US citizens and Green Card holders in the UK
Table of Contents
How many US citizens are there in the UK?
There is no precise, up-to-date figure for the number of U.S. citizens and green card holders living in the UK, as this number can fluctuate over time due to various factors such as immigration, work, and education opportunities.
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, it was estimated that around 250,000 U.S. citizens lived in the UK. However, this number may have changed since then. Additionally, this estimate does not specifically account for green card holders residing in the UK, as they are not U.S. citizens. Green card holders are permanent residents of the United States, not citizens, and would have different immigration statuses if they live in the UK.
It’s important to note that these figures are approximate and may not accurately reflect the current number of U.S. citizens and green card holders in the UK. The actual number could be higher or lower than these estimates.
How many UK citizens hold Green Cards?
There is no readily available, up-to-date figure on the exact number of UK citizens holding U.S. green cards, as this number can fluctuate due to various factors such as immigration policies, personal circumstances, and application processing times. Additionally, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) typically release data on the total number of green cards issued each year, but they do not always break down this information by specific countries like the UK.
Typically, more than 10,000 UK citizens are issued Green Cards annually, which has been going on for decades.
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Hundreds of thousands of UK citizens hold Green Cards.
It’s important to note that Green Cards only expire for immigration purposes, never US tax purposes. There is a specific process to go through in order to give back a Green Card and exit the US tax system safely. Until that process is complete, any Green Card holder may still be subject to US tax on their worldwide income and assets.
Learn how to officially give up your Green Card using Form I-407 here:
https://uk.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/government-agencies/dhs/uscis/
Nonetheless, it is estimated that there are thousands of UK citizens who hold U.S. green cards, granted through various channels such as family-based immigration, employment-based immigration, and the Diversity Visa Lottery. However, the actual number could be higher or lower than this estimate. To obtain a more accurate figure, you may need to consult official immigration statistics or contact the relevant government agencies.
My green card has expired. Do I still need to file US taxes from the UK?
If your green card has expired, you may still be considered a U.S. tax resident and have U.S. tax filing obligations, depending on your circumstances. The United States taxes its citizens and green card holders (lawful permanent residents) on their worldwide income, regardless of where they live.
The “Substantial Presence Test” is typically used to determine an individual’s tax residency status. However, for green card holders, the “Green Card Test” applies, which means that as long as you remain a lawful permanent resident, you are considered a U.S. tax resident.
If your green card has expired, you may still be considered a U.S. tax resident if:
You have not formally abandoned or surrendered your green card through the proper channels with U.S. immigration authorities (by filing Form I-407 or obtaining a final administrative or judicial order of abandonment).
You continue to maintain your green card status and intend to renew your green card or apply for U.S. citizenship.
If you are considered a U.S. tax resident, you must continue to file U.S. tax returns, including reporting your worldwide income and potentially filing additional forms for foreign assets or accounts (such as FinCEN Form 114 or Form 8938). You may be eligible for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, the Foreign Tax Credit, or other tax provisions to help avoid double taxation.
Given the complexities of U.S. tax law and your individual situation, it is advisable to consult a tax professional who is experienced in both U.S. and UK tax matters to ensure compliance with all tax filing requirements and to minimize your tax liability.
Check out our US tax guide for US citizens and Green Card holders in the UK
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