DCF Many Questions

[TommyJ 0]

Questions??? I am a USC and planning to file my I-130 Petion for Relative my Spouse we married in 2012 December in The Gambia. I relocated and been an unofftcial resident of The Gambia since 2014, but official resident since 2016. We have 2 years of rental lease, and property ownership docs. Every year I must pay for new Gambia residence permit and Alien Card which I missed 2014 and some of 2015 even though I was here working as a contractor! I wish to do a DCF, and I wish to also file a IR1/CR1 Visa while I am still here but the US Embassy Banjul do not handle such filings and I am told I must use US Embassy in Ghana, Accra? OR Chicago Lockbox and request expedite? Nor does Senegal its neighbors don't do DCF. I am wondering what's the wait time for Accra, and Chicago? I've been residence pass 2 years in my spouse country-so makes no sense for me to go back to USA and file! And if I can DHLcourier all documents required or if I can submit all online, scan and pay? Do I need an appointment and submit documentation in person? I am self-employed contractor I do numerous jobs n contracts with NGO's, government programs and the private sectors mostly throughiut west africa therefore do I also need to file I864 or consider a sponsor? I have copies of contracts and payment receipts of work abroad! And Earnings I made while abroad! The last most current Tax on file for USA is 2014. As for proof of domicile I still have my home in USA where all my bank statements and mail goes to, and my registered business in both USA and Gambia and I have my current unexpired usa driver license is this all required for domicile? Oh and one more question what address on the I130 should I use my USA or current one abroad? Please help! Thank You In Advance for your response!

[A'n'L 735]

According to the website for the US consulate in Gambia, it is the consulate in Senegal (Dakar) that handles immigrant visa applications for Gambians. DCF us not available there, so you will have to file the I130 petition to the Chicago lockbox. You may file from abroad, but need to send the package in the mail. Using a foreign address might expedite the process, but expect about a year from filing to visa in hand for your wife.

[Penguin_ie 5,995]

As mentioned, there is no DCF available to you.

Fiiling via the Chicago lockbox takes an average of just over a year. However, when filing from abroad, we have seen many cases auto expedited; this is not official policy, but it can take less than half the time than normal. Do NOT count on it though, it doesn't happen to everyone.

Your domicile should be ok. Your income may or may not count, as it could be difficult for you to prove you will make the same money, from the same source, once you move back home. If you can sponsor via assets or find a co-sponsor, it may be good.

[TommyJ 0]

Thank you all so much for your replies I humbly appreciate you all giving me some answers to my so many questions! But, I Am Not understanding why it would take over 1-year for my spouse to receive Visa in hand once we file? We are definitely filing at least by August or September latest! Come Dec.2016 it will be 3 years we married (Dec 2012). I lived in her country since 2014 along w my American children. I thought expedite would be the best option for us! I also forgot to mention that I learned I have an illness that this country is unable to supply the medications I will be needing! So, very soon I will need to return back to United States with all of my family! This is why I was hoping for a USIC office/center or DCF would be more appropriate for me filing for my spouse! Well, from your replies seems I have no choice but to use Chicago Lockbox and hope they would expedite for me! We have all papersworks thus far: I married 2x before: Current Marriage License/Cert, Previous Divorce Papers over 25 yrs ago, Death Cert of former spouse 6 yrs ago; Unexpired Current Passport and US Driver License, 2014 US Taxes Individual & Business, Pictures of us and with our children in her country, and with her family in-laws, my Alien Card and Gambia Resident Permit, our Home lease and property ownership papers in her country, my medical condition papers from the clinic and hospital I was admitted few times (I am fine for the interim of few months but doc say to maintain my quality of care I will definitely need to return back to States!) I have 2 people whom I've already ask to sponsor both willing due to there oncerns for my health! If I have a flareup or episode again could be bad on me! So when I submit my application petition I130 for my spouse should I or can I request for expedition-is there a special form perhaps? Should I also submit my medical statement and records from my Doctor along w the I130??? Or must I wait until the I130 is approved? Its unfortunate that there is no DCF available for Senegal/Gambia. Our long-term goal is for her to receive 1-IR Visa! But, if we must wait 1 year I think that would be too long! Any friendly advise please appreciated!

[A'n'L 735]

The one year wait is not a formality, it due to the number of cases the USCIS has to process.

You may request an expedite based on your medical situation, but they are only rarely granted. However, no reason not to try. Other forum members can advice you how to proceed with that.

Best way to expedite your case is to file as soon as possible with all forms and documents in order. Read the guides carefully to avoid delays due to missing documents.

Although not ideal, you do have the option to return to the US before your wife. Especially if you have a pressing need for medical treatment, I hope you at least consider that option.

Good luck!

Edited July 14, 2016 by A'n'L

[TommyJ 0]

Thank you so much AnL for your suggestions! I will file all paperworks from her country as planned after I hear from Immigration Service that they received my file for approval and depending on my medical condition I will plan on returning back to states!!!