For U.S. citizens living abroad who need to bring their family back to the United States, the standard immigration process is often too slow for urgent life changes. Whether you are facing a sudden job reassignment, a medical emergency, or military PCS orders, your family doesn’t have two years to wait for a green card. 

This is where Direct Consular Filing can be the ideal solution for situations where speed is imperative, as this is an expedited process designed to help U.S citizens obtain a green card for their families. 

At Blue Lake Law, we have extensive experience working on Direct Consular Filing cases and understand and can navigate what’s needed to help you and your family through this expedited immigration process. 

Speak to our team of Immigration specialists today

What is Direct Consular Filing? 

Direct Consular Filing is an expedited immigration process that is designed to help U.S citizens returning to the United States to file the I-130 petition for their spouse and children (under 21) at their local embassy and bypass the National Visa Centre queues. 

The process is not available to everyone living abroad, and can only be used in exceptional circumstances, which must be authorised by USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) and the local embassy. 

If you are unsure whether you can apply for Direct Consular Filing, speak to our team today, who are more than happy to review your case and explain whether you can use this expedited process. 

Contact our team of immigration specialists

Direct Consular Filing eligibility

For your non-US citizen family to be eligible for Direct Consular Filing, you must meet specific criteria, which are set out by USCIS and the NVC. As the process of DCF is much faster than the traditional visa process, you must ensure you are eligible before you begin your application, as any delays could lead to your case being rejected. 

Below are some of the eligibility criteria: 

  • U.S Citizen: You (the petitioner) must be a U.S citizen and not a lawful permanent resident. 
  • Lawful Resident: You must be a legal resident in the consular district for at least 6 months
  • Exceptional Circumstances: You will need to prove an urgent, time-sensitive reason for the request. 
  • No prior I-130 Application: Your family members cannot have a current I-130 petition filed with the USCIS before making a DCF request. 

 

Speak to our team of Direct Consular Filing lawyers

How Blue Lake Law can help

Having helped hundreds of U.S citizens return to the United States with their families, we understand the need for a fast and seamless process when applying for a Green Card visa through the Direct Consular Filing route. 

Our team of experts work with you to understand your case and the potential sensitivity of your need to return to the United States quickly. This is why we are dedicated to offering a fast, professional service and keeping you fully informed throughout the application process, to help reduce your stress and allow you to focus on your move with ease. 

Speak to our team today to ensure that your family returns to the United States with you, without delay. 

Contact our team.

What Our Clients Say

“I would highly recommend George as a lawyer for US law and immigration law. He is very friendly, open-minded and helps out comprehensively. He is always available for questions and gave me detailed advice concerning visa issues. Thank you a lot!”

Vanessa Ra

“I highly recommend hiring George for any of your immigration needs. He’s knowledgeable, kind, professional, and always willing to answer any questions in a timely manner. His fees are reasonable and we had an overall good experience. He’s licensed to practice law in California, as well as abroad, which makes him highly knowledgeable in many aspects of immigration law. My husband and I are very thankful we utilized George as our attorney.”

Amber Krumbach

“Blue Lake Law assisted me in the Green card application process for my relatives. They were able to expedite the process and are extremely knowledgeable of the requirements. Furthermore they guide you thru the process very smoothly, and their email replies are usually within a few hours max.”

Joel van Oorschot