Newbie wondering what direction to take

[Locombiano 0]

I married my wife in Bogota, Colombia on December 20, 2010. I want to bring her to the USA as quickly as possible, and this forum seems like a good spot for help. I am wondering about getting a lawyer, since I don't want to screw up any step of the process, but I figured I would see if I can handle it myself.

I visited this link Visa comparison that details the differences in Visas. It appears as if the IR1 / CR1 is the best bet. Now, I also noticed the option below, which is for Direct Consular Filing (DCF). I am wondering if this applies to me, and if it does, it seems like the quickest method to getting her to the US so she can live, work, etc. (approx. 3 months waiting time for approval)

As for me, I have dual citizenship. I was born in the US, but I am also a Colombian resident (got this a couple years ago since my mother was born there). They say this is the requirement to qualify for the DCF route. I am currently in the US, but I can fly to Bogota to apply in person at the Embassy to get the ball rolling. Has anybody done this?

I appreciate any help. I am just getting into this and the amount of information is a tad overwhelming, hence the thought about doing it with a lawyer.

[canadian_wife 1,791]

The DCF route requires you to be a legal resident for 6 months before applying through the consulate, you cannot simply fly to Columbia and then file DCF

Looks like Cr1 filing from the US is your route.

Follow the guides up at the top, unless your case is particularly difficult, this is a DIY site!

good luck

[Locombiano 0]

The DCF route requires you to be a legal resident for 6 months before applying through the consulate, you cannot simply fly to Columbia and then file DCF

Thanks for your response.

This is a bit tricky. I rented an apt. in Bogota last year for six months, had a bill in my name that I paid for a year for utilities (that just ended) last month. After the lease ran out, I stayed at her place. I've gone back and forth from Bogota and the US, so I am wondering if this is still a possibility. I plan on moving back there in a month and staying until she can come to the US with me.

[Ning 619]

I married my wife in Bogota, Colombia on December 20, 2010. I want to bring her to the USA as quickly as possible, and this forum seems like a good spot for help. I am wondering about getting a lawyer, since I don't want to screw up any step of the process, but I figured I would see if I can handle it myself.

I visited this link Visa comparison that details the differences in Visas. It appears as if the IR1 / CR1 is the best bet. Now, I also noticed the option below, which is for Direct Consular Filing (DCF). I am wondering if this applies to me, and if it does, it seems like the quickest method to getting her to the US so she can live, work, etc. (approx. 3 months waiting time for approval)

As for me, I have dual citizenship. I was born in the US, but I am also a Colombian resident (got this a couple years ago since my mother was born there). They say this is the requirement to qualify for the DCF route. I am currently in the US, but I can fly to Bogota to apply in person at the Embassy to get the ball rolling. Has anybody done this?

I appreciate any help. I am just getting into this and the amount of information is a tad overwhelming, hence the thought about doing it with a lawyer.

Keep in mind a lawyer is simply an expensive filter. You will be required to provide all the exact same info to the lawyer that you would put on the forms. Most of the time the lawyer slows the process down because they have to handle all the paper work again.

To do the DCF you must be a legal resident of Colombia for at least 6 months. You dont have to be there in person to file DCF but you will have to file the case there.

It is intimidating at first but you can do it just as we have.

[Locombiano 0]

To do the DCF you must be a legal resident of Colombia for at least 6 months. You dont have to be there in person to file DCF but you will have to file the case there.

Yeah, I don't think I will go the lawyer route, as this board alone has plenty of guidance. What exactly does "legal resident" constitute? I've read around on some DCF cases in Colombia and it seems like a very streamlined process, so I'm intrigued.

Thanks for your help.