Which is quicker I-129F or I-130 DCF?

[michellek1976 0]

Hello all,

Up until last night I had never heard of DCF. Someone was kind enough to send me an email and suggest I look at this process.

Our I-129F was received by CSC on 15 March. We were optimistic (and niaive) to think that our application would be smooth sailing and I would be arriving in US with my daughter to start the school year. HAHA

With the IMBRA laws putting the breaks on all applications we wait in limbo. Could it be just a couple more weeks, months, or more?

I'm travelling back to the US in a couple of weeks for a quick visit. Perhaps we could get married in Vegas and abandon the I-129F application for the I-130 DCF.

Is the DCF process really as quick and painless as it sounds? Seems too good to be true.

Would be grateful for any advice, suggestions, past experiences to help us decide what route to travel now.

Thanks

[hafiz 1]

if you can do dcf than i would, its faster. This imbra limbra is goign to take some time

[babybunny 2]

DCF if you can..

[aussiewench 9]

michellek1976

DCF in Australia is as easy as. There has been some changes to how DCF is done here but it is still the easiest and quickest way to be reunited. There is no residency requirements of the USC in Australia in order to file. Once approved and granted there is no adjustment of status in the US, as one is granted a conditional green card on entry.

Read HERE about the changes to DCF in Australia.

[michellek1976 0]

Thanks for your advice. Still cautious about abandoning the I-129F process. Just our luck that will get approved the day after we get married.

Kicking myself I didn't read about this earlier.

[CarolineM 0]

DCF in Australia is soooo wonderful. i'm telling you...three months to our visa...and it could have been shorter could I have made it to Oz sooner!!

With IMBRA...you have no idea WHEN you'll get through all this...I think fall is optimistic!

[aussiewench 9]

Thanks for your advice. Still cautious about abandoning the I-129F process. Just our luck that will get approved the day after we get married.

Kicking myself I didn't read about this earlier.

Regardless. The whole DCF process in australia can be completed from start to finish in a matter of a couple of months or less. 'Mellie' and her now hubby Scott abandoned their K-1 (admittedly their petition got lost) and did DCF and never regretted it. Read up more on it over the next couple of days before making a decision. There is many benefits to it considering it is for the green card with nothing else to do for almost 2 years after entry and one can work straight away etc.

All the best to you in what ever you decide.

Lorelle

[michellek1976 0]

Thanks Karo for the initial suggestion and thanks Lorelle for your advice.

I guess we've got the next 3 weeks to see if there is any activity on our I-129F case and if not we'll be off to Vegas!

Just can't believe I had never heard of it - I thought I'd read EVERYTHING there was to read about immigration!

Just have to tell my fiance he needs more vacation time to hand in the form. Damn shame we can't file in Sydney anymore - the Syd-Perth trip is the last thing you need after crossing the Pacific.

[CarolineM 0]

No worries! I knew nothing about it either and someone PM'ed me to tell me about it. Best thing that ever happened to me!

[meauxna 15]

I-130 DCF is absolutely faster than I-129f if your goal is Permanent Resident status; the I-129f route can take up to 4 years.

I think the further you look into this, especially with the addition of a child in the mix, you'll find DCF to be The Way to go.

Good Luck!

[Campanita 0]

I was in a similiar situation and went ahead and did the DCF. So glad we did. Entire process from date of first interview to obtaining the Visa was less than 1.5 months. My husband arrives in the US tomorrow night!!!

[Lunamel 0]

Hi michelle1976

You may have seen that I'm about to start the DCF process in Australia -- sounds like a great option for you too, so hope you can make it work!

[dark faery 0]

I just want to add- do DCF if at all possible!! My husband and I did DCF in Australia, back in December. Our case only took 2 and a half weeks to process, from start to finish. You're lucky to be able to go through one of the quickest routes, definitely take advantage of that if you can. It's better than waiting on the I-129 for what feels like an eternity and then once you enter the country and get married, having to go through adjustment of status. Make it simple on yourself and good luck!

[alli 0]

I'm in the same boat atm. My fiance sent in the I-129F mid-May in the hopes we would be finished by end of year. It's not looking too good with all the IMBRA stuff going on, so I had a look at DCF.

I'll be heading over to see him July 21st for 2 weeks, and am considering taking the DCF route as it seems quicker. I suggested we have a quickie wedding in California when I arrive, and he could come back with me to Australia and file early August in Melbourne (I'm from Adelaide). Upon speaking with the consulate though, my mother (I couldn't call as at work) was told that DCF takes just as long as the I-129F... I was under the impression that without all the Service Centre/NVC it would be a faster option.

How long does the consulate/embassy take to approve I-130's from USC? and what sort of timeline am I looking at for being able to go over and live with him? I've read that packet 3 can no longer be sent out to the beneficiary before I-130 is lodged, so it will take a bit longer than it used to. What type of wait time is there on interviews for the Aus citizen once the checklist has been received back by the consulate?

Also is there any sort of time limit on how long you need to be married before you can file? We'll have only been married for 2 weeks when he lodges the application if we decide DCF is the way to go.

Thanks

[michellek1976 0]

HI Alli,

Its like you're telling my story! I'm going to LA on 18 July for 3 weeks. Seriously considering getting married whilst there and husband coming back here to file. From what all aussies are telling me it is very quick - but I'm nervous that with new filing rules Perth consulate may not be experienced with them and we hit obstacles. My I-129F was filed mid-March so we're hoping that the IMBRA RFE will come out soon. If you filed later in May perhaps you've not got as much to time invested to risk. Also concerned that we may look like we're trying to dodge the IMBRA questions and that may raise a red flag.

I'm as confused as you!!