--- title: Can a Military Family Move Overseas Without Command Sponsorship? description: Can military dependents move overseas with the service member without command sponsorship? Let’s break it down.  image: https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/All_images/PCS-Moving/ITI%20Can%20a%20Military%20Family%20Move%20Overseas%20Without%20Command%20Sponsorship%3F%201.jpg --- [![MilitaryByOwner](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/MilitaryByOwner_February2020/Images/logo_header.png)](https://www.militarybyowner.com/) Member Login - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [Company History](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/company-history/) - [Why Choose Us?](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about/why-choose-us/) - [Testimonials](https://www.militarybyowner.com/testimonials/) - [Advertise](https://www.militarybyowner.com/advertise/) - [Blog](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Ebooks](https://www.militarybyowner.com/ebooks/) - [Home Buying](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-buying-resources/) - [Home Decorating/Maintenance Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-decorating-and-maintenance-resources/) - [Home Financing](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-financing-resources/) - [Home Selling](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-selling-resources/) - [Military Life](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/military-life-resources/) - [PCS/Relocation Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/relocatingmoving-resources/) - [Property Management](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/property-management-resources/) - [Renting](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/renting-resources/) - [Website Help and Videos](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/website-help-and-videos/) - [Useful Links](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/helpful-resource-links/) - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [Company History](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/company-history/) - [Why Choose Us?](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about/why-choose-us/) - [Testimonials](https://www.militarybyowner.com/testimonials/) - [Advertise](https://www.militarybyowner.com/advertise/) - [Blog](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Ebooks](https://www.militarybyowner.com/ebooks/) - [Home Buying](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-buying-resources/) - [Home Decorating/Maintenance Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-decorating-and-maintenance-resources/) - [Home Financing](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-financing-resources/) - [Home Selling](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-selling-resources/) - [Military Life](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/military-life-resources/) - [PCS/Relocation Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/relocatingmoving-resources/) - [Property Management](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/property-management-resources/) - [Renting](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/renting-resources/) - [Website Help and Videos](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/website-help-and-videos/) - [Useful Links](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/helpful-resource-links/) # Can a Military Family Move Overseas Without Command Sponsorship? ![Jen McDonald](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/Blog%20Authors/Jen%20square%20profile.png) ## [Jen McDonald](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/author/jen-mcdonald) May 10, 2025 - [**](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/can-a-military-family-move-overseas-without-command-sponsorship) - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/cws/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/can-a-military-family-move-overseas-without-command-sponsorship) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/can-a-military-family-move-overseas-without-command-sponsorship) - [**](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/can-a-military-family-move-overseas-without-command-sponsorship) [PCS Moves](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/topic/pcs-moves) ## Can a Military Family Move Overseas Without Command Sponsorship? Living and traveling overseas is on many military family's bucket lists, and military service can give you the opportunity to experience life all around the globe. But when it comes to an [overseas PCS move](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/planning-your-overseas-pcs/), command sponsorship is an important first step if you want to bring your dependents with you. Can a spouse or family member still move overseas with the active duty member *without* command sponsorship? Let’s break it down.  *Note: this is only an overview of information. Always discuss your specific situation with your chain of command.* ![Woman in hat and sunglasses with backpack on city street smiling and text, Moving Overseas without Command Sponsorship](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Social_Media_Images/Pinterest%20Images/Pinterest%20optimized%20images/Moving%20Overseas%20without%20Command%20Sponsorship.jpg?width=600&height=900&name=Moving%20Overseas%20without%20Command%20Sponsorship.jpg) ## What is command sponsorship? Command sponsorship is the permission from the military that service members need for their dependents to accompany them on an [overseas assignment](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/12-lessons-i-learned-from-living-overseas). This designation provides military dependents their full military benefits while living overseas, including access to the installation, family support resources, medical care, legal protection, and so on, and the military member will be entitled to larger cost of living and housing allowances. There are several reasons command sponsorship may be denied, including the location of the duty station, the length of the assignment, and unavailable family support resources at the duty station. These are considered unaccompanied tours. If you're a military member and your orders do not include command sponsorship, your recourse is to make a request through your chain of command.  ## Why would a military family member move with their service member if command sponsorship is denied?  Reasons vary, but some scenarios include not being married but wanting to move with your partner or desiring the experience of living in a location like [Guam](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/take-a-quick-island-tour-before-your-pcs-to-guam), [Japan](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/must-know-tips-for-a-military-move-to-japan), or Korea when the service member is on unaccompanied orders.  ### From [Military OneSource](https://www.militaryonesource.mil/moving-housing/oconus-moves/logistics-and-family/obtaining-command-sponsorship-before-an-overseas-tour/): > "If command sponsorship is denied, you will receive 'unaccompanied orders.' Your family members may still be able to move to your PCS host country, but be aware that you will be responsible for all transportation, moving, and living expenses associated with their move. In addition, your family members' installation medical services will be limited, and cost of living adjustments will not be available for them." Wondering about the true costs involved with making a move without command sponsorship? Here’s an example of specific [benefits offered on a command vs. non-command sponsored tour](https://www.osan.af.mil/Portals/72/51%20FSS%20Osan%20CSP%20vs%20NCS%20Benefits%20Matrix%202022%20FINAL-May%202022.pdf) in Korea. ## Can you request command sponsorship?  Here’s some helpful information compiled by [Mission: Milspouse](https://missionmilspouse.org/command-sponsorship/). "The following requirements are necessary for a family member to become command sponsored: - The sponsor must be serving a 36-month tour. This requirement* cannot* be waived. - The sponsor must have 12 months remaining on tour. - The family member must meet criteria to qualify as a dependent as indicated in [Appendix A, Volume 1, Joint Federal Travel Regulation](https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/Docs/perdiem/JTR.pdf). - The family member must be screened through the Exceptional Family Member Program and cleared to reside in the service member’s community of assignment. Requests for command sponsorship will be forwarded to the Family Travel Branch only when: - an exception to policy is required or - when there are Exceptional Family Members." It’s important to note that command sponsorship is never guaranteed and may be denied for the reasons already discussed. For more details about command sponsorship, visit Military OneSource (see below).  *![Family of four sitting on beige couch looking at computer. ](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hs-fs/hubfs/All_images/PCS-Moving/ITI%20Can%20a%20Military%20Family%20Move%20Overseas%20Without%20Command%20Sponsorship%3F%202.jpg?width=900&height=600&name=ITI%20Can%20a%20Military%20Family%20Move%20Overseas%20Without%20Command%20Sponsorship%3F%202.jpg)Photo by Carolin Voelker from corelens via Canva.com* ## Challenges of Moving Without Command Sponsorship ### Expenses You’ll be on the hook for all your travel and moving expenses, and the family will not receive cost-of-living adjustments. ### Health Care If you decide to move without command sponsorship, one huge caution would be regarding medical care. If you’ve been denied command sponsorship due to being enrolled in EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program) and there's a lack of medical facilities or sub-par care, you could find yourself in a complicated and expensive situation if medical issues arise. Access to military medical services will be limited and you may not have TRICARE Prime status. ### Travel and Residency Issues You won't be entitled to the government’s no-fee passport issued to family members moving on orders. You can, of course, get a passport at your own expense, but keep in mind that you may also need a visa and may not even be able to enter some countries without it. Depending on the host country’s regulations, you may be considered a tourist and will have limits on how long you can stay in the country.  > "Your family members will not automatically receive permission to live in your PCS host country. Research visa and residency requirements. Explore the [Status of Forces Agreement, or SOFA](https://www.state.gov/policy-issues/status-of-forces-agreement/), associated with the country where you will be living to ensure your family members can legally remain with you." - [Military OneSource](https://www.militaryonesource.mil/benefits/obtaining-command-sponsorship-before-oconus-move/) ### Schooling Concerns School-aged children who are not command-sponsored are eligible to attend a DoDEA school only if space is available. Enrollment in future school years is not guaranteed and always subject to space availability. ([DODEA Pacific](https://torii.armymwr.com/application/files/8415/8278/9955/EligibilitySpaceACommBrochure2020_V3_final.pdf)) If you’re considering making a move without command sponsorship, education is key as you make the decision. This is just a starting point. Get even more information at Military OneSource: [Moving and Family Logistics for OCONUS Moves.](https://www.militaryonesource.mil/moving-housing/oconus-moves/logistics-and-family/obtaining-command-sponsorship-before-an-overseas-tour/) [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/131168/bcf856b4-cb1b-4736-9b66-9f0ff4fd1d02.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/131168/bcf856b4-cb1b-4736-9b66-9f0ff4fd1d02) #### SHARE THIS ARTICLE - [**](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/can-a-military-family-move-overseas-without-command-sponsorship) - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/cws/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/can-a-military-family-move-overseas-without-command-sponsorship) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/can-a-military-family-move-overseas-without-command-sponsorship) ![Jen McDonald](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/Blog%20Authors/Jen%20square%20profile.png) #### Author ## [Jen McDonald](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/author/jen-mcdonald) Jen McDonald is the Content Editor for MilitaryByOwner Advertising, where she manages the team of in-house and guest writers and creates resources that help military families navigate PCS moves, homeownership, renting, and military life. Originally trained as a registered nurse, she transitioned into publishing in 2008 and joined MilitaryByOwner in 2014. She also holds professional editing and marketing certifications, including credentials from the Poynter Institute, ACES (American Copy Editors Society), and HubSpot. As an Air Force spouse for over 30 years, Jen has spent much of her adult life moving between duty stations, managing deployments, and raising four children around the globe. She draws on those experiences to encourage and inform military families through her writing and speaking. Jen is the award-winning author of *You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse* and *Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories*. She also produced and hosted the Milspouse Matters podcast for five years, sharing stories and resources with military spouses worldwide. Her writing has earned numerous honors, including a Gold Medal from the Military Writers Society of America and a Silver Award from Foreword INDIES. Now settled in Texas, Jen is writing her debut cozy mystery series, enjoying time with her grandchildren, and appreciating a season of life that doesn't involve unpacking moving boxes every few years. Connect with Jen at [jen-mcdonald.com](https://jen-mcdonald.com/) and on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/jenmcdonaldwriter), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jenmcdonald88/), and [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/jenmcdonald88/). ### OPT IN for our WEEKLY newsletter To be honest, we don’t do much outbound marketing. So if you give us your email, we’re unlikely to spam you. 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