CR1 application/DEERS

[nuggetjp05 0]

I recently married a Canadian citizen and we are beginning the CR1 process, hopefully submitting next week. Being active duty military, I enrolled her in DEERS and TRICARE Prime. I was told she has 9 months to get a SSN (with having to renew her ID every 90 days) or she will be reverted to TRICARE Standard, unless a letter from the SSA is provided denying her a social security card.

My question is, can she apply (and obivously get denied) a SSN just to keep her enrolled in tricare prime? I'm worried the visa process won't be completed in 9months. Will this affect her application at all?

Also, the marriage license (married in New York) has her residence in the states and not canada. She has documentation (apartment lease, class schedule) showing she still lives in canada, will this be an issue we need to look out for? Thanks.

[LBeachey 45]

My question is, can she apply (and obivously get denied) a SSN just to keep her enrolled in tricare prime? I'm worried the visa process won't be completed in 9months. Will this affect her application at all?

You are correct this process will likely take more then 9 months though I have seen expedites for service members. I think most military bases have JAG officers who will help you with immigration issues. They have likely seen this issue before and can provide guidance.

Also, the marriage license (married in New York) has her residence in the states and not canada. She has documentation (apartment lease, class schedule) showing she still lives in canada, will this be an issue we need to look out for? Thanks.

It likely would have been better to list her residence in Canada but this is just a small hiccup. When the time comes you may need to acknowledge it as an error. I think the key will be to be able to prove she never overstayed in the US. I don't think you will want to characterize it as a temporary residence. I am not sure how well the US govt documents her border crossings but even things like credit card receipts showing presence in Canada might help.

[Ryan H 3,818]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to Military Immigration-Related Discussion.