Hello,
I would appreciate feedback from people who experienced a similar situation.
I am a French citizen (37). I married a US citizen in Florida.
Timeline:
I entered the US with ESTA early November 2025
My wife and I filed for Adjustment of Status (I-485) early February 2026.
The case is currently pending.
However, our plans have changed and we are now considering moving back to France to live and run my business there.
I see two possible options:
Withdraw the Adjustment of Status and leave the US soon (this would likely mean about 2-3 months of ESTA overstay).
Wait until the Green Card is approved, then file form I-407 to voluntarily abandon permanent residency and move back to France.
Our goal is simply to live in France long-term but keep the ability to visit the US occasionally for tourism (for example 2–3 weeks in Puerto Rico or Florida).
Questions:
Which option is generally safer for future travel to the US?
Would a short overstay (about 45 days) significantly affect the ability to get an ESTA or B2 visa later?
If I obtain the green card and then quickly abandon it with I-407, how is that usually viewed by CBP or consular officers?
Has anyone here successfully returned to the US as a tourist after a similar situation?
Additional context:
I will live and work in France (I run a company there).
My wife will also live with me in France.
We would only visit the US occasionally for short vacations.
Any real experiences or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Hello, I would appreciate feedback from people who experienced a similar situation. I am a French citizen (37). I married a US citizen in Florida. Timeline: I entered the US with ESTA early November 2025 My wife and I filed for Adjustment of Status (I-485) early February 2026. The case is currently pending. However, our plans have changed and we are now considering moving back to France to live and run my business there. I see two possible options: Withdraw the Adjustment of Status and leave the US soon (this would likely mean about 2-3 months of ESTA overstay). Wait until the Green Card is approved, then file form I-407 to voluntarily abandon permanent residency and move back to France. Our goal is simply to live in France long-term but keep the ability to visit the US occasionally for tourism (for example 2–3 weeks in Puerto Rico or Florida). Questions: Which option is generally safer for future travel to the US? Would a short overstay (about 45 days) significantly affect the ability to get an ESTA or B2 visa later? If I obtain the green card and then quickly abandon it with I-407, how is that usually viewed by CBP or consular officers? Has anyone here successfully returned to the US as a tourist after a similar situation? Additional context: I will live and work in France (I run a company there). My wife will also live with me in France. We would only visit the US occasionally for short vacations. Any real experiences or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.