Naturalized US citizen filing for DCF in Manila

[byronsnakejones 1]

Hi, I am a naturalized US Citizen born in the Philippines from Filipino parents. Lived in the Philippines for 16 years then migrated to the US in May 2003. Five years later I obtained US Citizenship on Sept. 2008. I am currently on vacation here in my native home town of Quezon City since July 2013. My plan is to file an I-130 petition for my Filipina wife. I understand that a petitioner must reside in the Philippines for 6 months to be able to file directly at the US Embassy in Manila. However, given my situation as a Filipino native who became a US citizen can I still do DCF even If I have only been here in the country for less than 6 months? Also how do I prove my residency? I mean, I was once a Filipino citizen at one point in my life and I have a valid Philippine birth certificate. Your feedback will be much appreciated.

BASICALLY, I am a Filipino EMIGRANT (balikbayan) who returned to Philippines and been staying for 4 months now and I want to bring my Filipina wife to the US via DCF. Will the US Embassy in Manila allow me to do so?

[Shiobhan 235]

I think U have to be living there with hr 6 monthe

for DCF...that's requirement, do not matter if its

your birth, U R filing for her as a USC then U have

to prove U live there 6 months or over

[kayleighanddanny 7]

Some embassies are less strict than others on this requirement. However, the general rule is 6 months, Don't expect an exception in your case because you once were Filipino. You may need to wait 2 more months. Good luck!

[aaron2020 11,651]

No.

It doesn't matter that you were born in PI and lived there til age 16.

You do not meet the residency requirement to file DFC. DFC requires you to prove that you have reside in the PI for 6 months. You can not provide that proof since you have been there for only 4 months. Furthermore, this creates a problem for you since you would need to provide proof of a US domicile.

What proof do you have that you have been residing in the PI versus just visiting? Do you have utilities bills? Will you file PI tax returns? Did you change the addresses on your financial accounts? Essentially, do you have paperwork to prove that you are residing there?

[byronsnakejones 1]

Thank You everyone for the great feedback.

Does DCF require 6 months of CONTINUOUS stay?

[aaron2020 11,651]

Thank You everyone for the great feedback.

Does DCF require 6 months of CONTINUOUS stay?

It's not about staying in the PI. It's about residency. Unless you reside in the PI, you are simply visiting.

DFC requires 6 months of RESIDENCY in the PI. It's not "staying in the PI."

Being a resident of the PI and staying in the PI are very different things.

Based on the information you have provided, you do not qualify to file DFC. Even if you stay for 6 months, you will not qualify for merely visiting the PI.

Edited October 15, 2013 by aaron2020

[Guest KMC]

Hi, I am a naturalized US Citizen born in the Philippines from Filipino parents. Lived in the Philippines for 16 years then migrated to the US in May 2003. Five years later I obtained US Citizenship on Sept. 2008. I am currently on vacation here in my native home town of Quezon City since July 2013. My plan is to file an I-130 petition for my Filipina wife. I understand that a petitioner must reside in the Philippines for 6 months to be able to file directly at the US Embassy in Manila. However, given my situation as a Filipino native who became a US citizen can I still do DCF even If I have only been here in the country for less than 6 months? Also how do I prove my residency? I mean, I was once a Filipino citizen at one point in my life and I have a valid Philippine birth certificate. Your feedback will be much appreciated.

BASICALLY, I am a Filipino EMIGRANT (balikbayan) who returned to Philippines and been staying for 4 months now and I want to bring my Filipina wife to the US via DCF. Will the US Embassy in Manila allow me to do so?

I am not an expert but I am giving you a little info of what we did when we filed for DCF. Wait a little more and you can file DCF. Don't worry once you already filed they can process it fast. While waiting you can gather some of the documents you will be needing like NSO Marriage certificate. Lease Contract (both your names), Bills Payment shows your name and your wife's name also. If you have flight itineraries it is good evidence also. Pictures picture together Try to check the link it might help you. Good Luck! http://www.livingincebuforums.com/ipb/topic/31527-procedures-for-us-immigrant-visa-using-direct-consular-filing-dcf/