Is it worth to take US Citizenship before we R2I?

mangogirl · Post by **mangogirl** » Thu Jan 22, 2015 10:18 pm

I have been following this forum for a while with the intention to R2I. Right now we are little confused as to what should we do, we are currently on GC will be eligible to apply for US citizenship in Feb 2016 ( the process would take another 6 months to get the citizenship though). There is offer for my Husband from one of Tier 1 IT companies to join as a Dev.Manager in Bangalore which happened through his Client. Since we both always wanted to R2I, the job offer seems to be a good step for his career. But if he takes the job then we will have to let go of the US citizenship.

Was wondering if those who have R2I'ed could give their inputs if taking the US Citizenship will be helpful. One of the main reasons from what I read is, if things don't work out if we need to R2A then the Citizenship will always be there. But apart from that are there any other benefits? Like SSN benefits after 60 etc...

My other concern is what if we stay back to take the citizenship but then if we do not get a decent job offer at that point, that would affect us in the long run too. Any inputs are welcome that would help us decide.

drV · Post by **drV** » Thu Jan 22, 2015 10:24 pm

Take USC before you even think of R2I.

SamSan · Post by **SamSan** » Fri Jan 23, 2015 12:18 am

We were in the exact same dilemma 2 yrs ego.... My hubby had a very tempting job offer (in his field, those are really hard to come by as there are not many industries that do what he specializes in). So we were afraid that if we let the opportunity go, then we might never have another one like that. So we took the leap and decided to take up the job in India. We did take return entry permit (2 yr) before we left. I think it was not a good decision, we ended up hating the place, hating our jobs and feeling miserable. About 8 months in we wanted to move. I think if we had the citizenship, we might have stuck around in India and tried to move to another city ( hubby had offer from 1 other company in a different city in India). But we didn't want to take the chance of trying it as we were scared that if that also doesn't work out then it will be hard to get back to US, as our return entry permits would expire. SO we packed our bags and returned back to USA.
My suggestion, wait another year, get your citizenship and then try. But I think some members on this forum have experienced the downside of this decision too, they have moved to India and had to move back because of lack of suitable job (especially if you are 15-20 yrs experienced). So either way you will be taking risk.

Dicky_Bird · Post by **Dicky_Bird** » Fri Jan 23, 2015 2:51 am

one can apply after 4 years 9 months stay in US after green card.
did this USC issue discussed with company which gave offer, sometimes they considerate to let your hubby work from US with few trips to india
other option is to take offer and yoyr DH goes to India while you secure USC.

mangogirl · Post by **mangogirl** » Fri Jan 23, 2015 3:01 am

Yes, our 4yr 9 months is at Feb 2016.
The company does not know about the USC issue, since they are setting up the whole new Dev Team in Bangalore, they wanted someone from here who already has enough knowledge to manage it and need to take up the opportunity in max month or so.
Our last option is if he takes up the job while I stay back to secure USC with my kid here.

Chakraan · Post by **Chakraan** » Fri Jan 23, 2015 3:38 am

mangogirl;591980Yes, our 4yr 9 months is at Feb 2016.
The company does not know about the USC issue, since they are setting up the whole new Dev Team in Bangalore, they wanted someone from here who already has enough knowledge to manage it and need to take up the opportunity in max month or so.
Our last option is if he takes up the job while I stay back to secure USC with my kid here.

When you are so close to USC, don't let it go.

That job is not going to be fun for the the mangoboy.

pskum · Post by **pskum** » Fri Jan 23, 2015 9:17 am

I think management may very well understand your concern and may still keep the position open for your DH.
May be he can do some business trips to get the team setup going while keeping residence here with US job. For eg. commit more night time working with team setup there along with frequent trips.

It may warrant some questions during citizenship application process, but that can very well be explained especially when you both apply at the same time.

my two cents .. Doodh Aur Dahi ( Have both Milk and Curd)

thanks
kumar

Sid · Post by **Sid** » Fri Jan 23, 2015 10:25 am

If the job doesn't work out, will you return to US for good, or are you determined to stay in India for several years at least?

How is the financial situation? Without knowing the age profiles, could you choose/afford to retire in the next 3-5 years?

Very broadly speaking, since you do not have any philosophical issues about giving up Indian citizenship, in my opinion you should take up USC.

How old are the kids (in case you choose to stay back)? Would you be able to manage the household alone?

mangogirl · Post by **mangogirl** » Fri Jan 23, 2015 11:09 pm

mangoboy..nice one:)

mobi · Post by **mobi** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 2:36 pm

When faced with this situation, always ask following questions:

1. If you can choose both options (AND rather than OR)
2. Imagine yourself in each situation and think if you can regret your choice 3-5 yr down the line
3. Which option can be had at anytime vs which needs years to come by

USA, UK etc. are few countries which allow dual citizenshp - thus you will be eligible for OCI.

Once you get a citizenship of another country, it is a lifelong value and you won't lose it (unless given up voluntarily).

One can get a job in India anytime. But you can't get a country's citizenship anytime!

So, choice should be easy in this case.

PS: I know USC has a problem of tax filing for worldwide income on which I can't comment.