Another US citizen marrying a Finn!

[Elephant]

Hello everyone,
I'm so glad I found this forum. I've managed to get most of my answers by searching past topics but I still have a few questions unanswered. I am currently in the US and he's in Finland but we are planning to get married in Finland in April. I'll arrive via visa waiver, get married, file residence papers then travel outside Schengen for a while.

First, I read that I have to get an affidavit from the US embassy in Helsinki. I made the online appointment but I'm not sure how long it takes to receive it. Do they give it to you at the appointment or do they mail it later?

Second, can I leave the country once I file for the residence permit? Do they keep my passport? We plan to file the papers mid May and travel soon after that for a month.

Finally, can I mail foodstuff, specifically grains (steel cut oatmel, buckwheat, cereal etc) to Finland or will those be confiscated by customs? I have brought them before in my suitcase in several prior trips there. But, I'm not sure if they were permitted or if the bags were just not checked.

Thanks a lot for your help.

[Rip]

They won't keep your passport. I think there is no problem with traveling (while the visa free period hasn't expired), but I can't say I'm 100% sure there is no complication with traveling outside Schengen (to be safe I'd say you should check that going through a passport control no way effects the handling of your residence permit application).

Official rules regarding import of plant material: http://www.evira.fi/portal/en/plants/import+and+export/

[ritan7471]

They gave me my certificate of non impediment at the same time. I was at the embassy for about 1 hour. First I filled in the papers, then I had to wait a while for them to be stamped.

But this was 5 years ago, that may have changed. THough for what they charge for the certificate it SHOULD be while you wait!

[Elephant]

Thanks for the help and the link! Very useful!