Direct Consular Filing from Italy

If you’re a U.S. citizen living in Italy and seeking to bring a close family member to the United States, you may not need to face the long wait times typically associated with USCIS processing. Under certain conditions, Direct Consular Filing (DCF) may be available through the U.S. Embassy in Naples — offering a significantly faster and more efficient way to file Form I-130, especially when urgent or exceptional circumstances apply.

While DCF is not available for routine family-based immigration petitions, the U.S. Mission in Italy does accept DCF requests on a case-by-case basis when specific qualifying circumstances are met.

What Is Direct Consular Filing (DCF)?

According to 9 FAM 504.2-2(A) (U) Notice of Petition Approval, immigrant visas (IVs) cannot be issued without an approved petition from DHS, except in cases where the petition is “accepted and approved at a consular section overseas.” This is exactly what Direct Consular Filing provides — a process recognized in law and procedure under the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM).

DCF allows eligible U.S. citizens to file a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, directly with a U.S. embassy abroad rather than going through the standard USCIS processing centers. This often dramatically reduces processing time, turning what might be a 12-18 month ordeal into a matter of weeks or a few months.

In Italy, DCF is available only under exceptional circumstances, and all requests are reviewed individually by the U.S. Embassy in Naples.

Recognized Exceptional Circumstances

The embassy has outlined specific categories under which a DCF request may be considered:

• Military emergencies
• Medical emergencies
• Threats to personal safety
• Proximity to “ageing out” (when a child is near turning 21)
• Petitioner has recently naturalized
• Adoption of a child
• Short notice of position relocation
• U.S. military member stationed in Italy
• Widow(er) of a U.S. citizen self-petitioning

Applicants must clearly identify which of these circumstances applies to their case and provide compelling documentation to support the claim.

Process

Email the embassy at IVNaples@state.gov 

We will submit your request to the embassy in Naples, containing all of the necessary documentation.

Please note that the immigrant visa process involves two steps: filing a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service office and, after that petition is approved, a visa interview in the U.S. Consulate General in Naples.

For U.S. Military Families in Italy

If you’re a U.S. military member stationed in Italy, such as those in Vicenza or Pisas, DCF may be especially relevant — and advantageous — for your family. The embassy explicitly recognizes this category as eligible for direct filing. Whether you’re on a tight deployment schedule, dealing with a pending PCS (Permanent Change of Station), or simply want to minimize the stress of prolonged separation from your spouse or child, DCF is designed with your service in mind.

For Short-Notice Job Relocations

Have you received a last-minute job offer or unexpected transfer to the U.S.?

DCF is designed to help U.S. citizens abroad who are facing urgent employment-based relocations. In today’s global market, new roles and reassignments can arise with little notice — leaving families scrambling to coordinate international moves and immigration logistics.

If you’ve been offered a job or reassignment that requires rapid return to the U.S., you may qualify for DCF. Simply note this under the “Short-Notice Position Relocation” category on the Exceptional Circumstances Request Form, and provide documentation such as:

• A formal job offer or transfer letter with start date
• Proof of employer’s request for urgent relocation
• Supporting timeline or business correspondence

This option is especially valuable for executives, government employees, professionals in critical industries, or anyone whose relocation cannot be delayed by standard USCIS wait times.

For Humanitarian Reasons: Medical or Safety-Based Emergencies

The DCF process also protects U.S. citizens facing life-threatening or destabilizing situations, including:

• Medical emergencies involving either the petitioner or the foreign family member
• Threats to personal safety, such as domestic violence, political persecution, or sudden conflict in the region

If your situation includes serious illness, disability, or personal danger, the embassy may consider your case under humanitarian grounds. Supporting evidence may include:

• Medical records, hospital documents, or doctor letters
• Police reports, court orders, or affidavits
• Statements from NGOs, legal advocates, or humanitarian agencies

DCF in these cases isn’t just faster — it’s designed to protect family integrity and well-being when waiting isn’t an option.

We Can Help You Today

At Blue Lake Law, we have in-depth experience handling DCF requests with the U.S. Embassy in Naples, including complex cases involving military service, urgent relocations, and humanitarian concerns. We understand the stakes and work efficiently to help clients take advantage of this faster immigration route. If you’re considering DCF, we offer the focused legal support needed to move forward with clarity and confidence. Contact us today for more information.