Hi,
During 2004 I have changed my status from F1 to resident , because I had won the Visa Lotery.
Since I cannot use the standard deduction, I was wondering If I can deduct the expenses I made to get the Gc? (the interview was abroad, so I had to fly , plus the fee itself. )
Can somebody help me ?
Thanks a lot.

Short answer: Yes, I think you can claim those expenses.

Long Answer: You may be considered dual-status; depends on when the Green Card became effective. Also, what country are you from? Certain countries (like India) can claim the Standard Deduction even when under dual status.

Thank you for replying.
I am not from India ;I am from Romania. Since the GC became effective in Feb 2004 I think I am a dual-status resident.
Should I deduct the Gc expenses as moving expenses? It is kind of weird, cause I was a student in States already when I got the Gc, but I had to travel to Romania and back to get the GC
Thanks a lot ,
Anamaria

Anamaria:

I believe you are a dual-status alien, which means you have to file Form 1040, with Form 1040NR attached as a statement. Refer to Chapter 6, IRS Pub 519 for details.

You can claim the expenses as itemized expenses associated with your job. Claiming the expenses as moving expenses is not a good idea because it appears that you did not change physical location in the United States.