Just figured out DCF is an option

[Ertadge 0]

Hi there! After posting in the K-1 forum and being told to look into DCF as an option I initially brushed it off as the website for my location (Tbilisi) says that they no longer allow any applications to be processed there. However, turns out they just really need to update their website and they DO allow the I-130 to be processed at the consulate!

So, here is my new question for all you expert DCFers:

Currently we are engaged and not yet married. Is it worth it to get married and apply DCF? This would be versus doing a Fiancee Visa as originally planned and getting married in the US. What would you recommend?

And yes, I currently live in my SO's country and have resided here for well over 6 months... so no worries about eligibility.

Just looking for some idea about the time estimates for doing DCF v. K-1. I realize that probably nobody here has filed through Tbilisi, but if you have, please please tell me your experience!

thanks so much!

[YuAndDan 153]

DCF, is the quickest way to get visa couples living an married abroad, there is a 6 month residency requirement FOR THE US CITIZEN in the counselor district where the petition is being filed. That is the US citizen must have been living in the foreign country for 6 months as a resident to qualify.

To demonstrate residency in a consular district, American Citizen petitioners must be able to show that they have permission to reside in the consular district and that they have been doing so continuously for at least six months before filing the petition. Individuals who are in the country on a temporary status, such as student or tourist, would not be considered to meet the residency standard.

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2007/mar/82030.htm

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Hi there! After posting in the K-1 forum and being told to look into DCF as an option I initially brushed it off as the website for my location (Tbilisi) says that they no longer allow any applications to be processed there. However, turns out they just really need to update their website and they DO allow the I-130 to be processed at the consulate!

So, here is my new question for all you expert DCFers:

Currently we are engaged and not yet married. Is it worth it to get married and apply DCF? This would be versus doing a Fiancee Visa as originally planned and getting married in the US. What would you recommend?

And yes, I currently live in my SO's country and have resided here for well over 6 months... so no worries about eligibility.

Just looking for some idea about the time estimates for doing DCF v. K-1. I realize that probably nobody here has filed through Tbilisi, but if you have, please please tell me your experience!

thanks so much!

For DCF you HAVE TO be married, not engaged. No way around that. And you both reside in a foreign country, which your post tells me you do already.

Check with your consulate what the timelines are, and also which other requirements they will ask for; so you can be prepared.

Peace, L.

[Ertadge 0]

And yes, I currently live in my SO's country and have resided here for well over 6 months... so no worries about eligibility.

For DCF you HAVE TO be married, not engaged. No way around that. And you both reside in a foreign country, which your post tells me you do already.

Check with your consulate what the timelines are, and also which other requirements they will ask for; so you can be prepared.

Peace, L.

Right, I know that part I have lived here for nearly 3 years. NOt really worried about showing residency here. I meet that requirement. I am more concerned just about the time it takes. Does anyone have an average they could throw at me about how long DCF takes in most countries? I know it depends on the country, and I wrote to my consulate about how long it takes here.. but they havent written back.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

I think you can search for DCF timelines here: http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/

and see how long it takes.

Make sure to gather the documents that state your legal status in Georgia (each country and consualte has their own way of doing this).

In Canada, our DCF took almost 11 months; but that was when MTL was pretty backlogged and also the Adam Walsh act came into effect (new law that examines the petitioner's -you- checkered past as it relates to crimes against children). My best and uneducated guess would be 6 months. Europe is way faster. BUT I am not sure.

Peace, L.

[Ertadge 0]

I think you can search for DCF timelines here: http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/

and see how long it takes.

Make sure to gather the documents that state your legal status in Georgia (each country and consualte has their own way of doing this).

In Canada, our DCF took almost 11 months; but that was when MTL was pretty backlogged and also the Adam Walsh act came into effect (new law that examines the petitioner's -you- checkered past as it relates to crimes against children). My best and uneducated guess would be 6 months. Europe is way faster. BUT I am not sure.

Peace, L.

Hmm. That seems like a long time. I think the embassy here moves somewhat quickly (at least that is what i have heard).

But anyway, I would still like to hear from more people. How long did DCF take you? From start to finish...

Maybe I should post this more like a poll

[azer_2000 1]

Hi

My sister did DCF through Tbilisi. We are from Baku, Azerbaijan but we have to use Tbilisi office for immigration issues. As far as I know after filing her I-130 it took about 2-3 months for her to get her visa. Which is way faster than K-1, K3, or IR-1/CR-1.

Good luck.

[Ertadge 0]

Hi

My sister did DCF through Tbilisi. We are from Baku, Azerbaijan but we have to use Tbilisi office for immigration issues. As far as I know after filing her I-130 it took about 2-3 months for her to get her visa. Which is way faster than K-1, K3, or IR-1/CR-1.

Good luck.

Thanks so much! That really helps

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Hi

My sister did DCF through Tbilisi. We are from Baku, Azerbaijan but we have to use Tbilisi office for immigration issues. As far as I know after filing her I-130 it took about 2-3 months for her to get her visa. Which is way faster than K-1, K3, or IR-1/CR-1.

Good luck.

Thanks so much! That really helps

not only is it faster, but it results in an immigrant visa - with no need to adjust status (which costs a lot of bucks). I say, go for it!!!!

[Ertadge 0]

I finally just heard back from the embassy here and they said 6 months to 1 year to process! Are they just being safe with their estimate? That sounds like it could take just as long if not longer than a fiancee visa...

[Chica Yeyé 41]

I finally just heard back from the embassy here and they said 6 months to 1 year to process! Are they just being safe with their estimate? That sounds like it could take just as long if not longer than a fiancee visa...

My take? Stay away from the fiance visa, or the K-3 spousal visa. It takes perhaps less time, but then you get stuck in Adjustment of Status for god knows how long, and of course you pay extra for it.

The times the Consulate gives you seem appropriate. I went through Canada and took circa 11 months from start to visa in hand.

[MargotDarko 0]

It will save you some money in the long run and be much nicer when he arrives as he won't have to wait to be able to work or wait for permission to travel outside of the US and return. So, yes, I vote definitely DCF!

Edited February 16, 2008 by MargotDarko

[Eric and Nino 0]

Hi,

I know this is an old thread but whatever happened? Did you file DCF and what was the outcome

The reason I want to know is because in May, I go engaged to a Georgian girl when we were in Istanbul.

I am from New Jersey in the United States.

Today, I spoke to a lawyer to file for K-1 Visa but he told me that it's better if I marry her, petition her, and if the process is not picking up, file for K-3 to speed up the process. He says it depends on what I want. He says to do k-3 is about $300 more difference or something like that.

Now, I'm fine with this plan. I just want to know, what are the Marriage regulations there in Georgia? What exactly do I need to marry there?

Is there a length of time I have to be in Georgia to marry in Georgia?

Any help or insight is greatly appreciated!

-Eric

[TOM&Riz 4]

we'd recomend the DCF, we live in a "high fraud" country, Philippines and our DCF took a little less then four months I would say average time on a DCF is 3-5 months as opposed to 6-12 months going with a K

[TOM&Riz 4]

Hi

My sister did DCF through Tbilisi. We are from Baku, Azerbaijan but we have to use Tbilisi office for immigration issues. As far as I know after filing her I-130 it took about 2-3 months for her to get her visa. Which is way faster than K-1, K3, or IR-1/CR-1.

Good luck.

Just an FYI, DCF is a unofficial VJ term, you still file an I-130 with a visa cayagory of IR1 or CR1 Direct consular filing is not for K visa's as the petitioner has to be a resident of the country in which the petition was filed