Can you file a form I-130 for a relative directly at a U.S. embassy outside the United States?
Yes. DCF-Direct Consular Filing Direct Consular filing is when the I-130 is filed directly with a U.S. Embassy abroad. It is authorized only at certain U.S. Embassies under limited conditions in accordance with the Foreign Affairs Manual. It is authorized pursuant to 9FAM Part IV Appendix N, 200. DCF has become more difficult and less likely to occur after September 11, 2001 and with the advent of the K visa which has been designed to reduce the waiting time for the spouse to enter the United States. You must know the requirements and conditions at Consulates before attempting the filing. Most Consulates will entertain the application as a courteousy to a US citizen residing within the Consular District perhaps on an overseas assignment in the country or for other humanitarian reasons. Check directly with the Consulate because the procedures are rapidly changing. The current trend is moving away from adjudicating applications at the Consulates. The danger in DCF processing is that if t
Related Questions
- How can I expedite my Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130) to bring my spouse to the United States? Is there any way she/he can enter the United States while the petition is being processed?
- Can I travel to the US Embassy abroad and file an I-130 application directly with them?
- Can I file a Form N-600 for her daughter so she can become a United States citizen?
