Centralization of DCF in Chicago

[Guatape 0]

I have lived in Colombia officially with a cedula since Sept 1 2010, I am in what is called a "union libre" since June of 2010, I was planning on filing for a K1 visa until I discovered the DCF possibility this week. So I was planning on holding off the wedding until we got the K1 visa. Now with the possibility of a DCF I notice that the procedure has been changed and that all filings will be done in Chicago after August 14th, 2011. I can't imagine what a mess this will be in the transition.

My plan is to get married in Colombia (in the Church which seems to be relevant in Bogota) in three weeks June 18th, and apply immediately in Bogota for the CR1 with an I 130 application.

My fiance has a 12 year old daughter. Is she included in the application? Are two applications and two fees required?

Do you see any problems with this approach?

Edited May 29, 2011 by Guatape

[Ryan H 3,790]

I notice that the procedure has been changed and that all filings will be done in Chicago after August 14th, 2011. I can't imagine what a mess this will be in the transition.

Is there a USCIS field office in Colombia? If so, DCF is still on the table for you regardless of the August date. The file at the Chicago lockbox procedure if you live overseas only applies if there is no USCIS field office in the country.

Edited May 29, 2011 by Ryan H

[Ryan H 3,790]

I can't imagine what a mess this will be in the transition.

There will be no transition. An I-130 petition sent to Chicago from overseas will follow the same path as those that are sent to Chicago stateside.

[Guatape 0]

Is there a USCIS field office in Colombia? If so, DCF is still on the table for you regardless of the August date. The file at the Chicago lockbox procedure if you live overseas only applies if there is no USCIS field office in the country.

I do not believe there is a USCIS field office in Colombia. It doesn't show up on the website

[Guatape 0]

There will be no transition. An I-130 petition sent to Chicago from overseas will follow the same path as those that are sent to Chicago stateside.

I think this is bad information, is there anyone from Colombia that actually knows about the new centralization, I think it will cause a lot of delays and it is advisable to apply before the deadline of August 14th 2011

[Ryan H 3,790]

My fiance has a 12 year old daughter. Is she included in the application? Are two applications and two fees required?

Since you and your fiance would marry before daughter's 18th birthday, you will able to file for the daughter. Two I-130's will be required (your spouse and your step-daughter). Ask USCIS if a fee is required for both petitions because I don't know (other VJ members may know and they will be able to tell you).

[Ryan H 3,790]

Since Colombia does not have a USCIS Field Office (I checked the website also), there will be no more walking into the Embassy and filing an I-130 after the deadline. The OP is correct that if anyone wants to DCF in Colombia, they need to do it before the deadline.

In general, the Chicago lockbox facility is for the intake of petitions, all they do is collect the fee and route the petition to a service center for adjudication; that's all, nothing more. The only thing that will happen in Chicago as a result of this announcement is they will see a slight uptick in the number of petitions they receive.

This is the current list of international USCIS field offices. If you live in country that is on that list, nothing changes. If you live in a country that is NOT on the list and you want to (and qualify) for DCF, then file at the Embassy/Consulate before the deadline.

[dtbrooklyn 0]

Does anyone know the real rationale for this? They say it it is to streamline the process, but I can only imagine this will turn DCF into the same extended wait that is the normal UCIS process. It also seems like an attempt to grab more money, as the money was going directly to the embassies.

I did DCF in Bogota last month and the process was quick (3 months in total) and painless. all done locally here in colombia, no international mailing, no dealing with UCIS bull.

I really feel sorry for anyone who this affects (seemingly a lot of people in Colombia).

to the original poster - I would hurry up and get married ASAP and get your 1-130 to the embassy in Bogota before the Aug. 15 deadline. If it is in the system by that date you should be good. Don't worry about a church marriage, as that isn't important at all (i got married in colombia in a notary). If you have any specific questions, PM me.

dt

Since Colombia does not have a USCIS Field Office (I checked the website also), there will be no more walking into the Embassy and filing an I-130 after the deadline. The OP is correct that if anyone wants to DCF in Colombia, they need to do it before the deadline.

In general, the Chicago lockbox facility is for the intake of petitions, all they do is collect the fee and route the petition to a service center for adjudication; that's all, nothing more. The only thing that will happen in Chicago as a result of this announcement is they will see a slight uptick in the number of petitions they receive.

This is the current list of international USCIS field offices. If you live in country that is on that list, nothing changes. If you live in a country that is NOT on the list and you want to (and qualify) for DCF, then file at the Embassy/Consulate before the deadline.

[3magic 0]

Hi,I'm completely agree with you here.I appreciate your views here...