Direct Consular Filing in Portugal

[T_Mayhew 0]

My fiance and I are trying to explore all our options to get together ASAP. I live in the US and she lives in Portugal. I read under the IR-1/CR-1 pros/cons that some locations allow Direct Consular Filing (DCF) for this visa type which makes the process go much quicker and there are fewer conditions upon entry into the US (mostly the ability to work without an EAD). Does anyone know if we would be able to do a DCF of our IR-1/CR-1 at the US Embassy in Lisbon?

-I know in some locations both people must live in the country of filing for 6 months, however I read "some" which in my world doesn't mean all. I'm hoping I might be one of the lucky ones... Any help would be great. Thanks VJ Family

-Tim & Katia

[GaryHod 0]

My fiance, livning in Parede, went directely to the consulate in Lisbon and asked them that very question. They do not do direct filings, all has to be done from USA. I was dissapointed, to say the least, now it appears that it will be at least 5 months before we can be together. (aside from visits to Portugal by me). We haven't even started, yet, can't decide which is better, Fiance or Spouse visa. Its all about time, money and the need to be together sooner, rather than later. Hence, patience is a virtue.

[Penguin_ie 5,996]

***** Moving from CR-1 to DCF forum as this is what OP is asking for *****

Consulates used to have leeway, but they all have to do the 6 months now, unless you are active duty military stationed in the country.

GaryHod: 5 months is extremely fast, I would plan on 9-12 months for the visa process via the USA.