use it or lose it?

[shimo 0]

Hello,

I'm a US citizen, living in Japan, married to a Japanese. I want to get her a visa just so we have options. I have read that if I do a DCF, once we are approved, the visa expires. As in, we have to go to the US and apply for some other things there. This isn't a huge problem, but I haven't seen lots of information about it.

What I would like to do is just have all the paperwork doen here in Japan, so she has a functional visa if and when we need it. Is this a route that can be taken? I really appreciate any advice, and thank you in advance.

- dave

[LBeachey 45]

Once issued, the visa is good for six months. Is your intent to move back to the States? If the answer is yes, this is the right process. If no, your wife should have little problem visiting. I believe she should be able to enter the US on the VWP.

[Penguin_ie 5,996]

Previous answer is correct; there is no "just in case" visa; they all expire after 6 months. And you don't just need to go to the USA for some paperwork- to keep up her greencard, she would need to spend more time inside the USA than outside.

[shimo 0]

Once issued, the visa is good for six months. Is your intent to move back to the States? If the answer is yes, this is the right process. If no, your wife should have little problem visiting. I believe she should be able to enter the US on the VWP.

thank you very much!

Previous answer is correct; there is no "just in case" visa; they all expire after 6 months. And you don't just need to go to the USA for some paperwork- to keep up her greencard, she would need to spend more time inside the USA than outside.

thank you also!