DCF Lima, Peru

[corona25 0]

On August 25th I filled the I-130 for my wife and step son. The paper that is given at the embassy which describes the requirements for filing the I-130 petition states that processing time for the I-130 is between 5-10 days and that within two weeks a packet of forms will arrive by mail to start the visa process. My question is for anyone who has gone through the DCF process in Lima, Peru. I would like to know if these processing times are accurate or if anyone has gone through this process could you please share how long the process took? It has been over two weeks for me so far and I have not heard anything back from the embassy. Please respond if you have any information on this topic. Thanks so much!

[yachachiq12 43]

It took about 2.5 weeks for them to approve our petition but we didn't receive the notice in the mail (in Cuzco) until almost 4 weeks later. Wait until 3 weeks have passed and then call or email them.

If you go to the Peru Portal under "Portals" on the dark blue bar above, click on "Peru visa timelines" and then select consulate as Peru and DCF only on the bottom of the spreadsheet, it will show you what people have experienced in the past, too.

[corona25 0]

Thank you very much for the response. When you received your I-130 approval in the mail 4 weeks later did that come with the visa packet to start the visa process? Also once you submitted all the documents from the visa packet, how long did it take for the embassy to schedule an interview data? I have heard after the interview date, the visa is sent within 3 days through DHL. Is that correct?

I tried to look at the Peru visa timelines page like you recommended and filter the results by DCF only and the consulate as Peru but the only thing that appears is processing times from service centers in the United States.

[yachachiq12 43]

You're right regarding the timelines: the results are too inconsistent in the way they were entered to be useful. I also didn't mention filtering to just CR-1/IR-1, which you can do above and just gives you the DCF with no extra noise. Still, inconsistent data entry...

The approval of the petition came with everything: interview letter and the packet explaining what needs to be brought to the visa interview. You do not submit anything until your interview (at least it worked that way last year). You just bring it all with you.

I believe we picked up our visa 3 days later from DHL. They didn't give us an option for delivery and I believe we had to pick it up at the Surco office rather than our nearest location. Be careful of the weird hours DHL keeps for handing over the visa packets before you head out to their office (they weren't the same as their business hours).

Edited September 10, 2011 by yachachiq12

[corona25 0]

Very helpful information, thanks so much. Once you received the packet with the approval of the petition and everything that needed to be brought to the visa interview, how much time actually passed until you went to the visa interview? To clarify, what was the time period between receiving the visa packet and actually having the visa interview?

Also I was reading that a medical exam is part of the requirement before going to the visa interview. According to the information given in the Peru portal the cost is 300 soles and can only be performed by two different doctors. Can you verify if this is correct?

[yachachiq12 43]

Ok, so our interview situation was a little special. When we received our packet initially, the interview was scheduled for some 3 weeks later. We wrote to them to cancel the interview because we were not planning to leave Peru until 9 months later (we started early in case any issues arose. We didn't want to have the interview too early once things went well so that the visa would expire before travel. Also, living in Cuzco, we had to take advantage of being in Lima momentarily to file the I-130 petition). They held onto our packet until we wrote back a month before we were ready for an interview. We wrote in early November requesting an early December 2010 interview date, which we were given. I think you can find the interview timelines by embassy somewhere, but I'm not sure where (I could only find them for non-immigrant visas). My best guess would be within a month, but I don't know if they're currently backlogged or where to find that information.

You will get the medical exam info in the packet. You cannot make the appointment with the doctor until then. I recommend Dr. Corigliano. Yes, you can only use the listed civil surgeons. The exam is 300 soles, but you must also pay for vaccinations. They do not permit you to do those elsewhere. When making your appointment, ask how much to bring for those. It says vaccines are about $140 here, which sounds right: http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/index.php?ctry=Peru&cty=Lima

Check this out if you haven't already: http://lima.usembassy.gov/required_forms.html

And start putting together your I-864 and evidence for how you're re-establishing domicile. A forum search here will bring up lots of good ideas for the domicile issue.

