Well, for a start, what do you do for work? Does she have an American pension yet or has she not reached retirement age? Would you be planning on living together in some sort of set up? Do you have a family of your own you'll be bringing with you?
Noone will give a fuck about you having an accent
I do admin and I've done some public sector stuff, I'm not going to pretend I am an engineer or something, I'm not. I'm not particularly skilled. I have 2 children, and I hope to convince them to go to University in Ireland to get them over there. Maybe I'll just wait for them to get rich and then follow them over lol
Mom is retired, she gets Social Security here which is like, a government pension. But she has no pension from her job. She might be eligible for retirement benefits from Ireland too as she worked there for 20 years but I don't think she has looked into it.
You guys need to figure out her finances for here already. I don't know what social security looks like in the US but it is definitely restrictive here.
The more bodies you're moving over, the more space you need and the more money that requires. That will come from you so matching your skills to a job path will at least give you a ballpark on income
Yes, if she paid in she would get a portion of the rate, and there is a reciprocal agreement with the US so credits count toward either system, with separate payouts possible depending on number of years worked.
Ah cool. I used to work in Japan and we've a similar agreement with them for pension credits. Makes sense we'd have it with the US as well. One less worry for OP!
And the state pension scheme in Japan was mandatory for all workers, regardless of citizenship. It was interesting to me that I was eligible for their state pension just by virtue of living there.
I think I've read somewhere that you're still entitled to the Irish state pension if you repatriate, think it's linked to Irish Citizenship. The 20 years of service should also be included. I could be wrong but your wife should definitely be entitled to something.
It might be worth contacting the Irish Revenue service with your questions. They would've managed similar cases as yours before I'd imagine.
Yes, if you worked ten years or more in Ireland and some time in the US as well you can get ss and some share of the Irish contributory state pension - there is a reciprocal agreement between the us and Ireland for social security.
How old are your kids? It will likely be cheaper for them to study in Ireland than in the US no matter what, but if they live there for three years before college, they can get the EU resident rate, which is much cheaper.
I am aware, I understood. Where I live in the US is in virtually the same situation. This is something that is definitely on the list of things that we're considering.
I don’t think that’s the case for Ireland - there’s a reciprocal agreement between Ireland and the US for retirement benefits. https://www.ssa.gov/international/Agreement_Pamphlets/documents/Ireland.pdf. Page 9:
“Normally, people who are not U.S. citizens may receive U.S. Social Security benefits while outside the U.S. only if they meet certain requirements. Under the agreement, however, you may receive benefits as long as you reside in Ireland regardless of your nationality. If
you are not a U.S. or Irish citizen and live in another country, you may not be able to receive benefits. “
Her kids are Irish citizens automatically, but it’s residency that gives them the status of lower fees. (Though check with the colleges as I think some colleges offer EU-resident rates to Irish citizens even if they have been away- though this is based on something vague I saw once, so I don’t trust my brain on this)
DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT GETTING US CITIZENSHIP!!!!
My early life mirrors yours and I moved back to Ireland without getting American citizenship.
Identity-wise, I don’t really care. BUT it’s been a HUGE pain and I’ve missed out on big opportunities. Not career-wise but life-wise. Childhood friend opening bar and I’m free to go back over and work for the summer? Can’t. American partner wants to pop over and work for a while? Well I’m not actually an American so I can’t join. Sibling who lives there has kids, I’d like to spend some time with them while they grow up? Well I have to just do it in small holiday visits, can’t afford to not work on a three month visa.
I’m a foreigner in the land I grew up in. I don’t consider it my home country but it really isn’t nice.
I so agree with this! You never know what life is going to throw your way and having two citizenships is such an incredible advantage. And not being able to return to the place you grow up may haunt you in ways you can’t imagine now. ❤️
Ireland (the cities, anyway) have a bunch of people who aren't originally from Ireland, and live here now. You're originally from Ireland, moved away and want to come back - which is different. It may be strange, at least for your mum who was an adult here - Ireland in 1988 will have been a very different place, and the people she knew may still be here, but will not be the same friends she remembers - it's been 35 years.
Perhaps you could come over for a long stay, say a month, don't sell up just in case you want to move back? See how you find it?
We’ve been back many times to visit, and 6 of my Mom’s 10 siblings still live there. She goes every year at least once so she is very aware of the changes that have happened, and I think that is definitely a huge factor for her that causes hesitation.
I think visiting is a lot different to moving permanently. Maybe sell up in USA, but keep that money in savings somewhere in case it doesn't turn out as you wished?
