DCF in Baku, Azerbaijan

[Keimueller 0]

My wife and I were married in Tbilisi in July (she's Georgian). We've lived in Baku, Azerbaijan since March (as of Sept 4th it will be 6 months, making us eligible for DCF). All DCF's are sent to Tbilisi (nothing is processed in Baku, don't know why that is). Anyway, I checked out the embassy website today and found that they are not processing any visas at this time because of the conflict between Russia and Georgia (even though it's over for the most part). I'm wondering if anyone else has this problem. I'm going back to the States in about a week and could file from there, but as far as I understand DCF is much faster. But that's not too helpful if they've suspended all visa processing (thanks a lot, Russia).

That brings me to my second question...is it a problem to file DCF and then leave a couple days later? I won't be able to be here for her interview. Not sure if that's a problem.

I'd also like to hear from anyone who has had experience with the embassies in Baku and Tbilisi. I haven't had the greatest experience with them myself.

[MargotDarko 0]

Yes, DCF is definitely faster. If you are able to go that route, that's the way to go. You only have to be there when the I-130 petition is filed. You can leave as soon as it's been successfully filed - not actually approved, just received for sure.

However, the fact that visa processing is currently suspended might give me pause. It could be fine again long enough for you to file the petition and then be suspended again sometime in the future. I would look at the timelines for the service center where you would file in the US if you went home - I forget which one, but one of them is faster than the others.