Barev Dzez everybody!!! I have decided that I am moving ba

[vadik963]

I don't know if you guys remember me, I am 20 years old and I was asking questions on this website about expatriating back to Armenia. Anyways, I have made up my mind. I am in full contact with my aunt and great aunt in Armenia. They know that I want to come over and they fully support it. I live in the U.S right now and I am tired of living here. Same shit, different day for me Anyways, I want to ask does anybody know how to exactly to move to Armenia permanently? I have an active U.S passport, I don't have any debts, taxes already filed, and all my bank accounts are closed. I am pretty much left with my passport and currency. I want to buy a one way ticket to Armenia. Anyways, how do I move? Do I simply get on a plane and go? Or should I get some sort of visa? I plan on working in Armenia, so I think I would need a work visa. Can I get a work visa in Armenia, or any other documents. Can I apply for citizenship while living with my aunt in Armenia or do I have to do it at the D.C embassy? It's questions like these that go through my mind and I need some clearing. Another thing, I live with my mom right now and I haven't told her my plans. I know she won't take it well at all, same thing with everyone else. How do I explain to my family that I want to live there? I see it as my future home and I am dead serious on that. Thanks a lot for your time and happy Easter!!

[Ashot]

I have an active U.S passport, I don't have any debts, taxes already filed, and all my bank accounts are closed. Good then you know when you go back you won't have to face consequences!

 

I am pretty much left with my passport and currency. This means you won't have to worry about importing and exporting car, housewares, etc...

 

I want to buy a one way ticket to Armenia. Anyways, how do I move? Do I simply get on a plane and go? Or should I get some sort of visa? No visa required for US Citizen to enter Armenia, if one is required you will be able to acquire it in the airport, things are very simple nowadays. Just hop on the plane and welcome aboard.

 

I plan on working in Armenia, so I think I would need a work visa. Can I get a work visa in Armenia, or any other documents. When you come to Armenia all you have to do is register here and get let's call it your permanent residency card, with this you can apply for ssn number. Will take you only 5 days.

 

Can I apply for citizenship while living with my aunt in Armenia or do I have to do it at the D.C embassy? Do not - I repeat do not think of this for the next 10 years. 1 - you don't want to loose your US Citizenship, so you would have to apply for dual citizenship - meaning you can have US passport and Armenian passport. 2 - if you become a dual citizen this does not mean you won't have to serve in the army. So think twice on this, if you want to serve for the army for 2 years then go ahead and get you dual citizenship!

 

Another thing, I live with my mom right now and I haven't told her my plans. I know she won't take it well at all, same thing with everyone else. How do I explain to my family that I want to live there? I see it as my future home and I am dead serious on that. This one is tough - you would nee to sit down and explain to her your way, I don't think there is anyone in this world that can understand the relation between you and your mom better then yourself. So think how you would tell her, number one thing is not to get her mad, if she get's mad from the first conversation keep it short move it on to another time, repeat this step until she hears you out completely calm. You won't get anywhere if you fight with her ;-)

 

[vadik963]

Barev Ashot!!!! Thanks for replying I appreciate the answers that you have wrote down here. I will figure it out somehow with my mother. I just wanted to know how long does it take to acquire citizenship? Since I will be working in Armenia and living there, do I still have to pay taxes and do tax returns towards the U.S? I just want to make sure that I have everything checked off before I go. I don't have a car, bills or anything. I am currently looking to save up for an airline ticket, only $600 dollars for connection flights with Aeroflot. Anyways, my mom told me that I should do what will make me happy, but she doesn't know about this. I am sure she will accept the news somehow. What's wrong with the army? Why is it because of brutality and chances I might become a "dedovshina". I speak fluent Russian, so I am sure that I can use that to my advantage. I know some Armenian too, and I am sure my skills in Armenian will hone while I am there

[onjig]

Ashot, Very well said!

 

vadik, I'm glad for you that your mind is settled. Having an aunt in Armenia will make things so much easier. let us know what you are doing if/as you prepare. Always keep in touch with us where ever you are.

[vadik963]

Barev Onjig, yes I have finally decided to make my move back to Armenia. My aunt and great aunt is waiting for me. They told me "come back anytime and stay as long as you like". Right now, I am saving up as much as I can. So I can pay them some money as thanks, and buy some gifts and an airline ticket to myself. Honestly, I am not happy living with my mom. I love her, but she is too controlling. I'm an only child, maybe that's why? Anyways, I will definitely keep in touch with you. I'm just curious on one thing, onjig, will I still have to file tax returns if I live and work in Armenia? I just want to stay on the safe side. My aunt said it's gotten even more beautiful and I can't wait to go to Lake Sevan. We are going to get ripe delicious watermelons and make some khorovadz Plus, my aunt told me that there are MANY young people in their early 20s. So I can definitely meet up with somebody nice and make some friends in the meantime.

