International Marriages in Korea USFK Reg 600240

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International Marriages in KoreaUSFK Reg
600-240
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PURPOSE

• to ensure that Service members who wish to marry
  non-US citizens are fully informed of the
  procedures for a valid marriage,
• (2) that these spouses are eligible for
  immigration, and
• (3) that the marriages by US Service members to
  non-US citizens are legitimate.

Applicability USFK Reg 600-240 applies to all
Service members marrying non-U.S. citizens in the
Republic of Korea.
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Why this is important to you

• -- May impact your security clearance
• -- Immigration issues make it harder
• to evacuate dependents in the event of combat
• -- Once you PCS from Korea, any dependents
• left behind lose ration cards and other benefits
• associated with SOFA status.
• -- Failure to comply with this regulation
  subjects you to UCMJ action

TOP SECRET
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International Marriage Steps
48 hour minimum waiting period
STEP 1 Service member informs chain of command
STEP 2 First counseling with battalion /
squadron or equivalent level Cdr (with potential
spouse)
STEP 3 Second counseling with battalion /
squadron or equivalent level Cdr (without
potential spouse)
STEP 4 Service member notifies security
officer All potential spouses obtain
background check
STEP 5 Pre-marriage counseling with a Chaplain
STEP 6 Pre-marriage counseling with a Legal
Officer
STEP 7 Medical examinations (for both Service
member potential spouse)
STEP 8 Submit packet to battalion / squadron or
equivalent level Cdr for review
STEP 9 Battalion / squadron or equivalent
level Cdr review (to include legal medical
sufficiency reviews)
After the marriage ceremony
STEP 10 Verification officer final review and
verification
STEP 11 Service member submits relative
immigrant petition with the Department of
Homeland Security
STEP 12 After petition is approved, Service
member submits immigrant visa application with
Department of State
Remember to keep your chain of command informed
on the status of the petition and visa application
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• Practical Tips
• - Inform your Chain of Command before you do
  ANYTHING! Keep them informed every step of the
  way.
• - Start intended spouses background check EARLY!
  Need police checks from home country and Korea if
  in-country more than 6 months.
• - CALL YOUR LEGAL OFFICE WITH QUESTIONS!!

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• For information see
• USFK Reg. 600-240
• (USFK website)
• U.S. Embassy, Seoul
• Local legal office