Processing time for Argentina?

[celinayfran 2]

Hello VJers,

I married my Argentine husband on March 1st and am preparing the I-130 packet. I am contmplating waiting to file for residency here in Argentina (been here for 3 years on student then tourist visa) first in order to qualify for DCF vs filing through the US. I cant seem to get an answer as to the processing times for IR-1/CR1 visas doing DCF in Argentina? Not on the VJ portal page, I went to the US Embassy here, called, emailed and ofcourse "it depends" on each individual case and how long it takes to gather paperwork but......any ballpark idea???? Seems like DCF would be easier since Im here and obviously quicker. We plan on moving to the US in 9 months, in no big hurry but I would have to get residency in Argentina first.

THANKS!!

[frenchphenom5 0]

Here's the website where some of the information, and the easiest of questions can be answered: http://argentina.usembassy.gov/immigrant_visas.html

I assume you've already read it a billion times. I'd say that 6 months is probably "normal" wait time for DCF most anywhere. But places like London and Montreal seem to dance to their own tune.

For DCF, you only need to be established in the country for legitimate reasons 6 months prior to filing. You don't actually have to be a resident/citizen. Just have to be there for legit reasons on a non-tourist/student visa. If you've been there three years, and the last two years have been something other than tourist/student purposes, I'd assume you can go ahead and file DCF now.

Don't give up on trying to get in contact with someone in the Embassy. Maybe ask for a DHS agent. Hope that helps! Courage!

[celinayfran 2]

Here's the website where some of the information, and the easiest of questions can be answered: http://argentina.usembassy.gov/immigrant_visas.html

I assume you've already read it a billion times. I'd say that 6 months is probably "normal" wait time for DCF most anywhere. But places like London and Montreal seem to dance to their own tune.

For DCF, you only need to be established in the country for legitimate reasons 6 months prior to filing. You don't actually have to be a resident/citizen. Just have to be there for legit reasons on a non-tourist/student visa. If you've been there three years, and the last two years have been something other than tourist/student purposes, I'd assume you can go ahead and file DCF now.

Don't give up on trying to get in contact with someone in the Embassy. Maybe ask for a DHS agent. Hope that helps! Courage!

Thank you! I appreciate the reply and link. The Embassy here actually responded to my mail, albeit 2 weeks later, saying that in order to qualify you need to have a DNI (National ID Card), which establishes residency OR be able to prove that you applied for the DNI and that its processing. They neer answered my Q about processing time, not even when I called. Looks like I can start DCF in a few months. Or just file now through the US. STill not sure..SO CONFUSING!!!