Can I file a DCF?

[bioman987 0]

I am wondering if anyone knows want are the guidelines for filing a DCF? I have been living in Thailand, at the same address for 1 1/2 years. I have just married a Thai woman and would like to move to the US. I am a US citizen. I have been using a tourist visa and have just changed to a type O visa about 2 weeks about when I got married. Will I be able to file for a DCF? Thank you.

[lost_at_sea 995]

Yes, Thailand offers DCF. You'll need to check the exact requirements with the embassy. It seems you can check via email.

http://www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-uscis-office/international-offices/thailand-bangkok-field-office

http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/immigrant_visas/immigrant-visa-process.html

In a limited number of cases, if the petitioner can demonstrate current residence in Thailand for at least six months, the petition may be filed with the USCIS office in Bangkok. The general inquiry email box for USCIS Bangkok is BKKCIS.Inquiries@dhs.gov.

[bioman987 0]

Thanks, for the information.

[Ning 619]

I am wondering if anyone knows want are the guidelines for filing a DCF? I have been living in Thailand, at the same address for 1 1/2 years. I have just married a Thai woman and would like to move to the US. I am a US citizen. I have been using a tourist visa and have just changed to a type O visa about 2 weeks about when I got married. Will I be able to file for a DCF? Thank you.

You can file DCF only after you have been a legal resident for at least 6 months. Since you have been there on tourist visas you will have to wait or file thru U S lock box.

[Karee 4,190]

I am wondering if anyone knows want are the guidelines for filing a DCF? I have been living in Thailand, at the same address for 1 1/2 years. I have just married a Thai woman and would like to move to the US. I am a US citizen. I have been using a tourist visa and have just changed to a type O visa about 2 weeks about when I got married. Will I be able to file for a DCF? Thank you.

As Ning says, the answer is probably no since you haven't lived there for 6 months on a Non-O visa. I wold email USCIS (Not the embassy) in Bangkok and get a definite answer from them. I'm curious, how did you live there for 1.5 years on a tourist visa? I thought 90 days was it, and then you had to leave for 6 months. At least that's how it was after the coup.

[bendinlar 16]

From past posts and such, I believe a tourist visa is fine. You just have to prove you resided there, does not matter why or how, just that you were a resident. If I remember the wording, place of general abode without regard to intent. Shared lease, utilities, etc.

That's the consensus we've come to in the Philippines anyway.

[bendinlar 16]

Found it.

Residency: Section 101(a)(33) of the Immigration and Nationality Act defines "residence" as the "place of general abode; the place of general abode of the person means his principal, actual dwelling place in fact, without regard to intent."

- Proof of residency: resident alien card, foreign tax returns, foreign property deeds, rentals and/or leases, foreign business ownership, utility bills, student permit with proof of enrollment, or other proof of permanent residency in the Philippines.

[Ning 619]

From past posts and such, I believe a tourist visa is fine. You just have to prove you resided there, does not matter why or how, just that you were a resident. If I remember the wording, place of general abode without regard to intent. Shared lease, utilities, etc.

That's the consensus we've come to in the Philippines anyway.

No it is not fine. People must be a legal RESIDENT of Thailand for at least 6 months.

Found it.

Residency: Section 101(a)(33) of the Immigration and Nationality Act defines "residence" as the "place of general abode; the place of general abode of the person means his principal, actual dwelling place in fact, without regard to intent."

- Proof of residency: resident alien card, foreign tax returns, foreign property deeds, rentals and/or leases, foreign business ownership, utility bills, student permit with proof of enrollment, or other proof of permanent residency in the Philippines.

The O P lives in Thailand not the P I.

[bioman987 0]

As Ning says, the answer is probably no since you haven't lived there for 6 months on a Non-O visa. I wold email USCIS (Not the embassy) in Bangkok and get a definite answer from them. I'm curious, how did you live there for 1.5 years on a tourist visa? I thought 90 days was it, and then you had to leave for 6 months. At least that's how it was after the coup.

[bioman987 0]

I think it depends on the Thai Consulates location. My last visa run was in Vientiane, Laos. I talked to an American there and he said that they would refuse after 90 days at Savannakhet.

[lost_at_sea 995]

As I kind of suggested, you can just email them and ask.

[bioman987 0]

Thanks, I did email them and the wanted to know what an DCF was! I emailed them back and tried to explain and have not hear back yet. Thanks, All

[lost_at_sea 995]

Ask if you can file the I-130 at their office (explaining the terms of your stay in Thailand). "DCF" isn't really a term used much by officials.

[bioman987 0]

Ok, thanks!

[Ning 619]

I think it depends on the Thai Consulates location. My last visa run was in Vientiane, Laos. I talked to an American there and he said that they would refuse after 90 days at Savannakhet.

It has zero to do with the location of a Thai consulate. You went to Lao to obtain another tourist visa.

The embassy in BKK is well aware of the use of the term " DCF ". As soon as you explain you have existed on tourist visas to stay in country they will deny your DCF.