I am a French citizen but have lived in the US for 22 years. I am a permanent resident alien here. I am considering moving to France to live and possibly work temporarily..anywhere from 3 months to 2 years. I'm not sure if it's best to become a US Citizen first (which I am planning to do at some point) or if it will benefit me to remain a French citizen. I know getting a job probably will be easier as a French citizen but in this case my travel time would be restricted as a permanent resident may only live outside of the US for a certain amount of time. If anyone has suggestions/comments/experiences to share about this I would great appreciate it!
Posted by
Scotland
505 posts
Greetings
Is there any reason you couldn't just become a dual citizen? The US permits dual citizenship as long as permitted in the other country and I know a number of French-US dual citizens. (Dual citizenship has always been legal, but until recently the rules were written very unclearly to discourage people from doing it).
I wouldn't ever give up an EU passport because it's incredibly valuable in Europe, but would get the US citizenship before moving back to France.
Kate
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA, USA
3 posts
Becoming a dual citizen would be my preference. Have you heard of the US making this difficult? I've heard mixed responses about this.
I'm not even sure how realistic becoming a US citizen (or dual) before my move would be as isn't it a long process? If I do move to France it will be sometime in the next 3-6 months.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
As I understand it, gaining US citizenship can be a years long process. I'd be very surprised if it could be accomplished in any short time frame.
Posted by
Concord, California
138 posts
Getting a US citizenship is a pretty quick affair now, approximately 5-6 months. Not years, like it used to be. My late husband was a dual citizen, Swiss-American, and had no problems with either country. I have a Swiss passport and plan to file for American citizenship soon. Best of the both worlds. My understanding is that the only dual citizenship officially permitted is between US and Switzerland. That said, I know one German and many Russians who effectively have dual citizenships. Let's say you just got a brand-new French passport that is good for 10 years. You now apply for US citizenship, get it, and then get yourself an American passport. Who is to know you have both? At least for the next 10 years. But of course you should inquire at the French consulate here.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
I would NEVER give up a European Citizenship.
Posted by
Seattle
223 posts
Hi Cecile,
I would consult an immigration attorney in the US to make sure you don't mess up anything there. In fact, I live in Seattle and would recommnend Karol Brown of Global Law Partners. They have an office in Pioneer Square.
Otherwise, I think that you are correct that your chances of getting a job in France is better if you are a French citizen. I'd love to live in France, but the restrictions on employment for non-EU citizens are very strict.
Good luck.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
N.B. THIS THREAD IS SIX YEARS OLD.