How do I go about marrying a German citizen when I am stationed stateside? How do I get her to the states with me?

2021-03-27T00:13:03-04:00

A little background about me. I’m in a long-distance relationship with my girlfriend now fiancé. She is still in Germany and I am at JBLM. I recently saw her on leave, and I popped the question and she said yes thank God. So to be honest I have no idea what to do to make the marriage legal. I have no clue on who to go to and what paperwork I need for me and her. Also how do I get her to the states with me? What’s that whole process like? I’m pretty clueless on how this process goes so anything helps. My main concern is getting her to the states so we can actually end the Long distance part. I don’t care about having a ceremony right now I just want to be legally married to her and have her living with me as fast as possible.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Mar 27 at 2021 12:16 AM

2021-03-27T00:16:24-04:00

Congrats. I’m sure you’ll get some help here but I’d also recommend checking both with personnel and your commands Chaplain.

Response by SGT Robert Wager made Mar 27 at 2021 1:28 AM

2021-03-27T01:28:23-04:00

Google K 1 Visa

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Mar 27 at 2021 1:59 AM

2021-03-27T01:59:54-04:00

[1] Where you married in Germany? If so, you are legally married. [2] Apply for a "Fiancé" visa. She can get get the information at the US Embassy in Frankfort. This is a joint effort; you will have to be her sponsor and agree to certain conditions. The Command Chaplain and a trip to Seattle will assist you [The consulate of Germany in Seattle is located at Mailing address only, 4701 S.W. Admiral Way #130 and can be contacted by telephone on [login to see] ]. Most important, does she have a Germany passport? If not, she needs to get it NOW. Once she arrives, the clock starts. You must marry her with a given time period--90-180 days. Another way is to have her to come to the States on a tourist visa and get married and file for her "green card" after the marriage. Now, this is the way it was 30 years ago. I don't believe it has changed much.

Response by MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2021 3:45 AM

2021-03-27T03:45:06-04:00

I was able to get my wife to the states on a fiancé visa in 2015. Started the process in July and she flew over in December. Married in Feb. The biggest issues I see right now are going to be for her. I live in Germany right now, so most of the agencies she will need to visit are closed or backed up. You can do the process yourself, which is what I did for her green card, but for the K1 I used RapidVisa. They made it easy for me. Especially being busy with the Army and stuff.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 28 at 2021 4:46 PM

2021-03-28T16:46:35-04:00

She can apply for a K-1 Visa (see State Department Web site, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/family-immigration/nonimmigrant-visa-for-a-fiance-k-1.html). You should also consult with your chain of command so they at least know what you're doing. They may be able to help you. Check with your security officer or NCO to make sure the marriage won't adversely impact your security clearance. Also you could talk with a Chaplain. Once she's legally in the US, you can marry as provided for in the state in which you get married. State web sites normally explain the process. No fancy ceremony is needed. A justice of the peace or similar official can do the marriage in many states. Once you are officially married, then get with your S-1 for assistance getting her recorded in DEERS leading to official dependent ID card. Update all the other personnel and financial stuff like SGLI beneficiary, etc.

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