DCF Moscow Russia

[ivp76 0]

Hello VJ members!

I'm a naturalized USC who's about to start the DCF process for my Russian wife. I have a few questions that I hope someone can help me with:

1. The phone number for USCIS Moscow office seems to be disconnected (found here:http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=201c423bd106d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=1ac900c262197210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD )

Does anyone have another number for me to try? Also, has anyone tried contacting them by email, moscow.dhs@dhs.gov ?

2. I currently live in Russia, but I still have a US based job (I work remotely). Does this fact establish domicile in the US for me, and, conversely, make me ineligible for DCF? Is this going to be a problem for the Affidavit of Support?

3. Can anyone recommend an attorney in Moscow who has experience with US immigration system? Not sure if it's even possible, but worth a try

Thank you in advance for your help!

[AmyWrites 593]

1. Call the embassy and asked to be transferred to USCIS.

2. I'd think so, but frankly, they never asked me about domicile, I could've saved paper printing out those proofs, never came up. BUT I'm a student.

3. You don't need one if your case is simple.

I just finished DCF in Moscow so any questions let me know.

[Oksana & Max 94]

Here is some additional info. http://moscow.usembassy.gov/uscismain.html

While the phone numbers look the same you can do InfoPass appointment.

The main question to ask about DCF are you working on the contract which is based in Russia (even with US Company) if the answer is yes, then you are elligible for DCF. Otherwise you have to file to Chicago LockBox, recently filings with abroad address are done pretty quickly.

Working for US Company should not have any issues on Affidavit of Support. Make sure to have letter of employment, from your employer, showing that you still will be working after return to the US.

Why would you want an attorney (WAISTE OF TIME AND MONEY), unless your case is complicated.

[ivp76 0]

Thank you for the pointers -- much appreciated!

My case is somewhat complicated, because I gained my immigrant status through marriage to a USC, who filed for divorce last year, soon after I got my citizenship. I'm afraid the fact that I got married again so soon might look suspicious. Any words of advice?

Also, my new wife is subject to the 2-yr. J-1 requirement, which she's almost done with, so this could complicate matters further...

[ivp76 0]

To Oksana & Max:

So are you saying that if I quit my US based job, I should be able to DCF in Moscow? I have some job prospects in Russia, although I'm not sure if anything will pan out.

If I don't get a job in Russia and just stay here for six month (live on savings), do you think I will be able to DCF?

Thanks again for your help on this!

[AmyWrites 593]

If you live in Russia for 6 months in a row you can DCF.

It might look suspicious, but frankly, just explain it, if asked, at the interview. Have you been married for less than 2 years? If so, you will get interviewed by USCIS and all these things will be asked and you can explain them.

[BBCC 16]

During our I-130 (non-DCF), I (USC), lived outside US through the entire process. However, I specified my US address on every correspondence. They mailed paperwork meant for me to my US address. Someone at my US address would scan and email me the pdf. This seemed to qualify me to sponsor my non-USC wife on the affidavit of support. But if you need to appear to be based in Moscow, then this may not work. Do BOTH of you have to be based in Moscow to use DCF?

Even though I used my US address everywhere in order to be the support sponsor, I still used a lease to our non-US address that we signed together as proof of our relationship. This didn't seem to raise any red flags, even at her interview.

Just thought I'd mention this approach with the address and that it worked for us.