How to get a Family Based Green Card in Four Months: Direct Consular Filing from the UK

If you’re a U.S. citizen living in the United Kingdom and hoping to bring a close family member to the United States, you don’t have to be stuck in months-long wait times through USCIS. Instead, you may qualify for Direct Consular Filing (DCF) — a significantly faster and more efficient way to file Form I-130 and ultimately receive a green card, especially if you’re facing urgent circumstances. While DCF is not available for routine family-based immigration petitions, the U.S. Embassy in London does consider DCF requests under exceptional circumstances.

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

Initiating a DCF Request

To begin the DCF process in London, you must submit the I-130 Exceptional Circumstances Request Form directly to the U.S. Embassy. This form serves as a formal request to bypass the standard I-130 processing with USCIS and instead allow for in-person filing at the embassy.

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 the UK
• 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.

Embassy Review and Response

Upon submission of the request form, the U.S. Embassy in London typically reviews and responds within 3 to 5 business days. If the request falls within the approved categories and the evidence is deemed sufficient, the embassy will request:

• Supporting documentation for the claimed exceptional circumstance
• Identification and immigration-related documents of the U.S. citizen petitioner

If the DCF request is approved, the petitioner is invited to attend an in-person appointment at the embassy to submit the paper Form I-130 and all supporting documentation.

For U.S. Military Families in the UK

If you’re a U.S. military member stationed in the UK, 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 London, 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.