Immigration Forum / USA Marriage Base / July 2005

Hi soldier,
First, thanks for being there; I wish you weren't :)
I'm sorry that it's taken you so long to figure out what to do. The
steps are not overly complicated, but they are time-consuming.

First, here's the official instructions.
http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/spouselive.htm

You must first file I-130 to establish that 1) you are a USC and 2) you
have the right relationship to the person you are petitioning with the
I-130. Depending on where you have to file this to, the wait 3-6 months
for this first step.
Once approved, you'll get a notice telling you so, and the Immigrant
Visa application for your wife begins. The wait in Mexico is a bit
backed up now, but that may ease in the coming months.

Do you have a JAG office available to you? They may be able to assist
you with the logistics of getting the documents you need to include with
your I-130, or tips on how you can most easily file you case.

There is so much more than can be put in one post.. I hope some of the
others will pipe up with more info for you.

I will recommend this: Most of the participants in this group now
read/post from here: http://britishexpats.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=-
1&f=35
as it is faster and picks up all posts better than any other news
server. The format is easier to follow as well, and you can search old
posts and have access to some other tools. You're welcome to join us, no
Brit connection necessary, despite the name of the site.

There is also some info for you at
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?pg=compare#
Pay particular attention to the K-3 visa, which MAY get your wife to the
US sooner, even if her case is unfinished.

If she has a past criminal record, illegal entry to the US or a raft of
other, equal type acts, that is what could keep her out of the US. It
may take time, but barring any crazy problems, it's really "just" a
matter of time.

Best luck to you, I hope we'll be able to shed *some* light on the topic
for you.
meauxna

Definitely check with JAG-after all US soldiers have been bringing
brides from other countries to the US for a long time.
Best of luck!
Hooah!

Hi:

I don't know if you will have access to JAG in a combat zone, but can
always ask.  You have to do an "I-130" to get the ball rolling -- and
perhaps, your status can get the case expedited.

At this time, CIS & DHS seem to be overcoming their institutional
hostility to the military applications.  [About 10 years back, the issue
of delay in 329 natrualizations came up in local liaison and INS opined
that "not that many cases were involved" -- the two lawyers who were
Vets raised our voices in protest -- I served my time in CONUS and never
got shot at, but JayDee had been a Navy Pharmacist's Mate who humped
with the Jarheads for two tours in Nam -- as far as we were concerned,
they had put their a.s on the line for all of us and we OWED them speed
in naturalizing].  Well, today, CIS does make an effort to take care of
military families.