DCF through Germany but reside in Netherlands

[Zactrac 1]

Hi everyone! Looking for some advice before I waste $500. I’m American citizen stationed in Germany. The base is right on the border with the Netherlands and we can get authorization to live there instead. I have been living in the Netherlands for 3 years with my German fiancé. We are do to be married later this month in Denmark. 

 

my question is: can I apply for DCF through Frankfurt consulate? My military orders say Germany but my physical address is in The Netherlands. The processing times are night and day difference for DCF vs traditional approach so want to make sure I’m not missing out. 

 Thanks

[Roel 7,192]

I think the physical residence counts though. Not your orders address. And it looks like your and your fiance physical address is not in Germany. 

 

"The DCF petitioner must reside legally in the consular district of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at which he or she is requesting to file.^[1"

 

I'd contact Frankfurt consulate directly and ask them. I think there is some exception for military but the fact that you don't actually live in Germany might be a problem. 

 

As far as I know you'd need at least 6 month of legal residency in Germany to qualify? 

 

I'd suggest contacting immigration/law office on your base but they are notoriously wrong.. they gave me bad advices before and I saw other posters complaining about base legal also. But it's always worth a shot. 

 

Also hello from Baumholder base.

[GreatDane 366]

Ohhhh where in Denmark? (Absolutely not relevant, just curious)  

[Little_Vixen 1,869]

51 minutes ago, Zactrac said:

I’m American citizen stationed in Germany. The base is right on the border with the Netherlands

Also not relevant but where? I live in the Netherlands near the German border with an American base just on the other side.

[Roel 7,192]

3 minutes ago, Little_Vixen said:

Also not relevant but where? I live in the Netherlands near the German border with an American base just on the other side.

Kind or curious also. I thought all bases in Germany are tucked in the south part of the country.

[Zactrac 1]

Found this on USCIS Frankfurt site

Active duty U.S. Military: Active duty U.S. military service members stationed permanently at a military base in USCIS Frankfurt's jurisdiction, but outside of Germany, may file this form directly with the Department of State without needing to establish exceptional circumstances.

 

what exactly does that mean?

 

im at Geilenkirchen AB and we are getting married on Aeros island !

[Roel 7,192]

My advice stands - call Frankfurt consulate and ask them what your options are in this situation. or even make appointment with them. 

[Zactrac 1]

I’ve tried calling and it just gives me a pre-recorded message. Anyone have the phone number that gets me to a person? 

I sent an email to and waiting to hear back

[Roel 7,192]

It took them few days to answer me when I emailed them. You can also try general military helpline 

 

https://www.uscis.gov/military/military-help-line

[Little_Vixen 1,869]

11 minutes ago, Zactrac said:

im at Geilenkirchen AB and we are getting married on Aeros island !

Awesome!!! That's near where I live!

PM me if you want to go grab a coffee one of these days (but before September cause I hope to move to the US by then, lol)

[Mark88 184]

You can file directly with Frankfurt, since you are stationed in Germany. 

[mrmvkjts 459]

As far as I know you should be able to file thru Frankfurt because you‘re stationed in Germany and they do make this „exeption“ for military.

 

I live super close to the German border but on the Austrian site and there is no military and we were not allowed to file thru Frankfurt