[onjig]

Foreign earned income exclusion

One tax break for expatriates is the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. If an American moves abroad, he or she can exclude foreign-earned income up to $99,200 as of 2014 from U.S. taxation. To qualify, that person must have lived outside the United States for 330 days in 12 consecutive months, said Wilson, a partner in the Denver law firm of Holland & Hart.

That means an expatriate making $75,000 overseas would pay no taxes, although he or she still must file IRS Form 1040 and claim the exclusion. If the expatriate makes $100,000, tax must be paid on the difference between his or her salary and $99,200, or $800. But if the expatriate visits the United States for more than 35 days in that period, the benefit is lost.

 

 

I'm thinking if a person makes under a certain amount you don't have to file, that is true with Australia.

 

My wife is an Australian citizen, we met when she came here on a visit and was taken on a ski trip. I was her instructor and she saw the "IAN"on my name tag.

Edited April 14, 2015 by onjig

[Ashot]

I just wanted to know how long does it take to acquire citizenship?

It should take no more than 2 weeks to acquire a citizenship.

 

Since I will be working in Armenia and living there, do I still have to pay taxes and do tax returns towards the U.S?

This should answer to your tax questions just click on the link - https://americansabroad.org/issues/taxation/us-taxes-while-living-abroad-faq/

 

What's wrong with the army? Why is it because of brutality and chances I might become a "dedovshina".

It's your choice if you want to serve in the army, you need to decide - if you are coming to Armenia to work then my suggestion is to get a residency card and leave the dual citizenship aside, if you are coming here to serve for 2 years then go to work, we're all ok with it. No there is no brutality in the army if you mind your own business, there is no cleaning toilets either, just as long as you mind your own business and don't shove the nose wherever it won't shine! :-)

 

Extra feedback re: army, right now we are at the edge of a war, there are only few factors holding us back from attacking - if things continue to progress the way they are, it won't be long 'till we hit hard. There is no such thing as brutality against a soldier from it's officers unless the soldier feels he is the all mighty one and starts shoving his nose where he shouldn't - this is when he get's it the hard way! There is also the factor that soldiers don't get along with one another, this is also due to the fact that they want show their toughness - in this case you would have to keep your head high, if necessary fight back. There is nothing wrong with this picture, after all army is just another school every guy has to pass and in reality there is no school where you won't find a hyena.

 

We'll be waiting for your arrival, if you need anything let me know.

 

[vadik963]

Barev Ashot and Onjig, I apologize for not getting back to you for a couple of days, I was busy with school. I find it amazing that I can become a citizen of Armenia in matter of 2 little weeks instead of months of years. I am fine with paying taxes and I will always pay on time. You know what, I am fine with the army. I feel that it would be an honor to serve my nation, it would should my love and valor for it. I can't wait to move to Armenia permanently. I have a couple questions. I am sorry that I ask too much lol :-) I am not really fluent in Armenian, I am learning it well as of now. I have fluency in English, Russian, and some German, Armenian. Will I be able to find a job with my lingual skills? My aunt says that I am young, have some experience and that it should be very easy for me to get employed somewhere. I know that I will be able to get around easily with Russian, but I will use Armenian, and learn in the process :-) Is there any vaccinations that I have to do? Any specific documents that I should take with me to Armenia that will be needed for citizenship or for anything? Thanks and God Bless!!

[Nané]

Good luck Vadik! I solute your determination and strong will. Things will not be easy but an interesting life never is. You will face many challenges but hopefully will find your "corner under the sun" in our homeland. You should not have trouble finding a job ... it just might not be a very well paying job. But depending on your experience and education (and people you know) you should be able to climb your way. Աստված քեզ հետ:

[vadik963]

Barev Nane, I am very excited to go and live there. I have Skyped many times with my beloved aunt and she is very excited about my coming. She told me that things are rough, but for an American like myself it will be easy to assimilate. I managed to translate your name, so it's obvious that I have learned a very good amount of Armenian I also know Russian fluently, so I can use that as a second language to get around. I have excellent knowledge in marketing/selling things. I have experience in selling many items including cars, computers. I know how to advertise items excellently on Craigslist and similar sites. So I do have understanding in technology. My aunt has told me that many girls are excited about my coming, and that I will be able to make fast friends. The reason why I want to leave America is because I am tired of it, it is so stressful and everything and everybody just seem the same to me. I live in NY, so it's even worse. It's so dirty here and plus I live with my mother and I am tired of it. I feel like I should put myself out there and this world and be a man and do things on my own. My mom is single at the moment, and I want her to get married again and have as many kids as possible, I want her to be happy. I feel if I leave then she will have all the time for herself to find somebody good. I am saving up as much as I can. My goal is to reach about $6000 dollars. Do you think that is enough. Should I convert my money into drams before I leave America or after, and should I leave some money in USD? It's things like this confuse me. ONE VERY IMPORTANT THING, how do I tell my mother and father about this? I really want to do this and I feel like I can do it, I am an adult. I just don't know how to bring this up to my parents. Obviously they will be very upset and angry, but what should I do? Should I tell them around my birthday, maybe they will be more relaxed and less angry on that day. I will explain to them that this is my dream, and that this will build me up as a person. It will make me into an adult, and it will teach me how to survive and strive as a man. I will be with my aunt, so I won't be alone. Honestly, how should I tell mom and dad? Also should I close my bank account before I leave, and should I take all my saved up money as cash or what? Just questions like these. I know that there is an American college in Yerevan and maybe I can continue my education over there. Thanks for your time everybody.

