Requesting CR-1 Interview at a Different Consulate — Choosing Italy Instead of Dubai

[Vale1 101]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share something we’re currently navigating in our CR-1 visa journey. 

I’m a U.S. citizen and italian citizen planning to move back in Italy, and my husband (the beneficiary) is an Italian citizen currently living in Dubai. As we prepare to file our I-130, we’re looking into the possibility of selecting the U.S. Consulate in Naples, Italy, rather than the default assignment of Abu Dhabi, which currently has an interview wait time of over 2 years and 8 months - something we simply can’t manage emotionally or logistically.

 

What I found: 

According to the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM)

9 FAM 504.4-8(C)(d):
“It would be preferable for the couple to apply where the principal applicant resides.”

9 FAM 504.4-8(C)(e):
“However, if that is inconvenient, the couple could select the consulate where the derivative spouse resides.”

Question for the community>

• Has anyone here successfully indicated a consulate different from where the beneficiary resides—such as listing the petitioner's consulate instead?

• Any tips on how to present the request persuasively to NVC or the consulate?

• Has Naples been responsive to these kinds of requests?

 

CONTEXT: Not applied yet. I plan to be in Italy next Sunday with a one-way ticket (planned time ago) - Might have opportunity to request a DCF as I've been interviewing (please note that I'm in tech ans often interview can last over 5 months)

 

Thank you🙏

Edited 10 hours ago by Vale1

[Boiler 47,193]

Petitioners are USC's they do not have Consulates.

 

If she is Italian she can certainly interview in Italy.