Question about London DCF

[Wunderali 0]

Hello, I am new to the forum and might as well jump in!

I am an American citizen with Leave to Remain in the UK (I have lived here 5 years) I would like to start the process of bringing my British husband and our kids back to the US. I understand that I need to start by sending in the I-130 petition, but what I am confused about is whether I can apply for DCF in London or if I need to apply for IR1 via the Chicago Lockbox. I see that things have changed in August 2011 for the London DCF, but the official website still doesn't make it clear whether this means I can still apply there or not.

Also, I'd like to know if you think the processing times would vary much. The chart given on this site says DCF takes 3 months, but by the stories I've read so far, that seems highly optimistic.

Thanks so much for your help.

[JoannaV 174]

On August 15th Embassies stopped processing I-130s unless they have a USCIS field office. London has a USCIS field office. So nothing's changed. Or rather, it seems the only thing that's changed is that they seem to be saying you can choose where to file; ie even if you're a longterm resident of the UK you can now chose to file via Chicago.

Processing times vary. You may even apply a few days after someone else and have completely different wait times. My impression is that DCF is generally quicker, so I would go that route as it is available to you. But that is no guarantee that you won't end up with some random delay whilst your friend who applied via the US on the same day is approved in a record time.

It also makes sense to avoid having to mail everything across the Atlantic, so that's another positive of DCF.

[Wunderali 0]

On August 15th Embassies stopped processing I-130s unless they have a USCIS field office. London has a USCIS field office. So nothing's changed. Or rather, it seems the only thing that's changed is that they seem to be saying you can choose where to file; ie even if you're a longterm resident of the UK you can now chose to file via Chicago.

Processing times vary. You may even apply a few days after someone else and have completely different wait times. My impression is that DCF is generally quicker, so I would go that route as it is available to you. But that is no guarantee that you won't end up with some random delay whilst your friend who applied via the US on the same day is approved in a record time.

It also makes sense to avoid having to mail everything across the Atlantic, so that's another positive of DCF.

Thanks so much. I really appreciate your quick reply.

[wee carrington 33]

I'm in a similar situation (US citizen living in the UK with Indefinite Leave to Remain for the past 3 1/2 years with my husband, no kids though). Have you been filing your taxes with the IRS these past 5 years? That was the only thing that took me by surprise...

Edited October 11, 2011 by Mrs GH

[Wunderali 0]

I'm in a similar situation (US citizen living in the UK with Indefinite Leave to Remain for the past 3 1/2 years with my husband, no kids though). Have you been filing your taxes with the IRS these past 5 years? That was the only thing that took me by surprise...

Hi there! Nice to meet you. I will be watching to see how your story unfolds too, as it looks like you are ahead of me in the game. I have filed a few of the past years in the USA because I made a tiny residual income there, but last year I didn't...guess I need to get on that, huh? Also, I don't think I added my UK earnings to those as I didn't realize I was supposed to. I was self employed here and have filed UK taxes. Will be curious to know what you find out. In my situation, I am pretty sure I will have to get my parents to sign as co-sponsers, but I suppose I'll still have to show tax returns?

Keep me posted as to what you find out. I wish I could help you more.

Also..I don't remember it being very complicated when I applied for my spouse visa five years ago...do you? Maybe because its broken down every few years? However, I know the entire process was a lot more expensive!

All the best!

[wee carrington 33]

Hey! Yep, my dad is co-sponsoring us. I needed all his tax forms along with the W2's and paystubs. I never thought I would have had to file my taxes abroad! I almost had a melt down when I found out... however, it wasn't that bad. I Just ordered my transcripts so they were processed with in 4 weeks.

This is my first time applying for a US visa, I moved here on a fiancee visa, got limited leave to remain and then Aug 2010 I got indefinite leave to remain. I'll keep you posted for sure