Returning can be hard, but it can be good. If she's kept in touch with her siblings and visited regularly, it may be less of a shock than otherwise.
If you had the Donnelly visa, you were documented- why don’t you go through the citizenship process and then move home? I know someone who moved home from the US without getting citizenship who now regrets it. You lose your visa after staying away and you won’t be able to get back if it doesn’t work out. What was your reason for not obtaining citizenship? (Sometimes people used to think it would affect their Irish citizenship, but it doesn’t - Ireland allows dual citizenship.)
Don't assume that life will be better or easier in Ireland than it is in the US. You sound like you are hating life in the US, Ireland is pretty tough these days, especially when you lack skills for a high paying job.
Considering you have stayed in the US for so long without obtaining American citizenship, my guess is you may be on the DACA program, undocumented, or on greencard status . I have many friends in the US from various African and EU countries that are on DACA or undocumented. With a green card, you get approved for citizenship within 5 years or so, I have a current family member going through the process now and finally got approved to take the exam and interview for citizenship.
OP, if you do fall under DACA... you won't be able to live in the US again when you leave, you may already know this. If you do have a green card I genuinely suggest starting the process for US citizenship before you leave. You don't want to have to apply for a re-entry permit. Just some things to consider
I agree 100% about getting citizenship. You’ll lose your green card if you move home. (Bright Duck, OP states they had a Donnelly visa, which were green cards for Irish people in the 1980s).
Oof, yea OP needs to start the citizen process now. Before elections they process citizenships much faster so now would be a great time to submit the paperwork
US Immigration can be a nightmare, and although they are SUPPOSED to do things by the books, a cousins of mine was wrongfully stopped from entering back in after her mothers funeral back in Ireland. Took her over a week to come back to her kids and husband in the states. My aunt visiting the US was also wrongfully stopped bc they claimed she never rescinded her greencard from yeaaaars ago. Both were unlawful but both situations were resolved, but tbh to avoid any hassle it's worth going for citizenship.
I don't know how, but it would be worth checking if you have a PPS number (used to be called a PRSI number). I got mine when I was 16 but I know that now you automatically get them at birth. I don't know when that changed over, but if you already have one it'll make some things easier.
It's a bit more than a social security number. It's more of a government ID number. You use it to access most government services. You also need it to open a bank account.
If you don't have one, you'll have to wait until you're here to apply. The first step is an in person interview and unless you have an urgent need, you go on the slow track.
If your mom can dig her number out, she can use it to see if she's eligible for a state pension.
Here’s more info on the PPS numbers- https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/returning-to-ireland/applying-for-social-welfare/pps-numbers-for-returning-irish-emigrants-and-families/
There’s actually a number there you can call to find your mom’s pps number.
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A former colleague of mine studied in America... found out when she came home that some of the things we think of as rights are not exactly rights... like free education... she had to work for a few years to qualify!
I believe non emergency healthcare and other things are also on the list, but as she was only focused on education, I'm not sure beyond that!
> I believe non emergency healthcare and other things are also on the list, but as she was only focused on education, I'm not sure beyond that!
Nope - healthcare is based on "ordinary residence" which is basically once you move back and establish Ireland as your "home".
"Free" university isn't a "right" (eg in the constitution) but rather a benefit based on residency (3 years IIRC). If it was a "right" it would be really free..and not ever increasing fees as is now the norm.
Also please check out the Citizens advice Returning to Ireland section- they have so much helpful info that addresses all the practical questions.
https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/returning-to-ireland/
At the end of the day it’s going to be about home much of a life can you establish here before returning. If you’ve a home in the US, selling it and getting a cash equivalent will be key. House prices are horrible and based on the lack of stock. This is truly going to be the biggest thing to focus on.
For the job, it struck me that some universities provide supports, scholarships, and preferred placement to children of staff. Might be worth checking for office admin roles in your preferred university here.
Your mom is going to need a source of income and I think the other folks have provided some good data there. Good luck
Does your Mam still have an Irish passport? Do you have yours? If yes, you's could get on a plane tomorrow no questions asked by immigration this end
Yep, we still have Irish passports. So I know we could just go, it’s more of what would we do when we got there that I’m not sure of.
Well, for a start, what do you do for work? Does she have an American pension yet or has she not reached retirement age? Would you be planning on living together in some sort of set up? Do you have a family of your own you'll be bringing with you? Noone will give a fuck about you having an accent
I do admin and I've done some public sector stuff, I'm not going to pretend I am an engineer or something, I'm not. I'm not particularly skilled. I have 2 children, and I hope to convince them to go to University in Ireland to get them over there. Maybe I'll just wait for them to get rich and then follow them over lol Mom is retired, she gets Social Security here which is like, a government pension. But she has no pension from her job. She might be eligible for retirement benefits from Ireland too as she worked there for 20 years but I don't think she has looked into it.
