Sorry...I just double checked my passport. I actually have 2 stamps in there...one is an A-3 visa, and the other is the SOFA stamp. You can get them at the exact same time(I guess that's why I just assumed it was the same thing) and it is able to be done at the Osan base airport when you arrive.

I have done it twice as I said...it's very very easy!!

It is free here to do also, no cost of sending docs to any embassies etc.

They will give you a visa/sofa stamp at the same time allowing you to stay here as long as you need to based on your husband's deros date.

Hope this helps out, and as I have said, I've done it twice already, so I do know what I am talking about.

The last time we did it, I didn't even have to go in to the office, my husband took my passport in with his orders along with that note signed by his commander(my husband typed up the note), so it wasn't really a bother to anyone.

If it was me, I would just do it when you get here.

I think some people are planners and some people are fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pantsers. Nice to know there are both options available.

Note the pros and cons of each and make your decision. Not all commanders are friendly to NCS family members, so beware of relying on a commander's letter for something as important as your visa. I tend to err on the side of caution, hence not wanting to ruffle any feathers by making more work for the commander than need be.

Kara

Just so you feel a little better about this.....here is a document I found online:



I bolded and highlighted the part pertaining to a NCS spouse.... just scroll down to question 5.



I'd really hate to see you go to more trouble than is necessary. And I know you probably have many other things to prepare beforehand:)



























Active duty military, DoD Civilians, Invited Contractors and their dependents receive a special status under the Status of Forces Agreement between the United States and the Republic of Korea. The agreement is what makes it possible to import duty free goods (without Korean taxes applied), purchase tax free goods from commissaries and exchanges, as well as protecting our rights under the U.S. Constitution, among other things.

The SOFA Stamp: civilians covered by the SOFA (including family members) must have their passport validated with a SOFA stamp. It is not automatic or part of the visa. It must be obtained within 30 days of arrival in Korea. All dependents regardless of sponsorship status are required to have a SOFA stamp. The ACS provides the transportation to Osan on the last Tuesday of each month. Make sure call ACS at 753-8401 at least four days prior to day of departure in order to reserve a spot.

Why the SOFA stamp is critical: If involved or implicated in a crime, the SOFA provides legal protection. In the event of an evacuation from Korea, the legal status held under the SOFA will help to expedite a safe and rapid departure.
Where to get the SOFA Stamp: The nearest ROK immigration office is located in the Air Mobility Command Terminal at Osan AB.
What to bring:
· Each family member’s ID card and passport
· A copy of sponsor’s ID and orders of assignment
· A “Verification of Assignment” or “Verification of Employment” letter from the sponsor’s unit or DoD employer/contractor
Our obligations: Broadly speaking, American citizens are obliged to abide by Korean laws and to ensure that our actions do not harm Korea’s economy, or environment. By staying away from illegal drugs and activities, many unwarranted situations can be avoided. Black marketing is another situation that should be avoided. Black marketing is the sale or transfer of goods obtained duty-free (for example, in the PX or Commissary) to local nationals. Black marketers will be dealt with severely, resulting in loss of post privileges and criminal prosecution. Do not consider this.
Q1: What kind of visa do I need?
A1: All foreign civilians must have a valid passport to enter the Republic of Korea (ROK). An A-3 visa is required for any stay over 30 days. This visa entitles travelers to stay in Korea for an extended period of time (normally up to 60 months), and to leave and enter Korea multiple times.
Q2: Who needs the A-3 Visa?
A2: Dependents staying in country longer than 30 days need to have the A-3 visa.

Q3: Isn’t it granted automatically?
A3: This visa is not granted automatically. Unless special arrangements were made before arrival in the ROK with the Korean Embassy in the United States, an A-3 visa must be issued.

Q4: Why doesn’t my spouse have one?
A4: Military members do not need a special visa for serving in Korea. They may travel in and out of the country with a valid passport, military ID card, and leave form.

