How to bring my Korean fiance back with me once I PCS?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 May 2018 18:33:54 -0400

I met a lovely Korean nurse shortly after arriving to Korea and we have been together for a while. I have 4 months before I PCS and she wants to follow me. Please reserve personal judgement on my relationship. I just want to know how she can come with me. I don't have enough time to do the legal paperwork here to get married so that's not an option. Thank you

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made May 10 at 2018 7:12 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Thu, 10 May 2018 19:12:37 -0400

As requested, I will hold back on voicing personal opinions.
I would look into how to go about getting her some form of visa. If she is really a nurse, education/certification and everything good to go, she would probably be a shoe-in for a work visa to the states. From there y'all can figure everything else out.

Response by SFC Steven Borders made May 10 at 2018 7:20 PM

SFC Steven Borders — Thu, 10 May 2018 19:20:24 -0400

Like PO3 Christian Tomasitis stated. Talk to legal, they would be the ones to help you. I am sure they will point you in the direction of a Work Visa like SGT Joseph Gunderson stated as well. Best of luck to you and your fiance.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2018 7:22 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 May 2018 19:22:14 -0400

You will need to apply for a fiance visa and you need to do it pretty quickly as it will take some time. You will likely have to have an in-person interview at the Consulate in Seoul and getting that appointment can take some time as well.

Good Luck and I hope it works out for you both.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 11 at 2018 3:16 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Fri, 11 May 2018 03:16:57 -0400

You know, I realize this might perhaps sound trite or clichéd, and I'm obv not !meaning it to, certainly, however, have you asked any of the chaplains on your installation for any thoughts as well? Just an idea, of course...I just thought they might've handled such things before, that's the only reason I suggest the idea, honest. ..

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 11 at 2018 11:35 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Fri, 11 May 2018 11:35:12 -0400

1. You can't. 2. Why can't she apply for a visa herself? Even if it was just for 6months. Then you could approach marriage, extended her Visa, and get her naturalized.

Response by SSG Eddye Royal made May 11 at 2018 7:59 PM

SSG Eddye Royal — Fri, 11 May 2018 19:59:37 -0400

You need to go through your COC, and talk to JAG. Back in the day soldiers used to get married then they got divorced only to find out it was a shame, and the soldier got in trouble. I am not saying it will happen in your case, CYA, thats all, its been awhile, and need need to put paper work in and find out the culture differences if wedding issues will have a problem.

Response by SGT Frank Pritchett made Sep 6 at 2018 4:06 PM

SGT Frank Pritchett — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 16:06:52 -0400

Getting her legalised is a long hard road but can be worth it. there is what is called a "Fiance Visa" and since your in the Military you have preference. My wife is from the Philippines and it took us two years from start to finish; just be patient and don't rush progress. Stay on top of the paperwork and talk to the U.S. Consulate as soon as you can. Good Luck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2021 7:15 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 19:15:01 -0500

Congratulations on the engagement. I'm married to a foreign national as well, and if I remember correctly I went to S1 first, they gave me the run down of paperwork etc. Hope that helps. It was 18 years ago, so things may have changed. But get on the ball because you will have to be interviewed at the U.S. Consulate in Korea. And best to do that before you leave so you dont have to fly back. Best of luck.