DCF for those in the Dominican Republic

[kayleighanddanny 7]

I've been trying to find the best route to go about filing my I-130 petition for my husband. We have a 7 month old together and are not wanting to separate for the length of time it takes to process everything from the US. I do NOT reside legally here and I have looked into getting Dominican citizenship which I am entitled to due to marriage or residency. Residency seems like the better option. Although it is more expensive, it is less time consuming. Recently, they have change the process for Americans to get DR residency. You must first obtain a Dominican residency visa in your home country (or for those married before June 2012, within the country in the capital, AKA me). Once you get it approved, you get a stamp in your passport valid for 60 days. In that time you have to return to the DR and submit the rest of the documents to get your residency. Here's my question:

Does anyone think I could use this stamp to show I'm legally residing here in the DR? If I get that stamp and the next day file the I-30, it should be processed within the time frame of my resident visa. It's a long shot, but I figured I'd throw it out there!

Thanks for the opinions.

[GodsGift225 54]

I've been trying to find the best route to go about filing my I-130 petition for my husband. We have a 7 month old together and are not wanting to separate for the length of time it takes to process everything from the US. I do NOT reside legally here and I have looked into getting Dominican citizenship which I am entitled to due to marriage or residency. Residency seems like the better option. Although it is more expensive, it is less time consuming. Recently, they have change the process for Americans to get DR residency. You must first obtain a Dominican residency visa in your home country (or for those married before June 2012, within the country in the capital, AKA me). Once you get it approved, you get a stamp in your passport valid for 60 days. In that time you have to return to the DR and submit the rest of the documents to get your residency. Here's my question:

Does anyone think I could use this stamp to show I'm legally residing here in the DR? If I get that stamp and the next day file the I-30, it should be processed within the time frame of my resident visa. It's a long shot, but I figured I'd throw it out there!

Thanks for the opinions.

Take a look at this link of someone who recently filed DCF in DR Hope this helps.

http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/profile.php?id=135304

[kayleighanddanny 7]

Unfortunately it doesn't help because they filed and were approved before the day they changed the law about residents here in the DR. Thanks though!

[Frances&Bryan 6]

Take a look at this link of someone who recently filed DCF in DR Hope this helps.

http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/profile.php?id=135304

this is a great link! that review is very informative!! specially when it comes to the medical

[reese1 68]

From my understanding you have to have a cedula proving you have residency. The stamp in your passport only proves that you have started the process not that you have actually been approved of residency, because it can still be denied. Trying to do DCF if you have not already become a resident will be just as long of a wait as if you just filed in the state.

[kayleighanddanny 7]

From my understanding you have to have a cedula proving you have residency. The stamp in your passport only proves that you have started the process not that you have actually been approved of residency, because it can still be denied. Trying to do DCF if you have not already become a resident will be just as long of a wait as if you just filed in the state.

Thanks! That's the answer I was expecting, but it's always better to ask, ya know. I'm waiting for an email back from Santo Domingo and I might buy a pin to call and ask, but I'm sure what you said is the case.

[Gingerfur 0]

DCF vs. the spousal one.............what is the difference?

What is better?

Thanks

[kayleighanddanny 7]

DCF and a spousal visa are the same thing. You file your I-130 in Santo Domingo by hand instead of sending it through the mail. WAY FASTER. ***BUT*** you need a cedula. If you're here illegally, you either A) get your residency or DR citizenship or B) Go back to the US and file from there.

[Gingerfur 0]

I do have my cedula/residency in the DR. So, is it BETTER to go through the US or through the Consulate? I've HEARD that they don't do that here in the D.R. Am I wrong?

[kayleighanddanny 7]

That's wrong, they do do DCF here.

[Gingerfur 0]

So what is better.......DCF or Do everything in the US?

[kayleighanddanny 7]

Doing DCF is way faster, I would do DCF all the way if I were you. I've heard of people in the DR (who have EVERYTHING prepared) can be done, start to finish, in 5 weeks.

[Gingerfur 0]

Doing DCF is way faster, I would do DCF all the way if I were you. I've heard of people in the DR (who have EVERYTHING prepared) can be done, start to finish, in 5 weeks.

Ok...good to know.

HOWEVER< are there positives/negatives about DCF vs. the Spousal? (Especially for the Dom Rep)

Also, once my husband has his Visa----how soon-after does he have to use it to go to the US?

(I'm hoping to take a trip at Christmas....)

Thanks!

[kayleighanddanny 7]

They are both the same exact thing, except with DCF you file in Santo Domingo. He has the same exact rights as he would have if you filed his petition in the US. As soon as he has his visa he can travel. If you were to submit your papers doing DCF soon, you'd definitely be able to go for Christmas if you have everything in order and there are no complications.

[Gingerfur 0]

That's great to hear!

So there aren't ANY negatives with filing with DCF, right?

How about Puerto Plata???? Would it work through the office there???

Thanks so much!