Losing GC after Retirement

J

josuna

New Member
My father has had a GC for 40 years and is now retired. He goes back and forth frequently between U.S. and his native country, Spain.

What happens if he loses residency? Does it really matter much since he no longer works?

He wants to maintain access to Social Security, Medicare and ability to come and go, as he pleases. Would losing GC impact any of these benefits? To what extent?

Thanks,

Juan
 
josuna said:
My father has had a GC for 40 years and is now retired. He goes back and forth frequently between U.S. and his native country, Spain.

What happens if he loses residency? Does it really matter much since he no longer works?

He wants to maintain access to Social Security, Medicare and ability to come and go, as he pleases. Would losing GC impact any of these benefits? To what extent?

Thanks,

Juan
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He can come and go as long as he maintains the same posture as everyone else with a GC: any visit abroad must be temporary in nature, and he must maintain an obvious presence in the USA, like filing tax returns as a resident. If he wants to visit Spain for an extended stay (<2 years), he must apply for a Re-entry Permit. If he is planning on mostly staying in Spain, and appearing to give up his permanent residency, then he will probably have issues re-entering the USA.

As far as I know, if he has contributed to Social Security - especially for the length of time you state - he would be entitled to SS benefits (check with your local SS office, or their Web site). If he loses his residency, I assume he would lose access to Medicare; perhaps others here know the answer to that one.
 
Yeah, I am wondering specifically about Medicare too.

He can make an effort to keep his U.S. residency. But renewing and maintaining GC is a bit of a nuisance. So, I am wondering if it is really necessary. So, access to medicare is a key question.

I also wonder if Europeans can pretty much come and go easily on just a tourist visa, or some other visa. What wealthy people who don't work do? Can they enter the U.S., own property and vacation for extended periods without worrying about a GC?

Thanks,

Juan
 
But renewing and maintaining GC is a bit of a nuisance.
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well, if you think that renewing a card once every ten years and living in the States is a nuisance, and your dad agrees with you, then, perhaps, your dad doesn't need a GC all that much.

I also wonder if Europeans can pretty much come and go easily on just a tourist visa, or some other visa. What wealthy people who don't work do? Can they enter the U.S., own property and vacation for extended periods without worrying about a GC?
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Sure, they can. But they do have to worry about expensive medical care in the States.
 
Kind of silly question. Why doesn't he apply for citizenship after all he has been here 40 years. Can't he have dual citizenship? That would solve the whole greencard problem I think.
Just wondering, nothing else.

josuna said:
My father has had a GC for 40 years and is now retired. He goes back and forth frequently between U.S. and his native country, Spain.

What happens if he loses residency? Does it really matter much since he no longer works?

He wants to maintain access to Social Security, Medicare and ability to come and go, as he pleases. Would losing GC impact any of these benefits? To what extent?

Thanks,

Juan
Click to expand...
 
josuna said:
My father has had a GC for 40 years and is now retired. He goes back and forth frequently between U.S. and his native country, Spain.

What happens if he loses residency? Does it really matter much since he no longer works?

He wants to maintain access to Social Security, Medicare and ability to come and go, as he pleases. Would losing GC impact any of these benefits? To what extent?

Thanks,

Juan
Click to expand...

You ask good questions.
 
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