Does Panama let residents do DCF anymore

[Tradewind 6]

I have been told they do and I have been told they don't. I wrote them yesterday to find out that they do. I expect an answer in 2-4 days. My wife and I have residency in Panama. My believe is they still do it for Panama residents. If so I may file for this when we return to Panama soon. Please if anyone knows, educate me.

I was given information from an immigration attorney that led me to believe they did not. He sent me a notice that Panama closed in Feb. 1, 2013 as a regional filing center. I still think they do it for residents of Panama like my wife and myself. But I am not sure. The attorney either told me the truth or mis-led me, I would like to know what the truth is. Gracias as always

This is what the attorney sent me:

It is no longer possible as of 2.1.13.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=1f0916cb6f14e010VgnVCM1000000ecd190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=1ac900c262197210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

We should continue to proceed as discussed.

[lost_at_sea 995]

Edit. Sorry. I guess their website is just not being updated anymore. You should uh... complain to panama embassy to remove the misleading info.

Edited July 7, 2013 by lost_at_sea

[hikergirl 277]

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=1ac900c262197210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=1ac900c262197210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

According to USCIS the Panama Field Office closed on 1 Feb 13, so your lawyer is correct and DCF is no longer possible.

Not sure why the Embassy’s website hasn’t been updated though.

Edited July 7, 2013 by hikergirl

[Tradewind 6]

Lawful residents of Panama may file I-130 petitions at the UCSIS office in Panama.

This is what is confusing me. Attorney says not and then the above statement says yes. I guess if I did the DCF I really would not need the attorney would I. Or as everyone says "You don't need an attorney"
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As I said I wrote them and will know the answer in a few days. That is why I am confused. Someone will know and the truth shall emerge.

[lost_at_sea 995]

Lawful residents of Panama may file I-130 petitions at the UCSIS office in Panama.

This is what is confusing me. Attorney says not and then the above statement says yes. I guess if I did the DCF I really would not need the attorney would I. Or as everyone says "You don't need an attorney"

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USCIS information is going to trump that page. I think the Panama consulate website is not being updated accurately anymore (at least that section likely isn't). Could well be the old USCIS field office that was there (and is now closed) were responsible for keeping that page up to date, and it's been left to rot in their absence.

You don't need an attorney, either way. DCF is only faster, not easier. The process is more or less the same, either way, it just gets mailed to a different destination.

[Tradewind 6]

I have been told they do and I have been told they don't. I wrote them yesterday to find out that they do. I expect an answer in 2-4 days. My wife and I have residency in Panama. My believe is they still do it for Panama residents. If so I may file for this when we return to Panama soon. Please if anyone knows, educate me.

I was given information from an immigration attorney that led me to believe they did not. He sent me a notice that Panama closed in Feb. 1, 2013 as a regional filing center. I still think they do it for residents of Panama like my wife and myself. But I am not sure. The attorney either told me the truth or mis-led me, I would like to know what the truth is. Gracias as always

This is what the attorney sent me:

It is no longer possible as of 2.1.13.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=1f0916cb6f14e010VgnVCM1000000ecd190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=1ac900c262197210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

We should continue to proceed as discussed.

I FOUND THE CORRECT INFORMATION (The attorney was incorrect) a few minutes ago. 4:18 p.m. 7/7/2013

I had specifically asked the attorney if I could file a DCF and that my wife and I were both a residents of Panama, he said it was no longer possible as of 2/01/2013 citing the closure.

I just went to the website and found that on May 5, 2013 citing the last update, that residents including USA citizens can file the DCF. Read below.

last updated on 2013-05-08 by ccyahaira Consulate Phone Number: Phone: (507) 317-5000 Fax: (507) 207-7303

Telephone inquiries are from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM Consulate E-Mail: Panama-ACS@state.gov (for American Citizen Services in Panama) panama.uscis@dhs.gov (for USCIS Field Office in Panama) panama-visas@state.gov (visa inquiries) Address: American Citizen Services Unit

Consular Section, Unit 0945

APO AA 34002

Seccion Consular

Embajada de los Estados Unidos

Apartado 0816-02561

Zona 5

Panama, Republica de Panama Working Hours: Immigrant Visa Section: Tues, Wed, and Thurs 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Consulate offers Direct Consular Filing? Yes If so, for all or only for US citizen who is lawfully resident in your country? Residents_Only

Edited July 7, 2013 by Tradewind