DCF Mexico

[Lia792 5]

Hey Czmjacq,

Did they send you your case number, too? Timewise, our file should be in their system by Monday, but I'm wondering if they require the case file or if we can just send Packet 3. Either way, I'll email them if I don't hear from them promptly. Here's a link to Packet 3 (should be the same one) http://ciudadjuarez.usconsulate.gov/root/pdfs/packet_3_complete.pdf

Don't forget the checklist and there is some discussion about whether to send both parts of the DS-230.

In my Packet 3, I'm planning on including:

DS-230-1 (I don't know what to do about DS-230-2/ Part 2 yet - send it and not sign it or keep it until the interview, also unsigned.)

I-864

my 2009 taxes and W-2s

letter explaining domicile and job situation

bank account balances

and the checklist in Packet 3 with the relevant answers checked

Does that sound good to everyone?

I'm feeling sad and happy at the same time - leaving Mexico and going back to the US.

[jaremedios 1]

Hi Czmjacq

I had the same question as Lia792. Can we send in the Packet 3 just from downloading it from the site or do we have to wait for the Packet 3 from them? And if it gets lost in the mail, what do we do in regards to the case number?

BTW, anybody have the address of where to send Packet 3 anyway? Can I have it pls?

Lia792,

I'm sending in the DS-230 Part 1 and 2 Not signed (and taking an extra copy of part 2 not signed to interview), I-864, letter explaining why I've not filed taxes past 3 years, letter explaining reestablishment of domicile, copies of bank statements, copies of credit card statements, emails with daycares, lease agreement with my parents. I think that's it.

[Lia792 5]

Hi Jaremedios,

They have 2 addresses listed on Packet 3:

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL, P.O. BOX 10545, EL PASO, TX 79995

PASEO DE LA VICTORIA #3650, FRACCIONAMIENTO PARTIDO SENECU, CIUDAD JUAREZ, CHIHUAHUA, MEX C.P. 32543

I'm not sure which one is the mailing address, but I think both are and that the first is for US mail. I just haven't been able to confirm it yet.

I like your plan for the DS-230 and think that is what I will do, too.

I think I will try emailing them to see if I can just send Packet 3 since it will take about 10 days to get a response anyways.

[jaremedios 1]

What's the email for them? I think I'll wait a bit longer and then definitely email them to make sure it's not lost in the mail for us, too.

[Lia792 5]

I just sent them a message asking if we need the case number to send Packet 3 and if we do, to email it to me so I don't have to wait for my letter. I hope my attempt works!

Here's the inquiry form:

https://ciudadjuarez.cms.getusinfo.com/public_inquiry_form.html

[LaGringa 0]

Hi, all!

Today we received our approval! It was approved the day after we went, although in the letter it says we filed it 3 days before we actually filed it. Huh? It is postmarked April 30th, so it only took 13 days to arrive to the same city! Ugh.

Ok, I have to sleep now, just wanted to share the good news!

[Lia792 5]

Congrats,LaGringa! I'm glad it's going well for you.

We got our case number today by email. Apparently, the Packet was mailed on the 3rd, way before I thought it would, and most likely it was lost because it's already been 2 weeks. The email doesn't say anything about the checklist or I-864, but it does mention the online Packet 3 so we are just going to send off the Packet we already have prepared and join the ranks of those awaiting an interview.

[arianak 0]

Hello DCFers of Mexico! I too am planning to become one, and just wanted to thank you in advance for all of the time and effort you put into your posts; they have already helped me substantially! Nonetheless, I will just give a brief overview of our situation and see if anyone might have a recommendation.

We have been together for 5 years, have lived together for 3, but I still haven't processed my FM3! We do have a shared account, and could come up with some proof of residency. I also did not file taxes last year (I am a graduate student with too little US income in 2009 to need to file), but we have a sponsor (my mom). We still haven't married, as we were contemplating the K1 for a while. Anyone want to sway us? ;-) We would like to be able to live/work in the USA permanently, for as little hassle as possible (economic and otherwise). Thank you all! Hope to hear from you....

[jaremedios 1]

Hello DCFers of Mexico! I too am planning to become one, and just wanted to thank you in advance for all of the time and effort you put into your posts; they have already helped me substantially! Nonetheless, I will just give a brief overview of our situation and see if anyone might have a recommendation.

We have been together for 5 years, have lived together for 3, but I still haven't processed my FM3! We do have a shared account, and could come up with some proof of residency. I also did not file taxes last year (I am a graduate student with too little US income in 2009 to need to file), but we have a sponsor (my mom). We still haven't married, as we were contemplating the K1 for a while. Anyone want to sway us? ;-) We would like to be able to live/work in the USA permanently, for as little hassle as possible (economic and otherwise). Thank you all! Hope to hear from you....

Hi Arianak!

