|
|
Post by Pauly1 on Jun 19, 2013 23:24:50 GMT
Hi new to the board!
I'm hoping to find someone online who has managed to negotiate their way through the green card/Aramco offer dilemma !
I'm not looking for legal advice but just hopefully hear how others in a similar situation resolved this situation.
It's multi-faceted for me: one aspect is undeniably the legal ramifications , the others are how does this get resolved with Aramco re payroll (I have been offered a US expat contract) if I lose US permanent resident status etc.
If any one has been through a similar situation I'd love to hear from you!
FYI - my name is Paul (UK & Rep Ire citizen), wife (UK & Canada) & daughter (US).
Any insights, experiences or advice shared would be greatly appreciated!
Final word - I am really, really excited about this opportunity from science, career, lifestyle/opportunity perspectives etc.
Cheers
Paul
|
|
|
|
Post by newgeo on Jun 20, 2013 18:18:36 GMT
Hi Paul,
I am in a similar situation. I have 1 year left to get my citizenship from US. I have gotten an offer from Aramco as well. Let me know if you hear anything from this froum about this.
Thanks
|
|
|
|
Post by SayRT on Jun 21, 2013 22:38:38 GMT
I would complete the naturalization part prior to leaving the States. Otherwise, be prepared to prove residency in the States at least once every six months-- usually re-enter the country for that purpose. Also, be prepared to address this issue when interviewed by a US immigration officer when you do apply for the naturalization part.
If you can satisfy all these steps (and more), then go ahead with Saudi Aramco. My direct advice: finish the naturalization part, then leave if you must. Saudi Aramco
is not going anywhere and will be looking for good candidates in the foreseeable future as well.
|
|
|
|
Post by Pauly1 on Jun 22, 2013 16:01:16 GMT
Unfortunately it's not as simple as taking up US citizenship as we have only been green card holders for 2.5 years, nor for that matter can you rely upon traveling to the US frequently as a way to maintain permanent resident status - it requires more than that. So folks are just lucky and are not stopped at the border.
To be honest i am toying with dropping the green card - the main thing is that our daughter is American and we'd like to have some sort of option to go to the US should she choose to live there.
On the green card front (minus any family considerations) I am wondering what the benefit is beyond the short term? And for that matter why go through the motion of such things such as filing tax returns and paying tax to a country when that would not guarantee me re-entry. Why would I give that away for no benefit?
It is good to note that US tax law and immigration law are not harmonious - to be an expat and file as an expat you must file as a non- resident.. I think?. I don't think that option is open trying to preserve permanent resident status - it would be rather contradictory?
If anyone knows better than me I'd love to hear from you! I will be going to an immigration lawyer this week - i'll post what I hear if that is of interest to anyone?
I would also be interested in hearing from anyone who has given up their green card and have needed to return to work/live in the US at some point thereafter. What did you experience?
|
|
|
|
Post by expatwife on Jun 25, 2013 3:59:18 GMT
We are greencard holders, and currently we have reentry permits which allow us to be out of the states for 2 years, then at the end of 2 yrs, we can reapply to get another 2 yrs. After that, may be able get another yr but may not. At least, this way, you can give it a try... to see if this is something you will be willing to give up your greencard for or not. See this for more info on how to obtain reentry permit www.uscis.gov/USCIS/Resources/B5en.pdfWe filed our by ourselves and there was no issue. The form is quite simple although do give a good reason why you're taking this job and don't forget to say something like for only few yrs or so and say your intention on returning. As far as if you lose your gc and wants to visit your child in the states later on, most that I talked to hasn't had issue getting US visitor visa, especially if you're child is studying there. Hope that helps! |
|
|
|
Post by purvamehta_5 on Jul 10, 2013 13:01:32 GMT
Hi Pauly-
I recently got an offer from Aramco and am sailing in the same boat as you are. I am a permanent resident and years away from filing my citizenship. Million dollar question does taking Aramco assignment jepordize my US permanent residency. Talking to a lawyer this was her response:
"If you intend to work outside of the U.S. then in order to maintain your Green Card you need to file for a reentry permit before leaving the U.S. A reentry permit will let you be out of the U.S. for 2 years. this permit could be extended one time and this will allow you to be out of the U.S. for a total of 4 years max. But in order to apply for the extension you need to return back to the U.S. before the expiration of the first 2 years. "
The part I am not too sure when you mention that its more than just re-entiring US every year. Do you know anything more about this whole issue after your meeting with the lawyers? please share the information
|
|
|
|
Post by mohdiqbal77 on Aug 11, 2013 11:09:54 GMT
I am a physician and got an off from SA. I have green card and 2 years from citizenship. I love the offer but do not want to risk US LPR Status. I think will have to wait for 2 years and may be re-apply.
