DCF in Japan w/out Petitioner Living There

[Duncan12 0]

Anybody who has gone through DCF in Japan, your input would be greatly appreciated!

About 10 years ago, somebody I know was living in the US while his wife was in Japan.

He filed what I assume was an I-130, and about 2 months later he and his wife were invited for an interview at the Tokyo Embassy.

He got his plane ticket and they interviewed together. Soon after she had her immigrant visa (probably IR1/CR1).

I am in the same situation, and am already planning a trip to Japan in August. Is it still possible to do it this way, or do I now have to reside in Japan?

How do they ask for this?

Thanks in advance!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

This doesn't exist In Japan anymore, and when it did , you have to have been a resident of that place for at least 6 months.

[Inky 1,111]

DCF is not available in Japan and has not been available since August 2011.

[Duncan12 0]

OK thanks.

So I guess I'll have to file for a an IR1/CR1 visa through the USCIS, and when the time comes, my wife will interview by herself in Japan?

[Inky 1,111]

OK thanks.

So I guess I'll have to file for a an IR1/CR1 visa through the USCIS, and when the time comes, my wife will interview by herself in Japan?

Yep

[Duncan12 0]

I've read that while the I-130 is being processed, the beneficiary won't be able to enter the US, even for travel.

Is this true, in your experience?

[Penguin_ie 5,996]

I've read that while the I-130 is being processed, the beneficiary won't be able to enter the US, even for travel.

Is this true, in your experience?

Not true, but she should bring proof of ties to her home country, ie still having a job there or such, in case she is asked.

[Gaijinsan 3]

I've read that while the I-130 is being processed, the beneficiary won't be able to enter the US, even for travel.

Is this true, in your experience?

My wife never had any trouble doing this, and she traveled many times (pre- and post-ESTA) to the US as the beneficiary of an approved I-130*. I will just add that on all of her trips she was accompanied by me (and later, our children) -- so in case anyone asked, we could explain that I was working in Japan and the children were enrolled in schools here. Once or twice the CBP inspector asked what I did in Japan. Most of the time, not even that.

*Back in the day, the US embassy suggested to Americans getting married in Japan that they file an I-130 (via DCF) as soon as possible, to speed up the process when/if the couple decided to move to the US. At the time it cost only $130 and the validity of the petition was indefinite, so it was a real no-brainer.

OK thanks.

So I guess I'll have to file for a an IR1/CR1 visa through the USCIS, and when the time comes, my wife will interview by herself in Japan?

Yes. Of course, you can come over to visit and go to the embassy along with her, if you want, but they will interview her alone.