Hubby is deploying just before case complete at NVC

[GnC2010 2]

After being apart for 16 months already, we found out today that hubby is deploying to Iraq in the next 90 days. I believe we are close to being case complete at NVC. If we are lucky I might be able to get an interview at Montreal expedited with his deployment orders, but that would just get me to the States in time to say goodbye, if we're lucky. Then what? If I can't be with him I might as well stay here where at least I have a job and family and friends. But then we would have wasted all of this time and money to get the visa in the first place. Argh. The whole Life Isn't Fair lesson continues to rear its ugly head. Sorry, had to vent somewhere and Facebook isn't an option yet. Thanks for listening.

[Scott and Mhay 57]

you can try and expedite it. You could be done in about a month if all is approved. I suppose your husband will deploy for 180+ days? It is important that you get to see him before he leaves. good luck

[tbaygrrl 2]

Good news for you,

USCIS has an immigration hotline specifically for the military. This includes the service of expediting applications. Have your fiance call the hotline. He will need to have his mobilization orders and a few other things that they will let him know of when he phones. Just have him call ASAP and know that they do look at it as a case by case thing, so nothing is gaurenteed, but it's a very good possiblitiy that they may help you. He can also see the USCIS liason at his post, and they can be a guide through this.

But here is the # 1-877-CIS-4MIL

Also check out this link

http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/faqmilitaryandfamiliesupdate.pdf

Best of luck

[GnC2010 2]

Scott and Mhay- yes we expect him to be deployed for over 6 months, closer to 12. So, getting the visa and not using would it bad since it would expire in 6 months.

tbaygirl- Thank you for the info, however we are past USCIS and therefore I doubt their hotline is of much use to us anymore.

My next question is, once I get the visa I know I have to use it within 6 months, but what are the rules around leaving the US to visit Canada while hubby is deployed?

[GnC2010 2]

tbaygirl- I may have spoken too soon. I just spoke with an operator with NVC and he informs me they are already expediting our case (must be some legwork a congressman did on our behalf!) Anyways the operator also told me to contact USCIS for info regarding traveling outside the US once I get my visa. So, military hotline here I come! Thanks again,

~c

[msd 3]

I just got here on october 22 and my husband is deploying next week. I feel with you. If you need a shoulder to cry on or just vent, feel free to message me.

I don't have a job or any real friends here yet. It's scary and a bit depressing. But as an army spouse you have to get used to that to a certain extent. There are nice people everywhere though and the FRG I'm sure would make a great effort to help out if you need anything.

[tbaygrrl 2]

Glad to hear that I could help. I am too a military spouse and my hubby is deployed right now. So if you ever need advice or to vent you can e-mail me. FRG's are hit or miss for helping spouses out, but a great site is Military OneSource. They have free material that is a great help, espcially as it sounds like this is the first deployment you will have to deal with.

All the best wrapping up your visa process and to make you feel better, deployments are not that bad, just stay busy, don't watch too much news and use that time to settle in to your new home and explore explore explore.

[GnC2010 2]

msd and tbaygrrl- wow we must all keep in touch! Thank you both for the lovely words of support and encouragement. Yes, this is the first deployment, but we have already been living apart for 16 months during the immigration process etc, so we have lots of coping skills for that at least. But now it will be different living away from my hometown and starting anew looking for work etc. Oh well, I am trying to see it as a new adventure... I just realllllly wish I had a deployment date and some idea when my visa might come through so we could make some decisions and plans!