Passport (OCONUS PCS) help for non-US citizen spouse.

2014-07-23T20:01:04-04:00

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.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2014 2:59 AM

2014-07-24T02:59:12-04:00

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

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 8:06 PM

2015-09-16T20:06:24-04:00

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.