[yachachiq12 43]

Another thing that I wish someone had explained: the appointment you make with the doctor is also made by dozens of other visa-seekers. Be prepared to be at the clinic for hours doing lots of tests, x-rays, vaccinations, and just waiting your turn. Get there early (anathema to people who've lived in Peru long-term!) so you're not the last guy standing. We were and it was unpleasant. If you go to the Clinica Anglo-Americana, though, the cafe has good (if overpriced) food and the coffee vending machine can't be beat.

[Norteamericano_CM 2]

Hey guys! This is some really useful information. I am a new member so sorry if I am re-posting or hijacking this post, but I wanted to try to get an answer because I tried to contact the Embassy but they don´t take calls regarding this topic. I am an American who married a Peruvian here in Peru and I am currently living in Arequipa so I can't go to Lima to get the directions or ask questions.

What papers/documents are required when filing the I130?(and do they need to be translated into English). Does it have to be official translation? if so where?

How long does it take to get the visa after you go to the interview? I know it varies but a ballpark Because we are planning how we will enter the USA (and I know we only have 6 months to enter after approval) this might be similar to you yachachiq12, but is there a requirement to how long we must stay in the USA, after entering?

any helpful information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[yachachiq12 43]

Hi Norteamericano! I am attaching here the Table of Contents of what we submitted with our I-130. We had no requests for additional documents until the interview round where we augmented the bona fide marriage evidence and all the other required stuff.

Note the following: 1) evidence of various types for bona fide marriage in the I-130 filing so they're convinced by the time you get to the interview. 2) our civil marriage took place outside the Lima province -- hence we had to get it legalized at RENIEC. This is required. Have various copies of your Arequipa civil marriage certificate legalized so you have plenty for all immigration paperwork and your subsequent life in the US. We got 5 certified copies from the Municipality where we married and then had them all legalized at RENIEC. 3) I translated everything myself and wrote about why I'm qualified to translate at the bottom of each page (just being fluent -- not any sort of official translator), swore it was the truth, and signed it. For DCF in Lima, if your documents are in Spanish or English, you do NOT need to translate. If you've got a friend who wrote an affidavit about your relationship in Quechua or Aymara, it will need to be translated! Also, if using notarized affidavits to show a bona fide relationship, note that most Peruvian notaries will not notarize something not written in Spanish. 4) provide evidence for your 6-month plus residence in Peru. They specifically want to see your certificate of Movimientos Migratorios, which you get at DIGIMEN. Show them copies of your visa or carnet de extranjeria (hence my visa oficial inclusion).

If you're approved at the interview, it takes a few days to get the visa in hand. Here's what the Embassy website says about it: http://lima.usembassy.gov/6dhl.html

As for staying in the US, you can travel right away, but need to reside here, obviously. Read more here: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=0c353a4107083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=0c353a4107083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

TABLE OF CONTENTS.pdf

Edited September 10, 2011 by yachachiq12

[corona25 0]

No need to worry Norteamericano, I hope all this information will help any American citizen who is living in Peru and has married a Peruvian resident and who wants to go through the DCF process. It can be very daunting at times and information from those who have already gone through the process is very helpful.

My version is slightly different than yachachiq12's concerning documents that needed to be translated. I am English/Spanish bilingual and taught various Spanish courses at the University level in the US. I specifically asked if I could do the translations which I am more than qualified to do but the response given to me was a firm NO. The check list for the I-130 petition that is given at the embassy states that all documents submitted in a different language other than English should attach a certified translation. I live in Lima so I can not tell you where the certified translators in Arequipa are, but I am sure you will find some quickly if you just ask around. As far as translating a marriage certificate, the first step is to get it legalized at a RENIEC office. You must first go to el Banco de la Nacion and pay 20 soles or so to legalize the document. RENIEC take 3-4 days to hand back your legalized document. After this process I then had to take the document legalized by RENIEC to Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores. Sorry for the bad news but there are only three offices and they are all in Lima. The good news is that it only takes one day for the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores to put their seal on the document. Once the document has both the seals from RENIEC and the Minesterio de Relaciones Exteriores, then it can be given to an official translator in Peru to translate.

Here are the requirements for the 1-130 petition.

