DCF in the UAE

[thesantina 5]

Is Direct Consular Processing available to individuals living in the UAE?

[geowrian 22,335]

Only in exceptional circumstances. Otherwise a USCIS field office must be located within the country: https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-uscis-office/international-immigration-offices

[thesantina 5]

6 minutes ago, geowrian said:

Only in exceptional circumstances. Otherwise a USCIS field office must be located within the country: https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-uscis-office/international-immigration-offices

ok I see. We filed in February and Received the Notification 1 on March 1. Would you say we have a mighty long way to go? We have been living together for the past 3 years. 2 years in Beijing and 1 in Dubai. She recently went home because our lawyer told us it is better she is working in the states to be able to meet the affidavit of support requirement. We have a 1 year old and this separation is literally like losing my best friend. I think this process will take us into 2020

[geowrian 22,335]

1 minute ago, thesantina said:

ok I see. We filed in February and Received the Notification 1 on March 1. Would you say we have a mighty long way to go? We have been living together for the past 3 years. 2 years in Beijing and 1 in Dubai. She recently went home because our lawyer told us it is better she is working in the states to be able to meet the affidavit of support requirement. We have a 1 year old and this separation is literally like losing my best friend. I think this process will take us into 2020

If you already filed, DCF wasn't possible anyway (you can't just switch after filing).

On average, it's taking around 12-14 months. So I would expect it to take into 2020 unless there is a very significant change in timelines, or you get very lucky and your case is processed well ahead of average. I wish I had better news, but that's the current state of affairs.

[thesantina 5]

4 minutes ago, geowrian said:

If you already filed, DCF wasn't possible anyway (you can't just switch after filing).

On average, it's taking around 12-14 months. So I would expect it to take into 2020 unless there is a very significant change in timelines, or you get very lucky and your case is processed well ahead of average. I wish I had better news, but that's the current state of affairs.

Thank you. I appreciate your response. I wish it were better news. Is the 12-14 months the timeline until NOA2 or until Visa (All things done correctly and timely)

[geowrian 22,335]

9 minutes ago, thesantina said:

Thank you. I appreciate your response. I wish it were better news. Is the 12-14 months the timeline until NOA2 or until Visa (All things done correctly and timely)

It's the average timeline from I-130 filing to visa interview.

Stats for other VJ members: https://www.visajourney.com/timeline/irstats.php?cfl=

[thesantina 5]

Thank you. I guess it is not so bad. Do we really need to keep track of our conversations while apart?

[geowrian 22,335]

1 minute ago, thesantina said:

Thank you. I guess it is not so bad. Do we really need to keep track of our conversations while apart?

Your time living together would be the best evidence of a bona fide marriage, so I wouldn't be too worried. But I would suggest having something showing ongoing communication.

[thesantina 5]

Great. She left in April and will return June 4th. She will stay here until July then return home. One question I also have no idea about is if I can still travel on my B1/2 visa. I have been travelling on it for years even while married. We visit the US more than 10 times after marriage and only stayed 2 months max- depending on time of year. I am a Uni Professor and have a good chunk of time off in summer. Now that we started the i130 process, can I still visit her and my son for short breaks? Or should I just wait to enter again. I have no interest in running off by the way. My job is very stable and more well paid and tax free than most jobs in the US. So should I consider visiting on winter break or I may be denied entry possibly?

[geowrian 22,335]

3 minutes ago, thesantina said:

Great. She left in April and will return June 4th. She will stay here until July then return home. One question I also have no idea about is if I can still travel on my B1/2 visa. I have been travelling on it for years even while married. We visit the US more than 10 times after marriage and only stayed 2 months max- depending on time of year. I am a Uni Professor and have a good chunk of time off in summer. Now that we started the i130 process, can I still visit her and my son for short breaks? Or should I just wait to enter again. I have no interest in running off by the way. My job is very stable and more well paid and tax free than most jobs in the US. So should I consider visiting on winter break or I may be denied entry possibly?

You can continue to use a valid tourist visa. Entry is always subject to CBP inspection...you can be denied entry if they suspect you plan to overstay, adjust status within the US, etc.

 

Many people travel on an existing, valid visa mid-process. It would be wise to carry evidence of any ties to return home just in case.

[thesantina 5]

Well in that case, I guess the time apart I'd not so bad. I appreciate your response and time.