SOFA for non US citizen spouse and kids

[Jingles 1]

Hi , 

I am a US citizen, DoD contractor woring for the US army here in Germany. My wife and kids are non US citizens and hold Ghanaian passports, non green card holders, however thay are on my orders and been cleared for SOFA status. In order to get sofa the Sofa Card, an I-130 approval is required. Any advise on how to go about this? 

[Clock Ticking 1]

On 2/13/2022 at 7:21 PM, Jingles said:

Hi , 

I am a US citizen, DoD contractor woring for the US army here in Germany. My wife and kids are non US citizens and hold Ghanaian passports, non green card holders, however thay are on my orders and been cleared for SOFA status. In order to get sofa the Sofa Card, an I-130 approval is required. Any advise on how to go about this? 

Without checking the Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG) you will probably have to sponsor them through USCIS.  There are certain countries authorized to travel to Germany without having the approved I-130.  I assume Ghana is not on that list if you are making this post.  I believe that if you used the Consular Process (https://de.usembassy.gov/military-families/) your family would have to be in Germany to actually attend the interview.  When you file the I-130 though USCIS you will choose the location you want them to do interview.  From what I've seen, they will do their interview at the nearest embassy and then be given a visa to enter the States.  I'm currently OCONUS also and I have a friend who's wife just got hers and it is good for 60 days I believe.  Luckily it coincided with his PCS back CONUS so it wasn't a huge deal.  They will then need to enter the States and will be processed for Green Cards.  I think the Green Cards are sent to a state-side address though...

 

Good Luck, I hope this helps a little.

[Truth_Seeker 14]

Just did this for my wife who is Thai.

 

You need to email the Frankfurt Consulate at FrnUSCISInquiries@state.gov . 

 

When I did, I explained that I was here on SOFA and what I wanted to do, in that I needed an approved I-130 for my wife before I could bring her to Germany, and that I wanted to process her for a Green Card, and that she would go for her interview here in Frankfurt.  And I gave them evidence of all the facts that I stated.

 

The responded within a few days and gave me instructions on how to submit my I-130.  I submitted my I-130 and got an approval in 8 days.  Now I am going to the SOFA office to get my wife her SOFA card.  When she arrives in Germany, we will submit the DS260.

 

This is not difficult to do.  Just pay attention to their instructions and you will be ok.  

[George99 12]

1 hour ago, Truth_Seeker said:

Just did this for my wife who is Thai.

 

You need to email the Frankfurt Consulate at FrnUSCISInquiries@state.gov . 

 

When I did, I explained that I was here on SOFA and what I wanted to do, in that I needed an approved I-130 for my wife before I could bring her to Germany, and that I wanted to process her for a Green Card, and that she would go for her interview here in Frankfurt.  And I gave them evidence of all the facts that I stated.

 

The responded within a few days and gave me instructions on how to submit my I-130.  I submitted my I-130 and got an approval in 8 days.  Now I am going to the SOFA office to get my wife her SOFA card.  When she arrives in Germany, we will submit the DS260.

 

This is not difficult to do.  Just pay attention to their instructions and you will be ok.  

Interesting this is needed in Germany. I am SOFA status in Japan and my Thai wife was able to get full SOFA status without first filing the i-130, but did need an ITIN tax ID number. We have since filed consular processing with USCIS and waiting for approval for her i-130 to go to NVC stage, but it was not required for anything in Japan for SOFA status.

[Truth_Seeker 14]

Thai's can travel to Japan without getting a VISA before hand.  However for a Thai to travel to Germany is pretty difficult.  So with SOFA, I think as a general rule, if your dependent can't travel to the country where you have SOFA status, she more than likely will need to get a I-130 approval before they will issue a SOFA card.

 

[highimryan 0]

On 3/16/2022 at 11:42 PM, Truth_Seeker said:

Just did this for my wife who is Thai.

 

You need to email the Frankfurt Consulate at FrnUSCISInquiries@state.gov . 

 

When I did, I explained that I was here on SOFA and what I wanted to do, in that I needed an approved I-130 for my wife before I could bring her to Germany, and that I wanted to process her for a Green Card, and that she would go for her interview here in Frankfurt.  And I gave them evidence of all the facts that I stated.

 

The responded within a few days and gave me instructions on how to submit my I-130.  I submitted my I-130 and got an approval in 8 days.  Now I am going to the SOFA office to get my wife her SOFA card.  When she arrives in Germany, we will submit the DS260.

 

This is not difficult to do.  Just pay attention to their instructions and you will be ok.  

Hello!
Just wondering what the process was? I am currently in UK and filed our I-130 here but am being relocated to Ramstein in two weeks. My wife is from the Philippines and theres a SOFA Visa Checklist for restricted countries such as thailand and philippines. Our I-130 was approved through the consulate and they sent me a letter. Is that all she needs is an approved I-130? Does she require access to USA already such as non-immigrant or immigrant visa or green card?? I planned to do what you did and just have the case transferred to Frankfurt and have her do her DS-260 and Medical/Interview there. Also, did you get her a SOFA Card or did you have to mail/walk her passport in with documents to get stamped? Sorry for the questions lol ive just been digging for answers haha.

Thanks!

Ryan

Edited August 16, 2023 by highimryan

[Jingles 1]

Hi Ryan,

 

Its good to transfare the I 130 case to Frankfurt since you're relocating to Ramstein. You can process you SOFA on Base when you get to Ramstien. Just make sure you have all the necessary docs i.e marriage cert, your wife's passport, I 130 approval, your orders ( your wife should be on your orders ) . Best of luck!

[highimryan 0]

23 minutes ago, Jingles said:

Hi Ryan,

 

Its good to transfare the I 130 case to Frankfurt since you're relocating to Ramstein. You can process you SOFA on Base when you get to Ramstien. Just make sure you have all the necessary docs i.e marriage cert, your wife's passport, I 130 approval, your orders ( your wife should be on your orders ) . Best of luck!

Thanks! I sent you a more detailed message with a few other questions if thats alright!

[Ontarkie 13,902]

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