My husband and I have been married for 7 months, and we're planning to move to the States next year. The thing is that my Russian visa will expire in April, 2008, so if it's possible it would be better to move before then (less expensive that way).
When I read the article about DCF ( http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...om&page=dcf ), I checked with the consulate, and I should be able to file the petition for my husband's CR-1 that way. But in the article, it also said that "If you have all of the documents for the petition + visa application ready at your first visit to the Consulate (to file the I-130) you may persuade the Immigrant Visa workers to accept the visa application early and start a provisional file for you." Does anybody have any idea of what circumstances would warrant this? Any experience? Thanks!

I don't think certain circumstances would warrant it. Just bring absolutely everything plus copies that you need for the I-130 package plus the visa application (DS-230 and I-864). But normal DCF is pretty quick anyway and would definitely get you back to the US before April 2008 anyway (pending any problems with past convictions or getting a joint sponsor), so don't sweat it if they don't start the visa application early for you. Do you have an appt or have you requested an appt to file the I-130 yet?

'persuade', what does that mean Does that mean giving them photos of Hamilton, Jefferson or Franklin

I don't think so... and I hope not!

jasman,

Probably not. A lot of the FAQ and the Guides was written some time ago, when provisional files were permissable. They were done away with during Powel's time as Secretary of State, I believe.

Yodrak