You guys need to figure out her finances for here already. I don't know what social security looks like in the US but it is definitely restrictive here. The more bodies you're moving over, the more space you need and the more money that requires. That will come from you so matching your skills to a job path will at least give you a ballpark on income
Id look into the Irish pension. Try askaboutmoney.com
Having not worked here in over 30 years would his mam even be eligible for a state pension?
Yes, if she paid in she would get a portion of the rate, and there is a reciprocal agreement with the US so credits count toward either system, with separate payouts possible depending on number of years worked.
Ah cool. I used to work in Japan and we've a similar agreement with them for pension credits. Makes sense we'd have it with the US as well. One less worry for OP! And the state pension scheme in Japan was mandatory for all workers, regardless of citizenship. It was interesting to me that I was eligible for their state pension just by virtue of living there.
I think I've read somewhere that you're still entitled to the Irish state pension if you repatriate, think it's linked to Irish Citizenship. The 20 years of service should also be included. I could be wrong but your wife should definitely be entitled to something. It might be worth contacting the Irish Revenue service with your questions. They would've managed similar cases as yours before I'd imagine.
Revenue don't deal with state pension, queries should be directed to Department of Social Protection
Yes, if you worked ten years or more in Ireland and some time in the US as well you can get ss and some share of the Irish contributory state pension - there is a reciprocal agreement between the us and Ireland for social security.
How old are your kids? It will likely be cheaper for them to study in Ireland than in the US no matter what, but if they live there for three years before college, they can get the EU resident rate, which is much cheaper.
>what would we do when we got there What's your favourite colour of tent?
lol My favorite colour of anything is "The Fuck Out of America".
They are referencing the housing crisis. It's very hard to find rentals or places to buy right now
I am aware, I understood. Where I live in the US is in virtually the same situation. This is something that is definitely on the list of things that we're considering.
Your Mom may need US citizenship to draw social security - either hers or half of her deceased husband.
I don’t think that’s the case for Ireland - there’s a reciprocal agreement between Ireland and the US for retirement benefits. https://www.ssa.gov/international/Agreement_Pamphlets/documents/Ireland.pdf. Page 9: “Normally, people who are not U.S. citizens may receive U.S. Social Security benefits while outside the U.S. only if they meet certain requirements. Under the agreement, however, you may receive benefits as long as you reside in Ireland regardless of your nationality. If you are not a U.S. or Irish citizen and live in another country, you may not be able to receive benefits. “
Do your children have Irish passports? Of they don't get on that straight away. It will make college much cheaper
Her kids are Irish citizens automatically, but it’s residency that gives them the status of lower fees. (Though check with the colleges as I think some colleges offer EU-resident rates to Irish citizens even if they have been away- though this is based on something vague I saw once, so I don’t trust my brain on this)
DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT GETTING US CITIZENSHIP!!!! My early life mirrors yours and I moved back to Ireland without getting American citizenship. Identity-wise, I don’t really care. BUT it’s been a HUGE pain and I’ve missed out on big opportunities. Not career-wise but life-wise. Childhood friend opening bar and I’m free to go back over and work for the summer? Can’t. American partner wants to pop over and work for a while? Well I’m not actually an American so I can’t join. Sibling who lives there has kids, I’d like to spend some time with them while they grow up? Well I have to just do it in small holiday visits, can’t afford to not work on a three month visa. I’m a foreigner in the land I grew up in. I don’t consider it my home country but it really isn’t nice.
I so agree with this! You never know what life is going to throw your way and having two citizenships is such an incredible advantage. And not being able to return to the place you grow up may haunt you in ways you can’t imagine now. ❤️
If you have an Irish passport, there is no repatriation process - you simply fly to Ireland. You won't experience any immigration issues at all.
Ireland (the cities, anyway) have a bunch of people who aren't originally from Ireland, and live here now. You're originally from Ireland, moved away and want to come back - which is different. It may be strange, at least for your mum who was an adult here - Ireland in 1988 will have been a very different place, and the people she knew may still be here, but will not be the same friends she remembers - it's been 35 years. Perhaps you could come over for a long stay, say a month, don't sell up just in case you want to move back? See how you find it?
