Japanese Spouse and Leave

[Smokey12 0]

I am currently stationed abroad, but plan on getting married during PCS leave. I was told by my command that it would be too complicated to get married while on the MSG program, given my situation. Here goes:

1. I am stationed in South America, future spouse is in Okinawa.

2. To get married while on the MSG (Marine Security Guard) program, I would have to

a)take leave

b)fly to Okinawa, get married

c)fly back without her...since there is no lodging available and unnecessary South American country VISA for her since I can only get married up to 30 days prior to getting off the MSG program, hence I would be leaving within a week or two

3. Arrive back at South America, get orders modded

4. E-mail her a copy of orders, hope that she can get on base and get her HHG set up

5. PCS, best answer on her airfare is out-of-pocket and claim later

6. File petition at new duty station (Stateside)

That set-up got thrown out and I was told that it would be best to take Leave in conjunction with PCS, the entire 45 days, to have more breathing room than the maximum 15 days I would have gotten on the MSG program.

MY QUESTION...I know, finally...bear with me.

1. If I get married while on leave, can I still claim her travel as an expense since I have not checked in to my new duty station, and I would have gotten married before my "detachment date"?

2. I was told by the consulate here to have her get a VISA waiver IF SHE IS GOING TO BE ON ORDERS, and file a petition for immigrant status in the States...which have to be completed within 30 days of the marriage. True or False?

3. If I leave on PCS leave and go to Okinawa, can I get my orders modded at a base in Okinawa, and can I also process her in DEERS and get an ID card, or do I have to wait until I get to my Duty Station?

4. Even if I have her on my orders, wouldn't I need something other than a VISA waiver, such as a fiance VISA, something that says she's going to apply for immigrant status while she's there?

Basically, I am very confused on getting her into the States.

**EDIT** We are already aware of the Japanese laws and requirements, I just need help with the portion I wrote about.

Edited April 28, 2012 by Smokey12

[Darnell 8,478]

2, in yer last list, is wrong.

[Smokey12 0]

2, in yer last list, is wrong.

I figured that, she really did not seem too sure about it. She just handed me a paper and told me to tell her to apply for the $15 VISA Waiver. What should she do?

[Darnell 8,478]

there's a whole nother twist to this, a military expedite at USCIS, another at NVC.

I know you just joined VJ, but there's some topics here about it, as well.

I think the scheduling of leave is gonna get twisted with what needs to be done for immigration,

but in the same breath, having her on DEERS asap is an added bonus.

If I understand correctly, yer rotating out, back to the states, sometime soonish, yes? I think the plan to get her added to yer orders is useful, but is super useful when requesting that special military expedite.

Japan is a Visa Waiver Program country, so bear that in mind when yer thinking for her to come to USA for a visit.

Also, what's the big deal with her getting a tourist visa for the country where yer stationed now? Does she even need a tourist visa, since she's Japanese?

[Smokey12 0]

there's a whole nother twist to this, a military expedite at USCIS, another at NVC.

I know you just joined VJ, but there's some topics here about it, as well.

I think the scheduling of leave is gonna get twisted with what needs to be done for immigration,

but in the same breath, having her on DEERS asap is an added bonus.

If I understand correctly, yer rotating out, back to the states, sometime soonish, yes? I think the plan to get her added to yer orders is useful, but is super useful when requesting that special military expedite.

Japan is a Visa Waiver Program country, so bear that in mind when yer thinking for her to come to USA for a visit.

Also, what's the big deal with her getting a tourist visa for the country where yer stationed now? Does she even need a tourist visa, since she's Japanese?

submitting an early marriage on the program is generally for Marines who are getting out of the military after program and marrying a foreigner(cheaper route), or if the Marine is marrying a person in that specific country, anything else is usually advised to get married on PCS leave (no need for command approval). Meeting her in one country and having her chase you around the world is not recommended since it is 1) expensive and 2) distracts from duty (which is why we are not allowed to be married while on the program).

Is it a better route to get married in Japan, fly her over on a tourist VISA, and then apply for immigration in the States?

[Leatherneck 693]

Hey Leatherneck, your lady is a Japanese citizen, no tourist visa needed.

[Darnell 8,478]

grr- i keep missing the point where yer leaving the corps, my bad.

so concept of military expedite won't count..

[Smokey12 0]

grr- i keep missing the point where yer leaving the corps, my bad.

so concept of military expedite won't count..

I not leaving the corps, I'm just PCSing.

[AF-Wife 181]

you won't be able to enroll her in DEEERS there, except it would be already your current duty station at that time. she also has to be there with you to sign some things. she also has to be in the DOD system before you can get her on your orders.