Yeah another DCFer. Where were all of us this past year when I started the research and couldn't find any other Mexico DCFers? Anyway, I am married and by the time of the interview, it should be 2 years so we are doing the IR-1. However, Lia792 has convinced me that the K1 is much more expensive and much more paperwork. She could tell you more about it but it seems like the married thing might be the way to go. Where do you live?

[jaremedios 1]

I, too, received an email from CDJ today with our case number and a note saying they sent me the Packet 3 on March 20th. That's just ridiculous. It's been 2 months and I still haven't received anything so needless to say it must be lost in the famous Correo Mexicano. I will be downloading the forms online and sending them in that way.

[arianak 0]

Hi Arianak!

Yeah another DCFer. Where were all of us this past year when I started the research and couldn't find any other Mexico DCFers? Anyway, I am married and by the time of the interview, it should be 2 years so we are doing the IR-1. However, Lia792 has convinced me that the K1 is much more expensive and much more paperwork. She could tell you more about it but it seems like the married thing might be the way to go. Where do you live?

Hi Jaremedios! Thanks for the welcome. We are living in a tiny town in Guerrero (with a post office!), and as my obsessive researching continues I`m 96% sure I want to take the DCF route, but I haven´t see a single success story of DCF in Mexico? Are there any, yet? I heard there was one who stopped posting. Would love to find more. In the meantime, what do people think about getting my FM3 (any tips for getting it cheaper?), getting married at registro civil in our tiny town (should we have a "wedding", for purposes of pictures?) and then hand deliver our 130 to DF in late June (we will be there anyway!) Any suggestions for those early steps?Thanks!

[jaremedios 1]

As far as getting your FM3, I think you should calculate in 2 months (and that's assuming you have all the documents they want the first time you go). Then the registro civil part might take you another month or so because you'll need permission from Inmigracion (but of course, after you have your FM3 in possession). As far as the wedding, I don't think it's necessary unless of course you want one. Pics from the civil wedding should be enough and of course the Acta de Matrimonio.

[arianak 0]

As far as getting your FM3, I think you should calculate in 2 months (and that's assuming you have all the documents they want the first time you go). Then the registro civil part might take you another month or so because you'll need permission from Inmigracion (but of course, after you have your FM3 in possession). As far as the wedding, I don't think it's necessary unless of course you want one. Pics from the civil wedding should be enough and of course the Acta de Matrimonio.

Thanks Jaremedios for the potential timeline. That helps a lot. What about the DCF Mexico success stories ;-)

[Lia792 5]

Hi Arianak,

Before you start the process, there are some things you should consider before you pick a process:

1. FM-3 (I've never gotten an FM-2, but I imagine it's more expensive and takes longer to get.) So, assuming you are thinking of an FM-3, you usually need to have certain things to get an FM-3, such as a job offer and your degree translated. It takes a minimum of a month to get one, and probably about two if you include the gathering paperwork part. Also, it's very possible they will require 6 months' residence with an FM-3 before they will allow you to file in Mexico. None of us had to ask because all of us had been here longer than that.

2. Getting married in Mexico - It depends on whether you are Mexican or not. If you are not Mexican (eg have dual nationality,) you have to get a permission to get married in Mexico which involves translating your birth certificate and the whole process of the Registro and INM takes about a month.

That brings us to a total of about 3 months.

Add on to that about 3-4 months for the visa process, and you are up to 6-7.

DCF costs: $355+$400+medical and travel costs. Later you have to remove conditions if your husband receives a conditional greencard, and citizenship is another year after removing conditions if still married. Costwise, it is much more reasonable than a K-1, and it is faster if you already have your FM-3, already are married, and possibly have fulfilled a 6 month residency requirement. Thus, DCF is definitely faster and cheaper if you are already married and already have an FM-3, but sometimes the stress of dealing with Mexican bureaucracy, especially if you don't live in the same city as the Registro or Immigracion, can offset its benefits.

I would suggest you read the guides to find out the differences between the 2 visas. I think a K-1 in Mexico is taking about 5-6 months right now. Also, permission to work is generally limited until after AOS - you have to adjust status after having gotten married within the 90 days. So that automatically adds another $1010 on to your fees and several more months? onto your visa process.

3. DCF has another definite benefit and that is your separation is minimized and I don't have proof - but I would theorize - that our approval rates are slightly higher. If you have a co-sponsor, I would definitely consider DCF because that way you can stay with him longer and have less agony of time apart. Actually, if you have a co-sponsor and clear domicile, you can stay until the interview with him and move with him. I don't think that should be underestimated.

4. I also think you should consider where you want to get married, if you want to do a civil ceremony in Mexico and then a religious ceremony in the US or something to that effect, and who would come to either wedding. In the end, I kind of wish I had waited to get married in the US to be with my family.

Anyhow, good luck whatever you choose!

[jaremedios 1]

Just a little note to Lia792's infor which is VERY helpful:

to get your FM-2, you need to have had the FM-3 for 4 years so in your case, it's not an option. I have one and yes, it is MUCH more expensive and I regret having made the switch. Ni modo (Oh well!)