PCS to Italy with conditional green card

[Susi&Charlie 9]

I moved to the US almost a year ago on a K-1, married my now husband, and finally received my conditional GC about 2 months ago. My husband is now starting Airborne School this coming Monday and said there is a chance he might get orders for Italy. We would both love to move to Italy, but I'm wondering what I need to do to make sure I don't lose my permanent resident status in the States. Has anyone been through this?

[teanet 20]

Since your husband is military and he will be stationed in Italy, it is considered as US soil so the time will count as if you would live in US.

[Susi&Charlie 9]

For sure? If that's true, then that would be great!

I was worried because I read that the base in Vicenza is not a US base, but rather an Italian installation where the Army has troops stationed.

[teanet 20]

Yes its for sure. Read here the military forum, there is lot of information about it. As long your husband had orders and you are on them, there shouldn't be issue. My husband said there are two bases in Italy, but they are US military installations

Edited May 17, 2014 by teanet

[Susi&Charlie 9]

Do you also happen to know if I would need an updated passport (name change) to PCS with my husband? I haven't changed my name with the German authorities yet, so I only have a German passport with my maiden name in it, but it's still good for another year or so. Essentially I'm just wondering if the Army would need to use my passport to prepare the necessary paperwork for me...because if not, then it shouldn't matter what last name my passport is under, right?

[teanet 20]

I dont know. I know your husband has to get command sponsorship to get you on orders. But if I remember correctly I had my marriage license and birth certificate and than quick passport I got right after wedding when I went to get military dependent ID card. I don't think it will be issue to fly In Germany. Your husband will have to ask in his unit about that. But since you re married for some time I guess you already have military dependent id which means you have command sponsorship and if it's duty station with dependents you ll be added to orders. Or what necessary paperwork do you mean?

[Susi&Charlie 9]

I don't know...I just figured there's probably be a bunch of paperwork that would need to be done.

I guess my question regarding the passport is more about the flight. I'm wondering if the Army will make the travel arrangements, in which case I'm assuming my ticket would be under my married name, or if I will be booking the flight myself.

[teanet 20]

Yes I forgot about the tickets. That's right they will book tickets on your married name, maybe your husband can ask them to do it on your maiden name but I am not sure. I see lot of Czechs talking about it and most of them has birth certificate and marriage certificate with them while traveling and they always explain at the airport.

[Susi&Charlie 9]

That's good to know! Thanks so much for your help!

[Scott and Mhay 57]

No issues with it. We are stationed at Aviano, which is an italian base also. The US military is sending you over and as long as you are command sponsored, you are considered to be on US soil. we did the removal of conditions here too. My wife will do naturalization while we are here also.