- Original marriage certificate

- Divorce decrees or death certificates to show termination of all previous marriages

- One color photo of each the petitioner and the beneficiary, US style passport style with white background (5 x 5 cm)

- Payment in cash of $420

- A copy of the US citizen's passport, or US birth certificate

- Form I-130 completed and signed

- Form G-325A (one for petitioner and one for the beneficiary) completed and signed

- Evidence of relationship (Refer to I-130 for documents required to prove family relationship)

- Original and copy of your Peruvian Carnet de Extranjeria. Other evidence like job letter, telephone bills, house lease, migratory movement, ect. may be used as evidence of residence in Peru

Note about the last requirement. I was told that the migratory movement was a requirement as well as a copy of your Peruvian Carnet de Extranjeria. Also they ask for at least two other pieces of evidence to show evidence of residence in Peru. The migratory movement does not have to be translated into English.

Hope this helps out.

[yachachiq12 43]

As far as translating a marriage certificate, the first step is to get it legalized at a RENIEC office. You must first go to el Banco de la Nacion and pay 20 soles or so to legalize the document. RENIEC take 3-4 days to hand back your legalized document. After this process I then had to take the document legalized by RENIEC to Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores. Sorry for the bad news but there are only three offices and they are all in Lima. The good news is that it only takes one day for the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores to put their seal on the document. Once the document has both the seals from RENIEC and the Minesterio de Relaciones Exteriores, then it can be given to an official translator in Peru to translate.

If you take the marriage certificate to RENIEC in Arequipa, it is my understanding that it will take substantially longer, as they will have to send it to Lima. Check on that to verify and plan your timing right. Thanks for the updated information, Corona. Obviously some things have changed since 2010.

[Norteamericano_CM 2]

If you take the marriage certificate to RENIEC in Arequipa, it is my understanding that it will take substantially longer, as they will have to send it to Lima. Check on that to verify and plan your timing right. Thanks for the updated information, Corona. Obviously some things have changed since 2010.

Hey Guys I have to start my process soon I have a few more questions. I got my marriage certificate certified by Reniec, but since I live in Arequipa with my wife so Is it really important to have the document translated?. So can I go and get it certified and then ¨official¨ translation in Lima on the same day? We don´t have a lot of time so I´m worried if I can´t get it translated in Lima we won´t be able to use it? Are there any official translators in Arequipa? Sorry if I am asking the same questions again

Also, I heard the window is only open Tu/Thurs from 9am-11am for DCF, When you went to the file the I-130 did you have an appointment? I tried using the InfoPass website but it didn't allow me to make an appointment for filing the I-130. Thanks in advance for your response

[yachachiq12 43]

Hey Guys I have to start my process soon I have a few more questions. I got my marriage certificate certified by Reniec, but since I live in Arequipa with my wife so Is it really important to have the document translated?. So can I go and get it certified and then ¨official¨ translation in Lima on the same day? We don´t have a lot of time so I´m worried if I can´t get it translated in Lima we won´t be able to use it? Are there any official translators in Arequipa? Sorry if I am asking the same questions again

Also, I heard the window is only open Tu/Thurs from 9am-11am for DCF, When you went to the file the I-130 did you have an appointment? I tried using the InfoPass website but it didn't allow me to make an appointment for filing the I-130. Thanks in advance for your response

Did you have the marriage certificate legalized by RENIEC or not? It's a little unclear from your language. Any RENIEC office can do it. If I were you, I would call and verify the need for the official translation (it seems unlikely this is actually a requirement since it isn't required to be translated by an official translator when you submit to the lockbox, plus when you submit the interview documents in Lima they specifically say anything in English or Spanish does not require any translation. What corona said about Relaciones Exteriores also doesn't make sense because they are a bureaucratic office that handles incoming documents from outside Peru. So, a Peruvian marriage certificate would not be the domain of RREE. Do you see anyone else filing regularly with a Peruvian marriage certificate needing this? If in doubt, call during their phone hours and be very clear about your question). If you end up needing one, the only official translators I know of are located in Lima. http://archive.livinginperu.com/dir/official-translators/multiple-languages

Yes, you have to go to the window hours. That is the only way you will be allowed in and the only way they will accept your filing. There's usually a short wait once you're inside. InfoPass will not help you with this. Double-check the window hours before you go. Looks like they're currently Tu Th Fr 9-11 am. http://lima.usembassy.gov/filing_a_visa_immigrant_petition.html

Check on holiday closings too. They'll be closed October 19 and November 17. http://lima.usembassy.gov/immigrant_visas.html

[corona25 0]

Ok let me be very clear about a couple of things, first is that I just recently have gone through the filing of the I-130 process and what I have said is 100% accurate. I have spoken with various people who have also goon through this process previously and the requirements on what is needed to file have been changed throughout the years. The requirements that I have listed and talked about previously are current and up to date.