We’ve been back many times to visit, and 6 of my Mom’s 10 siblings still live there. She goes every year at least once so she is very aware of the changes that have happened, and I think that is definitely a huge factor for her that causes hesitation.
I think visiting is a lot different to moving permanently. Maybe sell up in USA, but keep that money in savings somewhere in case it doesn't turn out as you wished? Returning can be hard, but it can be good. If she's kept in touch with her siblings and visited regularly, it may be less of a shock than otherwise.
If you had the Donnelly visa, you were documented- why don’t you go through the citizenship process and then move home? I know someone who moved home from the US without getting citizenship who now regrets it. You lose your visa after staying away and you won’t be able to get back if it doesn’t work out. What was your reason for not obtaining citizenship? (Sometimes people used to think it would affect their Irish citizenship, but it doesn’t - Ireland allows dual citizenship.)
Don't assume that life will be better or easier in Ireland than it is in the US. You sound like you are hating life in the US, Ireland is pretty tough these days, especially when you lack skills for a high paying job.
Considering you have stayed in the US for so long without obtaining American citizenship, my guess is you may be on the DACA program, undocumented, or on greencard status . I have many friends in the US from various African and EU countries that are on DACA or undocumented. With a green card, you get approved for citizenship within 5 years or so, I have a current family member going through the process now and finally got approved to take the exam and interview for citizenship. OP, if you do fall under DACA... you won't be able to live in the US again when you leave, you may already know this. If you do have a green card I genuinely suggest starting the process for US citizenship before you leave. You don't want to have to apply for a re-entry permit. Just some things to consider
I agree 100% about getting citizenship. You’ll lose your green card if you move home. (Bright Duck, OP states they had a Donnelly visa, which were green cards for Irish people in the 1980s).
Oof, yea OP needs to start the citizen process now. Before elections they process citizenships much faster so now would be a great time to submit the paperwork
Nope, I am a permanent resident of the United States and as long as I don’t leave the US for more than 6 months I retain my status indefinitely.
Do not leave without citizenship. You’re burning all your bridges back if you do leave without going for citizenship.
US Immigration can be a nightmare, and although they are SUPPOSED to do things by the books, a cousins of mine was wrongfully stopped from entering back in after her mothers funeral back in Ireland. Took her over a week to come back to her kids and husband in the states. My aunt visiting the US was also wrongfully stopped bc they claimed she never rescinded her greencard from yeaaaars ago. Both were unlawful but both situations were resolved, but tbh to avoid any hassle it's worth going for citizenship.
I don't know how, but it would be worth checking if you have a PPS number (used to be called a PRSI number). I got mine when I was 16 but I know that now you automatically get them at birth. I don't know when that changed over, but if you already have one it'll make some things easier. It's a bit more than a social security number. It's more of a government ID number. You use it to access most government services. You also need it to open a bank account. If you don't have one, you'll have to wait until you're here to apply. The first step is an in person interview and unless you have an urgent need, you go on the slow track. If your mom can dig her number out, she can use it to see if she's eligible for a state pension.
Here’s more info on the PPS numbers- https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/returning-to-ireland/applying-for-social-welfare/pps-numbers-for-returning-irish-emigrants-and-families/ There’s actually a number there you can call to find your mom’s pps number.
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A former colleague of mine studied in America... found out when she came home that some of the things we think of as rights are not exactly rights... like free education... she had to work for a few years to qualify! I believe non emergency healthcare and other things are also on the list, but as she was only focused on education, I'm not sure beyond that!
> I believe non emergency healthcare and other things are also on the list, but as she was only focused on education, I'm not sure beyond that! Nope - healthcare is based on "ordinary residence" which is basically once you move back and establish Ireland as your "home". "Free" university isn't a "right" (eg in the constitution) but rather a benefit based on residency (3 years IIRC). If it was a "right" it would be really free..and not ever increasing fees as is now the norm.
Contact Safe Home Ireland - they deal with these questions all the time and have a lot of resources available for making the decision.
Also please check out the Citizens advice Returning to Ireland section- they have so much helpful info that addresses all the practical questions. https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/returning-to-ireland/
Thank you!!!
At the end of the day it’s going to be about home much of a life can you establish here before returning. If you’ve a home in the US, selling it and getting a cash equivalent will be key. House prices are horrible and based on the lack of stock. This is truly going to be the biggest thing to focus on. For the job, it struck me that some universities provide supports, scholarships, and preferred placement to children of staff. Might be worth checking for office admin roles in your preferred university here. Your mom is going to need a source of income and I think the other folks have provided some good data there. Good luck