Can You Lose Your U.S. Citizenship by Living Abroad? (2024)

FAQs

Can You Lose Your U.S. Citizenship by Living Abroad? ›

One of the many benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen is that it is a stable immigration status. Unlike the situation for lawful permanent residents (green card holders), someone who has attained naturalized U.S. citizenship can't lose that status solely by living outside of the United States for a long time.

While there is no set limit, extended periods of absence, especially when combined with other factors, can trigger inquiries from U.S. authorities. Factors such as maintaining ties to the United States, filing taxes, and participating in U.S. elections can demonstrate a continued commitment to citizenship.

At this time, no penalties exist if a naturalized U.S. citizen simply goes to live in another country, even on a permanent basis. This is a distinct benefit of U.S. citizenship, since green card holders can have their status taken away for "abandoning" their U.S. residence.

Owe allegiance to both the U.S. and a foreign country. Must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the U.S. Do not have to choose one nationality over the other. As a U.S. citizen, you may naturalize in another country without risking your U.S. citizenship.

If you're out of the country for 6 months or longer, you may have issues satisfying the continuous residency requirement. If you plan on leaving the country for more than a year, you can submit Form N-470 (officially called “Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes”).

The immigration law states that if a Legal Permanent Resident is outside of the U.S. for 180 days in a row (but less than 1 year), without permission from the U.S. government, then it will be presumed that the person has lost or abandoned their residency, and therefore can no longer apply for U.S. Citizenship / ...

While the United States allows for dual (or multiple) nationality, there are some requirements that U.S. citizen dual nationals must follow, regardless of whether they hold another nationality: You must enter and leave the United States on your U.S. passport.

Key Takeaways

U.S. retirees can receive Social Security benefits while living abroad, with some exceptions. There is no time limit on how long a person can live outside the country and receive benefits. Foreign citizens with a U.S. work history may also qualify for Social Security benefits under certain agreements.

What is the most common way that a person loses American citizenship? ›

The most common way to lose American citizenship is by voluntarily giving it up.

Security and privacy concerns can contribute to the decision to relinquish U.S. citizenship, especially in today's digital age. Some individuals may renounce their citizenship to escape pervasive surveillance or to protect their personal privacy, especially in more established countries with more robust technology.

These individuals in removal proceedings include Americans by birth and legal immigrants that were naturalized under 8 U.S.C. § 1427 or admitted as nationals of the United States under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000. A U.S. citizen cannot legally be deported, and thus can return to the United States at any time.

Absences of more than 365 consecutive days

You must apply for a re-entry permit (Form I-131) before you leave the United States, or your permanent residence status will be considered abandoned. A re-entry permit enables you to be abroad for up to two years.

One of the many benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen is that it is a stable immigration status. Unlike the situation for lawful permanent residents (green card holders), someone who has attained naturalized U.S. citizenship can't lose that status solely by living outside of the United States for a long time.

U.S. law does not impede its citizens' acquisition of foreign citizenship whether by birth, descent, naturalization or other form of acquisition, by imposing requirements of permission from U.S. courts or any governmental agency.

The statutory period preceding the filing of the application is calculated from the date of filing. Once 4 years and 1 day have elapsed from the date of the applicant's return to the United States, the period of absence from the United States that occurred within the past 5 years is now less than 1 year.

If you leave the U.S., we will stop your benefits the month after the sixth calendar month in a row that you are outside the country. You can make visits to the United States for specific periods of time, depending on how long you've been outside, to continue receiving your benefits.