What's the fastest you've heard of a visa being approved?

[Paparage 0]

7 yrs ago my wife came over from Japan to the states where I was stationed ( Air Force) on a fiancee visa and we were married. About 10 months later I was re-assigned back to Japan, where we've been since 2008. I'm retiring in August and my original plan was to stay in Japan, but due to unforeseen circumstances we need to move back to the states. We also have a son together, but he was born on base and has dual citizenship.

Does anyone know the quickest route to acquire a visa so I can bring her along with me when I leave in August?

I posted the above over on the spousal visa forum yesterday. For the life of me I just never thought about my wife's status for the past 6 yrs we've been back in Japan or that she would need a visa to come back home with me.

We have an appointment in 2 weeks at the consulate, where I'm hoping I can file a DCF and get approval within the next month and half before I have to leave. Does that sound possible or is just wishful thinking?

Thank you

[Caryh 5,206]

I've seen it done in 6 to 8 weeks at the Philippines embassy. How well that translates to Japan, I couldn't guess.

[HK12 273]

I am not an expert, but I found this thread:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/372717-dcf-in-japan-ended-when/

So I am not sure if there is still the option of DCF in Japan? Maybe someone else can chime in.

[Darnell 8,478]

i thought dcf in japan was dead?

however - is possible to chase after a military expedite - i suggest OP prep the I-130 now , nowish and read a bit in the miltary forum (this one) for what people did to get the I-130 expedited then the Visa Application expedited at NVC.

[teanet 20]

I am not sure retiring will be reason for expedite, they usually want to see pcs orders and I saw even few people denied expedite when they sent PCS orders. Your wife might have to wait some time in Japan before she gets her visa.

[Paparage 0]

Thanks everyone. I see now that the DCF is a no-go (which sucks). Hopefully I can get this pushed through fast.

[Paparage 0]

I looked on the U.S. embassy site in Tokyo. I think I might have found something to help me out and anyone else in a similar situation:

U.S. State Dept memo authorizing travel to the U.S. on an Expired Alien Registration Card (I-151 or I-551 “green card”) or Without an Immigrant Visa for a non-U.S. Citizen Spouse or Minor Child Who Was Previously Admitted to the U.S. as an Immigrant of a U.S. Military Servicemember or of a Direct Hire U.S. Government Civilian Employee Who Has Been Overseas on U.S. Government Orders.

[Darnell 8,478]

that might be your in -

so when you chase that -

the end result is a one-time travel document for your wife,

and if she gets it -

she'll have to file for another greencard in the USA.

Others might call it a loophole - but if it's available to you - I say run with it. Fast.