Requirements for DCF

[A'n'L 735]

No, not currently. She was a resident though, and the embassy does not specify that the spouse has to be a resident

when filing the petition.

In my understanding, the beneficiary can only interview in a country she is either a citizen or a legal resident of. She needs to show proof of legal residency in said country at the time of the interview.

[yk90 1]

Oh ok! And how long does it tend to take after the interview? That makes this option seem a lot less appealing of course.

[Penguin_ie 5,986]

If there is no AP (after interview security or name checks), the visa is usually issued within 2 weeks.

It was my understanding that the petitioner can file DCF as long as they live abroad, even if it is in a different country from the beneficiary (ie that your wife could interview in Canada). However, these cases are very rare and policies may change...

[kris&me 572]

She is Canadian

wouldn't she do the interview in Canada?

[Soup Dragon 104]

Oh ok! And how long does it tend to take after the interview? That makes this option seem a lot less appealing of course.

My husband and I did DCF through Frankfurt and my visa was with me within three days. The consulate requires a German residential address for the courier to deliver the package

Don't forget she has to supply a police certificate from when she lived in Germany

[lost_at_sea 995]

She is Canadian

wouldn't she do the interview in Canada?

No, because it won't be the Canadian consulate processing the visa. It'll be Frankfurt.

[yk90 1]

Thanks for all the Input

Are you sure it'll be in frankfurt?

The embassy phone message says the response and interview will be sent to the embassy in spouse's country. I'll call and ask on Monday.

[Alaska2012 462]

If you do a DCF it will all take place in Germany...

[yk90 1]

Thanks so much for all the input. I am working on getting everything ready for the application now.

I am still unclear on two points though:

1. Do we really have to file the I130 petition AND all supporting docs and financial docs (i.e. affidavit of support) right now?
Or do we follow the process outlined online and provide the supporting docs and financial docs once she gets invited to

an interview.

2. I haven't filed my taxes yet for a year or two (didn't earn any significant income the previous year, and currently filing my taxes
for last year, all foreign income exclusion of course). I can get the transcripts within 2-3 months, so is it enough to submit the

affidavits of support when she interviews? We are also getting a co-sponsor. Do I still need tax returns even though I haven't earned

income in the US? I have a job lined up in the states so I can submit my letter of employment. I also never got any tax returns.

I assume I have to request them using the online feature?

[yk90 1]

Actually with a co-sponsor, would it be enough for me to provide my most recent tax return? Since I have an extension till June because I am abroad, I am filing that now
and can provide a copy of the forms I submit of course. And I have no W-2 as I didn't earn any income in the us.

We would get 3 tax returns from the co-sponsor though.

[Illiria 980]

Are you both currently legal residents in Germany?

[yk90 1]

I am a legal resident, she currently isn't. However, the embassy website and phone recording only specifies that the petitioner must be a resident. I will confirm this with the embassy tomorrow though.

[Alaska2012 462]

If you guys aren't married yet why not just do K1? It's faster than traditional cr1 and she wouldn't have to go back and forth to Germany...

[yk90 1]

Because the DCF CR1 is much faster than K-1. 2-3 months, then an interview and then immediate permanent resident status when you get to the US.

With K-1 it's 6 months till the interview, plus another 2-3 months to do adjustment of status.

[Alaska2012 462]

DCF takes 2-3 months if you are lucky. It can take 4-6 months... but yes you have no hassle with uscis for a couple of years that's true lol