stimulus payment this year but again, we had no idea how to figure out claiming a second payment for me, if I was eligible. 

3 hours ago, Wuozopo said:

The one thing I hate about TurboTax is that running total they have at the top. It is fake news until you put in every bit of info.

I appreciate that!! 🤣

3 hours ago, Wuozopo said:

Some spouses filing jointly have never set foot in the US

I'll get my husband to review again today and see exactly where we are. I was confident we did it correctly, but certainly reading that.. I'm confused all over again!! 

Big thank you for taking the time @Wuozopo 

On 4/30/2021 at 5:10 PM, KathB said:

I got to the US at the end of February 2021, and had my SS in about 1 week and my green card in about 3. I paid my $220 fee before leaving the UK. Hope you are settling in well!

Same here. 

My SSN and Green card were both waiting in the post box for about a week before I actually checked it.

I also paid the $220 fee before leaving the UK. 

Ditto on the well wishes too!  

This has been a helpful read! 

My husband (USC) and I (UK citizen) are doing the same, filing jointly for the first time this year. He filed married but separately last year and we're having some confusion this year.

I became a US resident February this year, POE was 28 February 2021, SSN was generated that same month. 

Up until that date, I worked in the UK and had earnings dated until 31 March 2021. We're trying to figure since the UK and US financial years are different, how I would figure out my income for the US financial year given that all I have is my P45/P60 with income for the UK financial year?

I'm hoping we're just overthinking! My husband is using Turbo Tax and although he's still working through, we swiftly went from having nice, sizable refund to owing a substantial amount of tax which seems unfair given that all my UK income has already been taxed.. 

It's all a bit confusing to me! 

I'd really appreciate any information or advice. Happy to provide more detail if that might help too! 

Thanks! 

I should possibly also add that as of 1 May 2021, we moved back to the UK, so I was in the US for all of about 2 months. My husband is USAF and we're now stationed 'back' overseas!

I renewed my UK passport a couple months ago (while still in the UK)

It would appear that the website has changed and you can actually take a photo on your smartphone and upload it to the passport website. The website gives very clear guidance on the specifications of the photo and allows you to zoom and crop as necessary. I thought it was a little bit of a faff at first because it kept asking for better lighting, but after a couple tries I was successful and am now in possession of a new (albeit navy blue) passport 🙂

Do have another look at the gov.uk website and see if it applies to new passports too. I imagine it might if your husband has had one before. 
 

Good luck! 

Hello  

Firstly a big thanks because everyone on the forum has been super helpful throughout our visa journey, would absolutely not have made it through with some semblance of sanity in tact without everyone's contributions, so THANK YOU! 

Here again to seek some advice. I will try to keep the background brief, but informative so those that have some experience or insight can answer questions or provide guidance.

My spouse (US citizen) and I (UK citizen) were married November 2019, my CR1 visa issued December 2020. The plan, of course was for me to head over to the US with my spouse as soon as I completed my notice period at work (end of February 2021). We are currently unsure how best to proceed because my spouse, is US air force and was given an assignment to the UK this month. (Yay.. kinda!) Documentation still needs to be completed but April 2021 is the absolute latest (very short notice) my spouse has to be here in the UK and will likely be here for 3 years as a minimum. 

Both of us have called the USCIS military helpline (separately) and found them less than helpful.

The very earliest I could be in the US would likely be 24 February and that would be finish work and head straight to the airport the following day, COVID test dependent..

We don't want to close any doors or have to go through the visa process and be separated again in future should the next assignment be somewhere in the US.

Our questions are as follows and of course if there is anything I haven't thought of, please do let me know:

1. Do I have to physically enter the US at all in order to get my resident permit and or social security number?

2. If I am going, or in our case remaining in the UK, will I by default be abandoning my resident permit?

3. Do I need to or should I apply for a re-entry permit?

4. If I do enter the US, do I have to stay in the US until I receive my resident permit in the post or will changing the postal address to an APO be sufficient? 

5. We understand that I-485 (to adjust status) form needs to be filed and immigrant fee needs to be paid (likely before entry) - is there anything else we might have missed? 

6. We will have to apply for removal of conditions before November 2021, can this be done overseas?

7. Should we just abandon the visa, let it expire in May and hope that when it comes time to re-issue it may not be as much of a headache? 

8. We think consulting a lawyer might be helpful, has anyone been in a similar situation and consulted with one? If so, would you recommend we do  too?

Trying not to overthink everything, but also this curveball is a bit mental considering I've just given up my job and flat here! 

I would really really appreciate anyone's help or guidance, even on some of the questions.

Thanks so much again! 

Best wishes and stay safe! 

Exact advice as above for you.

Everything will be more than fine, there shouldn't be any issues with travelling. I went to visit my spouse back in September for the first time since being married.

Travelled on my ESTA while waiting for my interview at the embassy here in London. There were no questions at either end (Heathrow or DC where I flew into) about any pending visa application, only the usual about my purpose for travel and my length of stay. 
I brought along documents from work, payslip, accommodation rental agreement, etc and none of which were asked for. 

Marriage certificate and a copy of your spouse's passport are what you need to show here in the UK when you check in at the desk on day of departure. 

Good luck with your flight and have a lovely visit with your spouse

22 minutes ago, Bug&Bug said:

I looked into getting a 2 year sabatical but its just too short notice for my company. Although I think they would happily take me back if everything went to....

 

Still stressful. 

 

Thanks for the kind words

Glad you looked into it - while it helped my stresses somewhat, it’s starting to sink in now 37 working days before I’m off 😳
 

All will be well and no need for a return but good to know you’d likely be able to come back should it be needed (it won’t!)

