DCF in Ghana

[Gyenyame 0]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to visajourney but in browsing as a guest I've been so impressed with the quality of information and people's willingness to help. So, today I decided to register and post my own question in preparation for my journey with USCIS & Co.

I will be going through the US naturalization process shortly. In the meantime I also wanted to prepare and get information about filing the I-130 for a spouse directly in Ghana. I'm hoping that this would be quicker and/or easier than going through the NVC. Does anyone here have experience with this? And if so, what are the requirements for length of residence? Please share any information and/or experiences.

Oh, also, I'm not sure if this matters but once naturalized I would be a citizen of both the US and Ghana. Would I have same requirements as, say, a US citizen who is just living in Ghana temporarily without being a Ghanaian citizen?

Thanks all!

[Lia792 5]

I don't think dual citizenship would be a problem. Here at the requirements listed at USCIS for the Ghana office:

https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=of...&office=acc

I suggest you email them or call them to see if they have any special requirements.

However, you have to think that if they have some sort of time requirements for residence before filing, such as 6 months, it would be just as quick to file the I-130 in the US. I would check with them because yours is a special case in that aspect, and also check Ghana timelimes because I am not familiar with them.

Good luck!

Edited January 22, 2010 by Lia792

[Gyenyame 0]

I don't think dual citizenship would be a problem. Here at the requirements listed at USCIS for the Ghana office:

https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=of...&office=acc

I suggest you email them or call them to see if they have any special requirements.

However, you have to think that if they have some sort of time requirements for residence before filing, such as 6 months, it would be just as quick to file the I-130 in the US. I would check with them because yours is a special case in that aspect, and also check Ghana timelimes because I am not familiar with them.

Good luck!

Thanks Lia792! That is useful information and the link you provided doesn't mention residence requirements before filing so I have e-mailed to find out. I guess I will hear back on Monday or so and then will figure out the best move.

It's encouraging seeing everyone's timelines and details but of course, it is also a bit daunting thinking of further time spent separated as I'm in the US and he's in Ghana (that's why we were considering me moving down to apply and all). Hopefully, we will remember to be patient and there will be a good result in the end Thanks again!

[Darnell 8,479]

Most Embassy web portals have the 'residency requirements' listed for a DCF'd I-130. In most places, it's 6 months.

I would suggest, instead, that the day after you get your naturilization (sp? ) certificate as a USC, you file the I-130 then , to the lockbox in Chicago.

Then - go to Ghana - but be steady on that 'US Domicile' issue.

Then get prepared to handle all NVC processing remote from Ghana.

If you do a 'two column timetick' calendar thingie , comparing 'I-130 via Chicago' vs 'I-130 via DCF in Ghana' - you might see that it's really the same amount of time - give or take one month.

[Darnell 8,479]

----

for a better idea of 'Ghana Timelines' here at VJ - click yer flag under your name, look at the Ghana portal here, and review any I-130 and DCF timelines (left side, close to the top) via the timelines links in yer portal

[Matana74 0]

Hello Gyenyame

Just wanted to let you know that Ghana is one of the countries that does not do DCF. I know that it can be said that if you make an appointment with the consulate in Ghana and plead your case in why you want to file DCF...that they may make an allowance...but dont hold your breath on that one you will need to prepare to deal with NVC. If you and your SO are together right now you can get the needed paperwork together and signed while in each others presence.

Hi everyone,

I'm new to visajourney but in browsing as a guest I've been so impressed with the quality of information and people's willingness to help. So, today I decided to register and post my own question in preparation for my journey with USCIS & Co.

I will be going through the US naturalization process shortly. In the meantime I also wanted to prepare and get information about filing the I-130 for a spouse directly in Ghana. I'm hoping that this would be quicker and/or easier than going through the NVC. Does anyone here have experience with this? And if so, what are the requirements for length of residence? Please share any information and/or experiences.

Oh, also, I'm not sure if this matters but once naturalized I would be a citizen of both the US and Ghana. Would I have same requirements as, say, a US citizen who is just living in Ghana temporarily without being a Ghanaian citizen?

Thanks all!

[Gyenyame 0]

Hello Gyenyame

Just wanted to let you know that Ghana is one of the countries that does not do DCF. I know that it can be said that if you make an appointment with the consulate in Ghana and plead your case in why you want to file DCF...that they may make an allowance...but dont hold your breath on that one you will need to prepare to deal with NVC. If you and your SO are together right now you can get the needed paperwork together and signed while in each others presence.

Hmmm that's strange. I e-mailed with USCIS Ghana (2 or 3 exchanges) and established that you can file the I-130 in Accra once you have been legally resident there at least 6 months. Unfortunately, we are currently not together so it'd be tough to fill out the forms but we are debating whether I should move there once I'm done with my citizenship proceedings. That would of course require me having a job in Ghana that meets the poverty guidelines {will be a tough one} so we are just trying to consider all options since we are dreading the long journey. Everyone here is so supportive though so that's good

[shells0200 0]

Hello Gyenyame

Just wanted to let you know that Ghana is one of the countries that does not do DCF. I know that it can be said that if you make an appointment with the consulate in Ghana and plead your case in why you want to file DCF...that they may make an allowance...but dont hold your breath on that one you will need to prepare to deal with NVC. If you and your SO are together right now you can get the needed paperwork together and signed while in each others presence.

I have heard this so many times, but I'm not sure why. I just filed my I-130 to the US Embassy in Accra, Ghana on November 22, 2010. You only have to be legally resident in Ghana for the 6 months prior to filing. I didn't have to plead my case.

[babfela 6]

hi i know its a long time, hopefully you see this.

how did your case go?

i am in the same situation as you.

when you say you just had to be legal resident 6 months prior to filing does it mean your dual citizenship worked fine without you physically staying there?

please any information will be appreciated