Leaving Japan (Possibly)

[oillamp 0]

Hello all,

 

Currently stationed in Japan, recently got married and up for orders to my next duty station which could be the states, if so what are the steps to make sure my wife could accompany me in the states? (sorry if this seems like im asking for a walk through or something but was confused by all the stuff i read.)  Thank you!

[geowrian 22,337]

Just follow the guides:

http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide1

Note that it's slightly outdated. No G-325As are needed, but an I-130A is needed. The I-130 instructions has a checklist at the bottom as well.

 

ETA: ~12-14 months from filing to visa in hand.

[Roel 7,192]

http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide1

 

Better start now, process takes about a year.

I don't believe you can count on the military expedite in this case, I think they only grand that if you'd be deploying. But you might give a military hotline a call and ask. https://www.uscis.gov/military/military-help-line

[YsabelEric 5]

If you havent already, check out what resources are on base at your duty station. There is probably someone familiar with the process for active duty members

[Shauneg 762]

We had a guy here (my duty station) recently that got his wife paroled into the state's. His orders came down pretty fast and didn't have the time to do the normal process and instead of expedition they paroled her. They're doing their green card paperwork here. I believe her parole is good for a year. Call the hotline and check your options.....

[f f 725]

I'm pretty sure military expedite would come into play here since you were stationed there and are now going to be stationed in the states. also check if Japan has direct counselor filing since that would be only a few month wait time for her to go to the us.

 

also being a Japanese citizen she would be free to visit with vwp and just return to Japan to finish the paperwork.

 

good luck