Very stressful, very much empathising with you, just one day at a time where you can. 

2 hours ago, Bug&Bug said:

Im giving my notice on monday and im not sleeping!!!

I felt the same before I did..

Another VJ member mentioned he was taking a break from work and it encouraged me to look into a career break at work and that’s what I’ve done. 
My husband is USAF so we’re likely to be moving around a bit, the hope to come back to Europe and perhaps the UK so I’ve asked for a 5 year break to help buy some time until we figure out the plan. 
 

If it’s something that may work for you and your spouse, might be worth a look into before you hand in your notice? 
 

Keep breathing and try to sleep where and when you can. Always here to talk and share some of the anxieties 🤦🏾‍♀️😊

13 hours ago, Bug&Bug said:

Yeah transglobal express, the same company as OP. The quote was half the price than sendmybag and similar.

 

Their info is a bit confusing though, like one email they say print one thing in another they say its not required, in one part of the website they say you have to provide X forms but then the booking process doesnt say anything. So im going to call them on monday to make sure about the paperwork.

 

Thing about connecting flights is I dont even know how much time buffer to allow for the POE and customs before the domestic flight....

Guess at least there are flights yet.

Transglobal, really? That has surprised me - I'm sure I checked with them and they were dreadfully expensive too. I will absolutely be checking again though, hopefully I can get some quotes like yours! 

Annoying that they can't give some straightforward information. Good luck with the call on Monday, do come back and update if you can bear, would be good if you get some clarity from them. 

Believe me, I know what you mean about the flights. That was my overwhelming concern too. I wanted to avoid JFK where possible and wanted an early-ish arrival (before 11pm). Saw a great flight but it only had a little over 60 minute layover and I knew that wouldn't be enough. Alternatively, didn't want a 6 hour layover so I've opted for 2 hours 43 mins (that's the only other option) I'm just hoping there's enough time there in between (leaving from Heathrow and connecting in Atlanta) 

Goodness.. all the packing and flight talk is starting to make it feel more real. I've still got two months of my notice at work to do but it is seeming more real by the minute! 😆

39 minutes ago, Bug&Bug said:

Really useful!!

 

Im not leaving anything behind so its the bin, the box or the suitcase!

I have to say those are very reasonable prices, Ive put in an order for 6 boxes and with insurance and all it ramps up to 220 (better than the £ 400+ quotes I was getting though). But I will also be taking one or two suitcases. More seems unpractical since my direct route to san francisco has been canned so I will have to take connecting flights and what not.

I’m glad it’s helpful, just thought it might be good to see the prices as they vary. 
 

Can I be cheeky and ask which company you’re using to send your boxes? You’ve definitely found a great price there!

Sorry about your flight, that’s rubbish! I didn’t even know they have direct routes to San Francisco. I’m headed to Virginia, no direct ones there either so I’m with you there, it’s annoying but just grateful to be able to go, hopefully! 

On 12/26/2020 at 2:38 PM, Bug&Bug said:

Thats actually very good price!! Im going to look onto it.

 

So far transglobal express are by far the only reasonable quote Ive got (£170 for 6 10kg boxes). But im getting a lot of mixed messages from them about if I can or cannot send the parcels in advance of myself. 

Slight update if you're interested.. 

Have booked my flight, managed to get it at £453 (economy) with Virgin Atlantic. Their baggage fees are almost identical to BA.

Extra bags will look like:

1x 23 kg (included)

2x 23 kg (£65)

3x 23 kg (£140)

4x 23 kg (£140) 

I'm definitely paying for one extra bag and still just debating have three (in total) so flight and 3x 23 kg bags will cost me less than £700

If you're able to manage something along those lines and you're not too attached to things, I would recommend looking into it. If and when you make trips back and forth in the future you can always add extra baggage to your journeys too! 

Wishing you all the very best!  

10 hours ago, Bug&Bug said:

My god why is this so expensive.

I cant find anything under £70 per 10kg box. Is not like I need anything to arrive in a week but I cant find options.

 

Oh well....

I too have given up..

I have officially moved to the 'i'll just pay for extra luggage on the plane' stream of thought.

When I do hopefully fly, it will likely be with British Airways. I will either use their premium economy cabin and get 2 pieces of checked luggage and pay for a third, or just pay for 2 extra pieces and take 3x23 kg bags with me. 

Should cost between £130 and £195 I think - that will have to do! 🤞 Everything else will have to stay or be brought over on parents' visits. 

1 hour ago, gouda92 said:

Thank you! I actually emailed the immigrant visa unit at the London Embassy earlier today and got a very quick reply: they said I can enter the old passport details but should bring both the old and the new passports to the interview. 

You’re very welcome!

I remember being in a state of panic but it seems a completely straightforward process. 
 

Good luck and all the best for your interview. Not long now! 😁

7 minutes ago, gouda92 said:

Hi everyone, we were DQd September 1, got an interview January 6. However, after filing all the documents earlier in the summer, I got a new passport as the old one was expiring. Now, I need to register the appointment at the US Department of State Visa Appointment Service, and I am wondering whether I should put in the information for the new passport or the old one? Anyone else had the same issue and has any advice?

Congratulations! Wishing you a smooth process January onwards.

I did the same earlier on this year as my passport was due to expire in April 2021. 

I registered my appointment in my old passport, name and number - took both my old and new passports along to my medical, explained my passport change (and name change at the time) and they were absolutely fine with it. The team made the appropriate changes on the system and these seemed to follow me over to my visa interview.

I didn't have any issues whatsoever. Also communicated with the embassy before I renewed my passport and made the name change. I got confirmation that this wouldn't pose an issue and process seemed easy. I hope that helps a little.