Posted on Jul 23, 2014
Passport (OCONUS PCS) help for non-US citizen spouse.
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Hello RP.
I am finally PCSing and need help figuring out how my wife's passport process will go. My girls and I will be getting the standard no-fee passports, but because my wife isn't a US citizen she will not (it seems). She is going to renew her passport and I heard about a SOFA stamp, but do not have clear information on it.
Has anyone else PCSed OCONUS with a Non-US citizen spouse?
Please advise.
I am finally PCSing and need help figuring out how my wife's passport process will go. My girls and I will be getting the standard no-fee passports, but because my wife isn't a US citizen she will not (it seems). She is going to renew her passport and I heard about a SOFA stamp, but do not have clear information on it.
Has anyone else PCSed OCONUS with a Non-US citizen spouse?
Please advise.
PCS
Overseas
Ramstein AB
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 2
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Non-U.S. citizen dependents must have a valid passport from the country of citizenship and a SOFA stamp. For official travel, DoD Directive requires you and your dependents to have a no-fee passport and a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) stamp in these passports. I assume your wife has a USA visa(green card) and you're command sponsored? It is possible to apply for SOFA stamp and get approved without getting a permanent residence card.
Have you obtained and completed Form DD 1278, Certificate of Overseas Assignment to Support Application to File for Petition for Naturalization from your command.
The link should help you with some of your questions.
https://passportmatters.hqda.pentagon.mil/Requirements/Visa_Requirements.aspx?country_name=Germany
Also included the site for the German Consulates:
http://www.germany.info/relaunch/info/missions/consulates.html
Factsheet for traveling to Germany:
http://www.ramstein.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet_print.asp?fsID=5034&page=1
Have you obtained and completed Form DD 1278, Certificate of Overseas Assignment to Support Application to File for Petition for Naturalization from your command.
The link should help you with some of your questions.
https://passportmatters.hqda.pentagon.mil/Requirements/Visa_Requirements.aspx?country_name=Germany
Also included the site for the German Consulates:
http://www.germany.info/relaunch/info/missions/consulates.html
Factsheet for traveling to Germany:
http://www.ramstein.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet_print.asp?fsID=5034&page=1
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SPC Maria Theresa
Can the wife join the PCS without getting a Visa first?
We are going to Korea for my husband's PCS. I know that an A3 Visa and SOFA Stamp can be applied once a US Citizen is already in Korea. And, That they have to do it within 90 days. But, how about the Non-Citizen Dependent? Does she have to get the A3 Visa before going to Korea or can she do it together with her spouse following the 90 days window?
We are going to Korea for my husband's PCS. I know that an A3 Visa and SOFA Stamp can be applied once a US Citizen is already in Korea. And, That they have to do it within 90 days. But, how about the Non-Citizen Dependent? Does she have to get the A3 Visa before going to Korea or can she do it together with her spouse following the 90 days window?
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Hi, Im about to PCS in Japan. I have my mother as my dependent, but she is not a U.S. citizen. She is a green card holder. I have an accompanied orders to Japan and she will be sponsored by my gaining command. Will she be able to return to the U.S.? Even if she will be living with me in Japan for 3yrs.
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MSgt (Join to see)
PO2 (Join to see) Yes, My wife is currently in CA, visiting family, while I am still in Europe. As long as her paperwork is in order there should be no issue. Check with your local Chain of Command for other regs regarding dependent travel. USAFE and PACAF won't be the same. If she travels Space-A she will need a command sponsor letter in addition to her Green Card and Passport.
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PO2 (Join to see)
Yes, that is for Spouse. Mine is a little different because my mother is my dependent. I've been getting mixed answers. Some said that only applies to military Spouses and that I need to get a re-entry permit. Some said that she'll be able to return. Just confused. I need someone who had the same experience.
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TSgt (Join to see)
Hello! I am curious how did it go with your mom. I have the same issue and I am not sure wether to apply for the re-entry permit. Did you find out if your mom can stay without going back to states?~763336:PO2 (Join to see)]
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