how do I get my non citizen newlywed spouse into the country ?

2024-04-27T14:38:22-04:00

I married a Venezuelan citizen that is a resident of, and lives in Argentina. (we got married in Argentina) I hired an attorney here in the US for assistance in filling out the forms.
The attorney filled I-134a because of being a citizen of Venezuela. I was told it could take months or even a year.
Is there a way for veterans to get their spouse here in the US without such a long wait.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2024 9:08 PM

2024-04-27T21:08:37-04:00

Everything I am finding on the net is that you will want to take a trip back to Argentina and hit the US Embassy with your wife and apply for a Green Card. It's not a quick process....yea, it could take up to two years.

Response by SSG Dale London made Apr 28 at 2024 7:39 PM

2024-04-28T19:39:09-04:00

You may have shot yourself in the foot here. The normal process is to 1) get permission from your chain of command (which will include a whole host of its own hoops). 2) apply to the State Department/US Consulate nearest where your spouse is staying and apply for a visa for her. Both of these steps are supposed to occur BEFORE you marry.
Anyway, as you apply, be completely up front about everything and do what they tell you. And, yes, it can take a while.
One thing: If your CO is willing to go to bat for you on this, he can write a letter that will ease the process considerably. Have a chat with your Flight Sergeant or First Sergeant and get the ball rolling.
Bear in mind that they might not be too pleased that you married a foreign national without permission. Also, if your job requires you to have a security clearance, this may affect it. You might find your access is restricted or rescinded until your spouse passes a basic background check.
Good luck.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Apr 29 at 2024 3:35 PM

2024-04-29T15:35:22-04:00

If you have not already contacted them you should get in contact with American Citizen Services at the US Embassy in Venezuela. They will be able to provide assistance in country and provide that direct pipeline into the system. Before you do anything else speak to them and get next steps from them.

https://ve.usembassy.gov/

Homepage

The mission of the U.S. Embassy is to advance the interests of the United States, and to serve and protect U.S. citizens in Venezuela.

Response by CSM Thomas Ray made May 5 at 2024 5:57 PM

2024-05-05T17:57:04-04:00

Get a ticket to the Mexican border, it is wide open