[Nané]

Hi Vadik,

 

Those are all very valid questions. I will tell you what I think and you can decide what would be the best course of action.

 

Your knowledge of Russian and English will be a great resource.

Be cautious of girls that are excited about your move there will be some (I don't want to say many) that are looking for a husband that will take them away.

Make friends, lots of friends and immerse yourself in the life and culture. But I would advise you against jumping into marriage too quickly.

The course you have chosen in a great way of finding yourself and establishing yourself in this world. It will be difficult for your parents but they will have to deal with your decision. Don't sacrifice your goals and dreams just to please them. Live your life and take the chances you will not be able to take once you are older and settled down.

 

I completely understand your frustration with US life ... I think most of us in here are in that boat (sadly).

 

$6,000 would go far 10 years back ... nowdays, not so much. If you have a place to live, that should be enough for you to spend a few months looking for a job and live comfortably at the same time. But if you are going to rent, you will run out of money fast. You should NOT convert your money to drams and you should NOT take all your money with you. You should keep your bank account open and withdraw cash at an ATM in Yerevan as you need money. You will pay a fee to your Bank but you can avoid paying a fee to the ATM you use if you choose the right bank. I have always used AreximBank as they don't have a fee for using their ATM. That might not be the case any longer but you can look into it.

 

Wanting your mother to get married and have more children is very noble of you. That indicates that you are not a selfish person. Good for you! Make sure others don't take advantage of that fact.

 

The American College in Yerevan is a great idea ... as long as that's what you want to do. Don't do anything that "seems like a good idea" or others think is a good idea. Do what you WANT and what will make you happy.

 

Once more, good luck! and don't hesitate to post more questions.

[vadik963]

Barev Nane, thanks for your prompt replies!! I really appreciate it I do have a place to stay, with my aunt and great aunt. They both told me that their home is my home and I can stay as long as I want, even for 100 years lol. So I am settled on that part, I do have a place. I won't just sit around and do nothing, I will help with rent and I will take care of the home and make their lives easier, while discovering my own. My aunt says that for me it will be absolutely easy and because of the fluency of my English, I can work in companies. I understand that pay is much smaller than usual, but I am content with that. I am not a materialistic person, I don't need a fancy car or a mansion or a title to impress anyone, I am happy with being an honest and strong willed person. I am sure somebody there will find that attractive in a young man. I am just tired of life here, each day is the same. It's like you have to live to work. You can't really enjoy life. I don't like NYC at all, it's like a concrete hell for me and the rest of America is just boring to be honest. I just want something new, I just want to appreciate the little things in life and not take them for granted. I don't really enjoy going to school here, the building is so dilapidated and I don't really favor academia at all to be honest. My passions lie elsewhere. I know and love to cook, work with computers, advertise and sell anything, art, repairing things. I am good with my hands and technology. How are the younger generations of Armenia. I mean girls from 18-22, do you think they will like me? Do you think they would be fascinated to know that I am an American. I am not being cocky I just want to understand what I will expect to happen. Do you think I can find myself a nice and conservative girlfriend. I am not planning to marry right away, I want to establish myself and integrate myself into society before doing things like this. What about guy friends? I am just so curious, I hope that I won't be alone and have no friends or girlfriend. My aunt knows a 20 yr old girl and she knows that I am coming and is excited about that. So I guess she is a good start and maybe she can introduce me to somebody. I am 20 years old and I have been dreaming about this for over 10 years now. I am trying my hardest to make this come true. To live a peaceful life, to enjoy nature of our homeland, to feel pride everyday I wake up. I want my mom and dad to be happy, I want them to have large families and be filled with joy. I hope that I am not selfish for doing this, but my mom will be on her own in NY. Her parents passed away and she will be herself But at the same time I have to grow up and be a man and let go of my mom's skirt. How do I tell her, Nane? She will take it the hardest, it breaks my heart. What are the calmest and soothing words I can use for her? My father will surely ridicule, he will call me a "baran" or "durak", but he is strong enough to be on his own. He is already married to somebody else and has step children. So I shouldn't exchange currency at the airport? I am planning to live there permanently. My intentions are to get a dual citizenship with the U.S and Armenia. I know that I can take care of all application filing in Yerevan. Honestly, any tips? Any exact amount of money I should bring? Anything else specific? This is a very very big move and I will leave in a matter of months and my parents don't even know yet. Honestly what would you tell them? Should I tell them on my birthday? Say it as a way that this is a present to myself and etc. Thanks and sorry if this is too long to read

[vadik963]

So far I am saving everything by cash is that alright or should I open up a bank account with chase or something, but I don't know if it will be of use because I will live there.