Starting DCF process

[Shawnra 0]

Hi!

My name is Shawnra. I am a US citizen and my husband, Emanuel is Brasilian. We were married two months ago here in Brasil and I am currently waiting for my permanent residency to be approved, which should go through within the next two to four months.

I read it was possible to turn in the immigrant visa application at the same time you file the I-130 form. I know we need the forms DS_230 Part 1 and I-864. But I can't find the list of documents we will need. Where can I find this? Are there any other forms needed?

Also, I would appreciate any general advice anyone has to give. Especially about DCF in Brasil.

Thanks!

Edited December 10, 2007 by Shawnra

[MargotDarko 0]

Hi!

My name is Shawnra. I am a US citizen and my husband, Emanuel is Brasilian. We were married two months ago here in Brasil and I am currently waiting for my permanent residency to be approved, which should go through within the next two to four months.

I read it was possible to turn in the immigrant visa application at the same time you file the I-130 form. I know we need the forms DS_230 Part 1 and I-864. But I can't find the list of documents we will need. Where can I find this? Are there any other forms needed?

Also, I would appreciate any general advice anyone has to give. Especially about DCF in Brasil.

Thanks!

Hello there

You say your permanent residency will come through in the next two to four months. Does that mean you are not currently any type of resident in Brazil? You need to be resident in Brazil for at least six months before you are able to file the I-130 there. The best way to find out whether or not you're eligible is to contact the embassy there.

Turning in the visa application at the same time as the I-130 would mean the DS-230 along with the checklist of required documents. The checklist varies a bit between embassy locations I believe, so I would recommend obtaining it directly from them and asking them first as well if they will accept everything at the same time. With DCF, the I-864 is not shown until the visa interview unless there is something different in Brazil.

Edited December 10, 2007 by MargotDarko

[Wrath of Sithis 0]

Not necessarily. I lived here for 11 months before my residence was finally issued (they are slow here), the fact that my res. had just been issued didn't matter to the embassy. All that mattered is that I was now a legal resident and had been living her for over 6 months. For the rest of the time I had to renew my standard tourist visa every 30 days at a cost of about $25 per month. I was able to do this because of special permission showing that my residency was being processed.

Ask the embassy there, but here it was fine.

[Shawnra 0]

Hello there

You say your permanent residency will come through in the next two to four months. Does that mean you are not currently any type of resident in Brazil? You need to be resident in Brazil for at least six months before you are able to file the I-130 there. The best way to find out whether or not you're eligible is to contact the embassy there.

I've been living here in Brasil about 7 months now. I came on a tourist visa which was extended when we decided to marry. After that I immediately applied for permanent residency which came with a extended visa until my residency is approved or denied. So, I'm not too sure what my technical status is. I'll look more into it. I wouldnt mind waiting the six months but I'd rather get it done and over with.

Turning in the visa application at the same time as the I-130 would mean the DS-230 along with the checklist of required documents. The checklist varies a bit between embassy locations I believe, so I would recommend obtaining it directly from them and asking them first as well if they will accept everything at the same time.

Right after I posted this, I did exactly that. I emailed the embassy and asked them if it was possible to do it all at once and what documents and forms I'll need. So, I should be hearing from them within the week.

Thanks!

[Shawnra 0]

Not necessarily. I lived here for 11 months before my residence was finally issued (they are slow here), the fact that my res. had just been issued didn't matter to the embassy. All that mattered is that I was now a legal resident and had been living her for over 6 months. For the rest of the time I had to renew my standard tourist visa every 30 days at a cost of about $25 per month. I was able to do this because of special permission showing that my residency was being processed.

Ask the embassy there, but here it was fine.

Wow, 11 months for residency... I would just die. I miss home!

Anyways, I hope its the same here in Brasil. The embassy site says "The petitioner must be a resident of Brazil (for at least the preceding six months)..." It doesnt say "legal resident" so maybe... I'll find out. B)

[Wrath of Sithis 0]

Heheh.. Yes but I would have been here anyways waiting on that or not. Been stationed here working since Jan/07 so no big loss.