DCF - Guatemala

[okgotravel 0]

Hi all,

 

Was looking to file a I-130 petition, but came across DCF while reading the guide and want to know if it's a feasible option.

 

My situation:

 

- Have been married since 2012, when I arrived in Guatemala.

- Have an underage daughter, not biological, but which I claimed and I'm listed as the father in her birth certificate.

- Never established residency in Guatemala, instead opting to briefly leave the country every 90 days to maintain my "tourist" status. I've been doing this for 9 years now, spending 99% of my time in Guatemala.

- My US address is the address listed for my current employer, for tax filings and banking. Recently renewed my driver's license in the US. Also registered as a voter.

 

Now, I understand if my circumstances aren't considered "exceptional"... Basically, COVID has made the 90-day tourist visa runs cumbersome. My plan is to return to the US, as my father recently passed away due to COVID and I'd like to be close to my mother, so that means moving there with my family.

 

Am I wasting my time thinking about the DCF and should I just file for a spousal visa and play the waiting game?

 

Thanks for any input you can offer.

[Boiler 45,673]

Never heard of a visitor being able to DCF.

[okgotravel 0]

5 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Never heard of a visitor being able to DCF.

Thanks. I figured I probably didn't qualify as a "legal" resident of Guatemala, despite all the time I've been physically in the country.

[Transatlanticism 28]

In terms of DCF I advice everyone to just try it. Won't hurt anything and all you need to do is to write an E-Mail. Risk/reward is off the charts since the "normal" route really requires lot of patience and much more.

However, it seems rather unlikely in your case since you don't have a proper status there. But still: why not if you want to apply for your green card anyway?

Edited March 15, 2021 by Transatlanticism