How long to wait to start DCF process

[noreaga 0]

Hi everyone,

I've been living in Seoul for the last 14 months, and married my wife (the USC) back at home in Canada about 3 months ago. My wife just moved to Seoul a couple of weeks ago and we are anxious to start the dcf process.

In my research a while ago, I had come across something that mentioned that we should wait six months before starting the process. I haven't found anything official to back this up, so was looking for some guidance on here.

Is there a downside/risk to starting the process earlier, I.e. as soon as she receives her ARC card ?

[Dbkrantz 16]

If you are doing DCF, most consulates requires 6 months residency for both of you, which means that your wife has to live in Seoul for 6 months before she can start applying for you.

The good news though, is that generally, DCF can be completed in about 4 months.

[Guest KMC]

Yes, It is very fast, If you are lucky you can finish it for 1 month Good Luck!

Edited October 14, 2013 by KMC

[lost_at_sea 995]

It appears Seoul do DCF on a case-by-case policy in terms of "how long" until you can file. The answer is likely "as soon as you can prove residency" by showing the required documentation. You can read the info here: http://seoul.usembassy.gov/visas_spouse_of_american.html

There is no penalty to filing at your earliest convenience. IR/CR visas, once issued, generally expire 6 months from the date you have your medical, so that may be a factor for you.

Edited October 14, 2013 by lost_at_sea

[noreaga 0]

Thanks for the informative replies !

Re: expiration of the visa once issued, doesn't it just mean that I need to enter the US within a period of 6 months of issuance? Or, does it mean that I need to enter and stay in the US?

I'm just thinking of the situation where I need to return to Seoul to tie up loose ends after the visa's been issued. Surely one can return after entering the US and going through whatever process is required at the airport there ...

[lost_at_sea 995]

Thanks for the informative replies !

Re: expiration of the visa once issued, doesn't it just mean that I need to enter the US within a period of 6 months of issuance? Or, does it mean that I need to enter and stay in the US?

I'm just thinking of the situation where I need to return to Seoul to tie up loose ends after the visa's been issued. Surely one can return after entering the US and going through whatever process is required at the airport there ...

Yes, that's right. That's a nice benefit of the spouse route over the k1, say.