Military benefits for a Non-US spouse

Serving in the military is complex enough without having to navigate the US immigration laws as well. For service members stationed abroad, such as in Germany, Amsterdam, or the UK, marrying a non-U.S. citizen often will lead you to ask one immediate question: Do they get military benefits now, or do we have to wait for a Green Card?

Thankfully, your spouse will be eligible for significant military benefits before their green card is approved. In this article, we break down the specific benefits your spouse can receive during the green card process and what you need to do to secure them.

TRICARE and DEERS healthcare enrollment

One of the most common worries for US military personnel is whether or not their spouse will receive medical coverage before receiving their green card. Fortunately, USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration) allows anyone married to a person on active duty to be eligible for medical coverage under the DEERS and TRICARE system. 

This means that to receive medical benefits, your partner will need to be enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).

How it works: Once you and your partner are married, you can register your spouse in DEERS at your local ID office. 

What you’ll need: To register, you will need a certified copy of your marriage certificate,  a certified English translation if it is in your spouse’s native tongue, your spouse’s passport, and another form of photo ID

The benefit for your spouse: Once your spouse is in DEERS, they are now eligible for TRICARE Select Overseas, which is a Preferred Provider Organization plan, or TRICARE Prime Overseas (if they are command-sponsored). Equally, due to your active service, you won’t need to pay the annual enrollment fee. 

Command Sponsorship and Housing

For those stationed in Europe, Command Sponsorship is the official permission required to allow family members to accompany you on active service overseas, which triggers several financial and logistical benefits for your spouse.

Housing Allowance (OHA): Command sponsorship allows you to receive the with-dependents rate for Overseas Housing Allowance, which, as of 2026, is an increase of 4.2%.

Family Travel: If you are required to change stations under a PCS order, with command sponsorship, the government will pay for your spouse’s travel to your next duty station. 

Base Access

A Green Card is a residency document for the United States, but base access is governed by the Department of Defense and Status of Forces Agreements (SOFA).

While the green card process is pending, your spouse can receive a Uniformed Services ID Card. This grants them:

Commissary and Exchange Privileges: Access to tax-free shopping and U.S. goods.

MWR Programs: Use of base gyms, libraries, and recreational facilities.

SOFA status: In Europe, being a recognized dependent under the SOFA agreement often provides legal protections and prevents your spouse from being treated as a tourist by local authorities.

Direct Consular Filing (DCF)

One of the biggest advantages for military members in Europe is the potential for Direct Consular Filing. If you are on active duty and stationed in Europe, you may be able to file the I-130 petition directly at the U.S. Consulate, rather than sending it to a USCIS office in the US.

This can significantly reduce the wait time for a Green Card, sometimes reducing a year-long process to just a few months.

How Blue Lake Law can help you towards your spouse obtaining a green card

While the military provides the benefits to keep your family taken care of today, the Green Card is what secures your family’s future in the United States. If you file the wrong form or miss a deadline can result in your spouse being left behind in Europe when it’s time for you to return back to the US.

At Blue Lake Law, our team of military immigration specialists can help you navigate the direct consular filing and other relevant documents you need to obtain a green card for your spouse while stationed abroad. 

Contact our team today to ensure your spouse’s green card process is handled correctly and efficiently