Another thing that needs to be made clear is the fact that the office that handles the I-130 process is a separate entity than the office which processes the approved I-130 petition for the visa process. Tachachiq12 is correct, the consular section which processes the visa which is the step taken after the I-130 is approved, which are also the people who will give you the interview, say that anything in English or Spanish does not require any official translation. Therefore the point that I am making here is that these separate departments have SEPARATE requirements. Having said this I am 100% sure that the marriage certificate which you have to take when initially filing for the I-130 MUST be translated into English. In order to do this it must first be certified by RENIEC and then certified by la oficina de Relaciones Exteriores. I do not make the rules up but this is the law in Peru, ask any official translator in Peru and they will tell you the same thing. As far as an official translator in Arequipa, I would assume there are some there, check on the internet or ask somebody at the RENIEC office. Getting your document translated can take up to four days at least that has been my experience.

What Tachachiq12 said in the following is incorrect.

“What corona said about Relaciones Exteriores also doesn't make sense because they are a bureaucratic office that handles incoming documents from outside Peru. So, a Peruvian marriage certificate would not be the domain of RREE.”

It all goes back to the Hague Convention which Peru and the United States are part of. You can read about it here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostille_convention

When I got married in Peru my birth certificate had to have the official apostle from my state before Relationes Exteriores could put their official seal on my birth certificate all because my birth certificate had to be translated into Spanish by an official translator. This would be an example of what Tachachiq12 is talking about when he refers to incoming documents from outside Peru. This works visa versa the same way for documents in Peru that are going to be used in foreign countries. In the case of getting marriage certificates from Peru officially translated into English for use at the US embassy in Peru, this is an example because the embassy is technically just an extension of the United States. Like I said, ask an official translator in Peru what the requirements are for having a document officially translated and they will tell you the same thing.

Tachachiq12 is also correct about the window hours open Tuesday and Thursday from 9am-11am for filing the I-130 petition. You do not need to make an appointment for this. Just show up and tell the guard “Immigrations”. My advice is to get there early; my experience has been hit or miss with the crowds. I had to go various times and some times there was no line at all and I was let in immediately, other times I had to wait over an hour and half to be waited on. It’s good to arrive around 8:30 am so you can be one of the first to be waited on.

Norteamericano, just a quick question? Do you have your Peruvian carnet de extranjeria (CE)? If you do not have that you are wasting your time in going to the embassy. As I said before this process takes at least a month and you will also need to hand in a copy of your marriage certificate legalized by RENIEC.

[yachachiq12 43]

Norteamericano, just a quick question? Do you have your Peruvian carnet de extranjeria (CE)? If you do not have that you are wasting your time in going to the embassy. As I said before this process takes at least a month and you will also need to hand in a copy of your marriage certificate legalized by RENIEC.

I guess I'm not being clear enough. He needs to make calls and visit the window hours himself to find out for certain that these are requirements today. We've seen that they change often. I am expressing my concern that a USC residing in the US can file to the lockbox with a Peruvian marriage certificate translated by any competent translator, while a person DCFing is suddenly required to visit an additional ministry plus an official translator. Also, you stated earlier that the checklist you were given requested a "certified translation." This is not the same as an official translation. When I filed, a certified translation referred to a translation accompanied by a written statement of competency and truthfulness in the translation with a signature. Wouldn't you think that would be worth following up on for someone filing right now, particularly if they live in the provinces? If he has to do it, he has to do it, but he needs to determine that first.

Also, regarding the above: Nortamericano has already posted in the DCF forum subsequent to your residency requirement advice that he was told specifically that a CE was not required for filing DCF: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/329005-dcf-i-130-without-ce-read-this-email/

This was also the case for me, as I was on a visa oficial rather than a CE. I know that USCIS publicly states that legal residency is required, but the definition is currently loose for Lima.