Vale1

Thank you! I'm the petitioner (female, US and Italian citizen), and he is an Italian citizen currently in Dubai. I've been having issues convincing my lawyer that we should request Naples as the designated consulate. I don't know what to do. Make my husband move right now? This seems crazy as he has a work commitment till January

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🙏

Hey! Are you sure about this ? (Country of Citizenship?) - would you mind sharing?

Hey @pastalovas did you end up applying and being approved for DCF?

Today I officially became an American Citizen! 🇺🇸 I truly can’t thank this community enough. You were here through the tough, messy, and uncertain days, and sharing this milestone with you just reminds me how powerful people and communities can be. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. To those still in the middle of the process: don’t give up. Your moment is coming — stay strong and keep going. Field Office: NYC Same-day interview and oath (yes, you can ask for it!) No questions about how I got my green card Extremely kind and welcoming officer Onwards! ✨

Hello Fam! Of course I'm freaking out for my N400 interview this June 10th. Would anyone like to share some insights or offer good wishes?

Got scheduled for my citizenship interview after 3 months and 6 days from N400 application. My meeting is set for June 10th (NYC)!!!

Hello @Sandra G. Thank you for sharing this! I’m scheduled to travel internationally from May to August, pending citizenship. I have no criminal record. As for my status, it’s a bit of a grey area: I may have technically overstayed, but it was never clearly defined. Here's a quick timeline: my work visa expired in November 2015, I got married in December 2015, but due to abuse, I never filed for adjustment. I applied for VAWA in 2018, received my green card in 2022, and began my citizenship process in 2025. No biometrics were required—my application went straight to “being reviewed.” Given all this, how can we best prepare for international travel while our citizenship is pending? What should we know, and what steps can we take to protect ourselves?