Q5: How do I get an A-3 Visa?
A5: Command-sponsored dependents appear on their sponsor’s orders, which must be submitted when applying for an A-3 visa. This can and should be arranged through the Korean Embassy in the USA.

Noncommand-sponsored dependents receive a tourist visa upon arrival, which needs to be changed to an A-3 visa within 30 days. The A-3 visa is available at the AMC Terminal Immigration Office at Osan AB. Be sure to provide the following documents:
· Copy of sponsor’s ID and orders of assignment
· ID card and passports for each dependent
· Letter from sponsor’s commander, authorizing dependents to stay in Korea

The visa can be issued at the same time as the SOFA stamp.

Q6: What will happen if I don’t get an A-3 visa?
A6: People that overstay their visas are violating Korea’s immigration regulations. This will become apparent at the airport immigration counter. Problems that may be encountered rage from substantial delays as their passport is scrutinized (perhaps missing a flight) to large monetary fines. Don’t risk the inconvenience and expense of not having the proper papers.



Source:
http://area3.korea.army.mil/sofa.html

But just to play devil's advocate...

Wouldn't it be more trouble if the commander refused to sign the letter? Then where would you be?

I am VERY happy I got my visa BEFORE I entered the country. I am pretty sure that my husband's commander would have refused to sign the letter. It took 4 days total to get the visa. And that included a weekend! I sent it on Friday and had it on Tuesday.

The sample letter given to us by the immi at Osan actually says it can be signed by "commander, 1SG, or supervisor."

My husband typed up the letter, and got it signed very easily.

Again, your choice:0

This seems quite ridiculous! Let's get to the point here...you can have it done in the states or you can have it done here. YOUR choice...pros & cons to both. End of story!

__________________
Have a Blessed Day!

Michelle

I see your Army website source and raise you an Air Force website source...

FAMILY MEMBER PASSPORTS AND VISA: As a military member, you are not required to have a passport and visa in Korea. However, all family members, fiancees, or friends visiting Korea must have a valid passport and visa BEFORE entering Korea, although Korea does allow visitors without a visa to enter the country for less than 30 days. Visas should be obtained in Korean Consulates outside Korea. If a visitor stays past 30 days, he or she will fall under the jurisdiction of Korean Immigration. There is no guarantee Korean Immigration will permit residence beyond the original 30 days. People staying past 30 days without obtaining proper authorization from Korean Immigration are subject to fines and possible legal action. The process for obtaining a resident visa must be done in person at the Korean Immigration Office in Seoul. Personal Affairs has a map to this office, but cannot act as a liaison between the applicant and the immigration office. The Korean immigration office at Osan is located in bldg 661, phone 784-4042. WE CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH THE IMPORTANCE OF OBTAINING THE CORRECT VISA BEFORE ENTERING THE COUNTRY.

Source:
http://www.osan.af.mil/library/facts...et.asp?id=6995


I don't doubt that you got your A-3 visa at Osan twice before, but I'm not going to be convinced you were not adding some measure of risk of not getting it before arriving in Korea.

I'm guessing the ability to recieve an A-3 visa in country exists to handle extenuating circumstances, ie-getting sick while on a tourist visa and needing to stay longer before being able to travel. As it says above, the Korean Immigration folks can decide to deny residence beyond the 30 days.

Personnally, I wouldn't put my faith in a loophole and risk having to pay travel expenses to leave the country and return with the right visa when the visa is free and easy to obtain before the trip.

Besides, the Korean Government has a right to know in advance who is going to be residing for a year in their country. I doubt most Americans would be comfortable with idea of being presented with a similar fait accompli if the roles were reversed.

I like to plan ahead too, so I will probably make a weekend trip up to D.C. (from VA Beach) and get it done before I leave. I've also read in a couple of places that if you don't come in with your visa you have to prove that you have already scheduled your way out (like with a return ticket). I don't want to take any chances, and I also do not want to make more work for my husband and his colleagues immediately upon my NCS arrival. Once again, thanks for all the great info.

Christina