I am in the same boat just got an off from Aramco. I bought a house in US and want to make sure that I do not loose my US status. Anybody who has used traveling every 6 months rule or any body talked to a lawyer about this please post.
|
|
|
|
Post by halfwaythere on Aug 16, 2013 11:49:13 GMT
The best way for US LPRs, as suggested by expatwife, is getting a re-entry permit. It can potentially give you about 5 years time to sort out green card/citizenship issue. After that, I am not sure.
I have traveled back to US on re-entry permit without any issue at border crossing. I have also traveled from KSA to US on green card and it was rather frequent- 3 trips in 6 month span and on the 3rd trip I was stopped by the immigration and asked the reason for extended absence from the US. But I was allowed re-entry as my absence was less than 6 months from US.
It can get tricky with green to enter after 6 months and its up to the immigration officer at port of entry to allow or deny entry.
Bottom line- get re-entry permit if you want stress free travel between KSA and USA.
|
|
|
|
Post by justme on Sept 26, 2013 2:16:09 GMT
Hi All, I am in the same boat. A physician thinking of joining Aramco but I am 2.5yrs into my green card and another 2.5 yrs to naturalization. I was told that if you can maintain presence in the US every 6 months, you can still meet the requirements. Also, I got the email for the offer in July but still waiting for the proper offer. Any insights?  |
|
|
|
Post by Aramcomom on Oct 19, 2013 0:19:37 GMT
I'm currently in this situation and thought I'd share my experience thus far. Any input or advice would be appreciated  My husband is a U.S. citizen and I'm a 10 year GC holder. Like everyone above, I was warned any absences longer than 6 months could jeopardize my GC. Thankfully I was eligible to apply for citizenship, so I applied soon after my husband received his offer. I was able to complete my biometrics appt within a month of filing and am now in line to be scheduled for an interview. I'm not sure if the subject of my husband working KSA will come up or if it will have any negative impact. I'm hoping not. I plan to be upfront and honest about any questions or concerns they have. My husband and children are U.S. citizens by birth with family ties. I'm a housewife and thus will go wherever my husband's job and subsequent retirement will take him/us. This will of course one day lead us back to the U.S. I'm hoping that the very fact that the KSA doesn't offer citizenship to foreigners, and exit from the country is mandatory after retirement will be evidence of the fact that I'm not abandoning my status and definitely intend to return one day. |
|
|
|
Post by halfwaythere on Oct 21, 2013 7:37:52 GMT
Aramcomom
As long as you can prove that you maintain a US residence and file taxes, you should be fine. Do not volunteer to provide information unless asked. Do not hint about abandoning your residence and moving abroad.
|
|
|
|
Post by Aramcomom on Oct 21, 2013 15:45:48 GMT
halfwaythere, pm'ing you.
|
|
|
|
Post by Pookilook on Nov 12, 2013 15:45:32 GMT
So, we are in the very same boat here as well. GC holder with 1.5 years away from any naturalization process but with an offer from Aramco, which i have accepted.
The way I understand it works is as described by others, get the reentry permit for a max of 4 years and return to the US at least once every 6 months. While away, file income taxes! I thought it quite unfair that a GC holder is required to file/pay income tax while abroad but still can be denied entry into the US... So what happens after 4 years? We plan on keeping one or even two houses here as well as bank and investment accounts.
The second option is drop the GC so you don't have to file the income taxes anymore but now I understand this requires paying an "exit tax" ?? Apparently you need to formally relinquish your permanent residency and then the IRS will tally your capital gains and tax you on it. No tax required under a gain of 650,000 usd but you still need to go through the process. The other disadvantage is that dropping GC status could jeopardize your US pay roll, might revert to Euro or Sterling?
|
|
|
|
Post by 2014 on May 2, 2014 16:35:44 GMT
Aramcomom,
I am in an almost identical situation and I was wondering how your immigration situation worked out. From what I gather you have already left the US. Did you abandon your N400 process or were you able to acheive citizenship? Any insight on how to get around this is greatly appreciated!
Feel free to PM me, I am new to the board and unable to do so as of yet.
Thank you!!
|
|
|
|
Post by dunkinmocha on Aug 8, 2014 17:24:06 GMT
Hi All,
I am in a similiar situation as Aramcomom and was wondering if anybody can provide some advice.
I did not think of sending out my N400 until now (bad me, we are scheduled to leave in September, but no guarantee of course, still waiting for visa block) and was afraid that the USCIS interview would be scheduled around the time we wait for our iqama. I was adviced by my lawyer that if my husband is on the US Payroll, all I need is a letter from Aramco Services Co. stating his position, length of stay (which really is indefinite...), and the structure of the company (guess they need proof that he is working for a US company?!).
Can this even be done? If so, who can we talk to to get this letter? We are really curious to know what other options we have & what other people in similiar situation have done.
Thanks in advance for all your help & putting together this great forum!
|
|
