Can Students on a Tier 4 Visa submit I-130 to USCIS in London?

[americanjetset 0]

Hi!

I am a student on a Tier 4 visa for a 3 year undergraduate degree (my degree ends in May).

I know I don't qualify for DCF because I am not a permanent resident. I am currently on a joint lease with my husband and am still on Tier 4 Visa.

I was planning to submit my I-130 to the USCIS consulate in London. Am I able to? Or do I have to file for the Chicago lockbox?

I am very confused. For either London or the Chicago lockbox, do I have to visit an embassy/consulate in person (and make an appointment) or do I just send the packet in the mail?

Thank you in advance!

[americanjetset 0]

Ok, after much research, I have found that I must send my I-130 to the Chicago Lockbox as students are not considered permanent residents. Guess I answered my own question, haha.

[Becky and Les 2]

Hiya.

I was asking the same thing in January when I sent I-130 in...tho I'd been on a student visa for 6 years. Anyway, like you found out, no you can't just go to the Embassy (unfortunately!). Good luck!

[americanjetset 0]

UPDATE: I've e-mailled the field office in London and they said as long as I have been on my student visa for 6 months, I can go through the DCF route. I'm so confused! What counts as legal residency in the UK?

Edited May 4, 2013 by americanjetset

[pushbrk 13,222]

The terms "legal" and "permanent" are not synonyms. Don't inject permanent into a sentence where it doesn't already live. Students abroad "reside" abroad. File DCF if you wish.