New Topic -- Citizenship

[RfB]

If our Russian wives decide in a few years to become US citizens, what are the requirements to notify the Russian Embassy (if any)that they are now no longer Russian citizens? Do they have to turn in their passports, or just write a letter and fill out a form or something. My wife would like to have dual citizenship,, but that is not possible.

[Charles]

... in response to New Topic -- Citizenship, posted by RfB on Mar 20, 2002

I don't think there is any requirement to notify the Embassy.  Since Russia and Ukraine do not recognize dual citizenship, her Russian citizenship ends when she becomes an American citizen.  I would strongly suggest that prior to U.S. citizenship or permanent resident (Green Card) status that she dispose of any property she has in Russia, such as a flat because, as I understand the law, the state will take the property if she is no longer a permanent resident.

[PrincetonLion]

... in response to Re: New Topic -- Citizenship, posted by Charles on Mar 20, 2002

Russian and American citizenships are, let say, independent things...
Whatever happens with me in America, for Russia I always remain a Russian citizen, who is temporarily abroad... Until I go to the Russian ambassy and say that I want to cancel my Russian citizenship! So, if somebody arrives at America from Russia with a non-immigrant visa and only after that changes his/her status (being already here), he/she even will not be considered by Russian goverment as a permanent resident of a foreign country.

[RfB]

... in response to These are independent things!, posted by PrincetonLion on Mar 20, 2002

As an American citizen, I look at it that when we go back to Russia to visit, if she has her USA passport and Russian visitors visa,she can wave that passport at the customs people, and expect the same treatment as any other American citizen. But if as you say, 'you can leave, but we never let you go', what will happen on our little trip back to the Motherland? What are the costs involved to release her from her Russian obligations?

[PrincetonLion]

... in response to Begs the Question, posted by RfB on Mar 20, 2002

Until I reject my Russian citizenship, I cannot get a Russian visa into my American passport in Russian ambassy. I need to use my Russian passport to go to Russia. So, to arrive at Russia and to leave Russia, I will show my Russian passport, but at American side I show an American one.

[Richard]

... in response to The answer, posted by PrincetonLion on Mar 20, 2002

What would happen if you presented your American passport to the Russian Embassy?  Is there a risk that your American Passport would be confiscated or would they refuse to issue a visa and return your passport?

As RFB says, it would be a great advantage to enter the country using an American passport with a Russian Visa in it.

[PrincetonLion]

... in response to Re: The answer, posted by Richard on Mar 21, 2002

This is a good place to read about that for all Russian wives:

http://www.privet.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=004148