Help before filing I-130

[Esmeralda715 8]

Hey hjcruz916 - I highly recommend you deal, speak and educate yourself with the DOMINICAN process with the Dominicans on this site that have already gone through or are going through this process. We all know how the system works and how the info can be misunderstood. The idea is to get approved as quickly as possible without small things interrupting the process.You can PM with any questions.

[Natalie y Richard 14]

So i wont actually be present at the interview over there? Or how does that work?

How do i know if i meet those requirements, what ARE those requirements? And what do i do if i have no previous tax history?

Sorry, I am just really nervous and trying to make sure i know things well before doing anything.

In Dominican Republic YOU DO have to be present at the interview. Each country is different but DR is one that both parties have to be present! Good Luck!

[GodsGift225 54]

Good evening to all!

I am a 22 year old Dominican US Citizen who recently married my girlfriend of 3 years on December of 2012 in the Dominican Republic. She is also 22 years of age. I love my wife and I am trying to bring her over to the USA to start a life together. I have the following questions:

1. Will our age cause any difficulty in the process? NO

2. What counts as Evidence of a bona fide Marriage? Things in common ie; bank acct., phone records showing income and out going calls, emails, chats, mainly how much you guys know about each other.

3. What is more or less the TOTAL amount in expenses throughout the process. 420+(petition)230(visa fee)+88(AOS-Affidavit of support) plus, the other expensive for the benificiary (Birth cert. passport, police report, medical, exams, You are looking roughly at about $2,000)

4. Will i need to go out there for the interview/What is the interview like? It is RECOMMAND and MANDATORY that the petitioner be present the day of

5. How long does the process take on average? Lately things have been moving pretty quietly, but normal it can be anywhere from 5-8months BUT again things have been moving very FAST so it can be less like it can be more.

6. How long do i have to be working for Affidavit of Support? You will have to show the last 3yrs of you having flied taxes, other wise you will have to show for the most recent and current year. The AOS will go by the household income. please Ref. to this link. http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-864p.pdf

7. What am I to look forward to or expect? You will be looking for either a speedy or slow process, a bit stressful if you don't educate yourself as far as how this process all works, It is best that you READ ALL the guides, instrctions, and ask as many question before starting the process, any little mistake can delay the process and hold you off from moving along. READ READ READ, and ask questions. other then that gather all your documents, and it should be a smooth ride.

Sorry for the bombardment of questions and thanks in advance!

[David & Diana R 1,005]

Good evening to all!

I am a 22 year old Dominican US Citizen who recently married my girlfriend of 3 years on December of 2012 in the Dominican Republic. She is also 22 years of age. I love my wife and I am trying to bring her over to the USA to start a life together. I have the following questions:

1. Will our age cause any difficulty in the process?

2. What counts as Evidence of a bona fide Marriage?

3. What is more or less the TOTAL amount in expenses throughout the process.

4. Will i need to go out there for the interview/What is the interview like?

5. How long does the process take on average?

6. How long do i have to be working for Affidavit of Support?

7. What am I to look forward to or expect?

Sorry for the bombardment of questions and thanks in advance!

Good luck and GOD BLESS

Aloha Ke Akua

[hjcruz916 0]

Is using a lawyer helpful or does it ease the process?

[hjcruz916 0]

Another question, does the embassy in Dominican Republic do the DCF?

[GodsGift225 54]

Is using a lawyer helpful or does it ease the process?

NO! THEY CAN MAKE MISTAKE ALSO, IF YOU READ AND WRITE ENGLISH, AND UNDERSTAND HOW TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTION YOU SHOULD CAN DO THIS PROCESS ON YOUR OWN AS ALMOST ALL OF US HAVE DONE. LAWYER ARE A WASTE OF MONEY!

Edited October 2, 2013 by GodsGift225

[GodsGift225 54]

Another question, does the embassy in Dominican Republic do the DCF

YES DR HAS DCF!

[hjcruz916 0]

YES DR HAS DCF!

So how is DCF beneficial over filing it directly from here? Would i have to stay over there during that time?

[Ketsuban 1,034]

You would have to be legally residing in DR to do DCF.

[Mark88 184]

In Dominican Republic YOU DO have to be present at the interview. Each country is different but DR is one that both parties have to be present! Good Luck!

Please name your source, since the conusalte clearly states you do not have to be:

http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov/atc-120514.html

I do think it is better to attend the interview together with the beneficiary, but according to the embassy website in Santo Domingo it is not required.

Is using a lawyer helpful or does it ease the process?

If you have the money to spend and don't want to handle the paperwork, you can use a lawyer. But don't think that it would be 100% gurantee that all will go smooth.

Another question, does the embassy in Dominican Republic do the DCF?

Yes: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=1ac900c262197210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=1ac900c262197210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

So how is DCF beneficial over filing it directly from here? Would i have to stay over there during that time?

It's usually slightly to alot faster. You will have to show legal presence in the DR.

Edited October 2, 2013 by Mark88

[AlexG187 1]

Your filing of taxes depends strictly upon your income earnings and or what type of income you earn (taxable vs. non-taxable). There are exceptions on when and when not to file taxes. Look at the IRS website to see where you fit in.

[Mark88 184]

Your filing of taxes depends strictly upon your income earnings and or what type of income you earn (taxable vs. non-taxable). There are exceptions on when and when not to file taxes. Look at the IRS website to see where you fit in.

There might be exceptions, if you need to file a tax return or not, but USCIS will still need the most recent (2012) one. Even if you are excempt from filing federal tax returns, you will probaly have to file your state tax return.

[Ryan H 3,840]

Please name your source, since the conusalte clearly states you do not have to be:

http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov/atc-120514.html

I do think it is better to attend the interview together with the beneficiary, but according to the embassy website in Santo Domingo it is not required.

While it may not be an official requirement, it may be a de facto requirement. The posters who are posting that both parties need to be present do so having learned from their own experiences as well as the experiences of others who have gone through the Embassy in Santo Domingo that have shared their experiences about the process there to familiarize others on what to expect. Sometimes there are things that need to be done that may not appear on the website.

**Moderator hat on**

***You have made your point about both parties being present is not a requirement for an Immigrant Visa interview at the Embassy in Santo Domingo, please do not belabor it any further.***

[hjcruz916 0]

I love the answers! Everyone deserves kudos and thank yous, I am so greatful for all the answers i've received! You guys are the best!