DCF London Processing
 

From the USCIS website

https://uk.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/government-agencies/dhs/uscis/i130filing-html/


Processing Times

As of Friday, March 27, 2020, we are processing petitions filed on February 19, 2020.

We continue to aim to process I-130 petitions within 90 days of the filing date.

This webpage will be taken down at close of business on March 31, 2020, as the USCIS London Field Office will not accept any new I-130 filings postmarked after March 31, 2020. If you have filed your I-130 with USCIS London by the March 31 deadline, please allow 90 days for USCIS London to process your I-130. For any status updates outside of the 90 day processing time, or for other inquiries, please email us at [email protected].

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Cheers Stuwoolf! I guess we're nearing the end of the London DCF route.

Keeping my fingers crossed that even if I haven't received notification that my credit card has been charged before the 31st of March, at least I have confirmation that Royal Mail delivered our package well in advance of this (and hence the postmark date would be before the deadline).

Re: DCF London Processing
 

I filed our I-130 online on 22 March and put London as the office. Does that still qualify us for DCF? Our credit card payment has been taken.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Isnt the cut off date March 31st? As I understand it, anything received before that date will be handled in London. I understand the Visa Section at USE London is remaining in place. Once the "Submissions Section" people at USE London complete their input to the process the application is passed to the Visa Section for onward processing.

Hopefully a more informed member of this Group will verify or correct what I say here.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

I believe you are correct in that the Immigrant Visa Unit at the US Embassy in London will continue to remain in place and the only thing that is going away is the USCIS Field Office itself (which will officially shut its doors sometime this summer). However, for any I-130 petitions that are postmarked before March 31st, USCIS will process these and hand-deliver the approved petitions to the Immigrant Visa Unit at the US Embassy in London.

What I'm slightly confused by from Mattw7's post is that I don't think you can file an I-130 petition online via the DCF route at the London USCIS. I was always under the impression that London DCF petitions had to be physically mailed in (see this thread: https://www.immihelp.com/forum/immig...isiting-london). Therefore, I believe that their petition is going to be processed by the Nebraska Service Center, and not the London Office, but I could be wrong here.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

What I'm slightly confused by from Mattw7's post is that I don't think you can file an I-130 petition online via the DCF route at the London USCIS. I was always under the impression that London DCF petitions had to be physically mailed in (see this thread: https://www.immihelp.com/forum/immig...isiting-london). Therefore, I believe that their petition is going to be processed by the Nebraska Service Center, and not the London Office, but I could be wrong here.


This was the question I was hoping to get answered definitively. We filled out the form I-130 online with the expectation that it would be directed to London fill out a DCF. We listed the consulate as London but clearly this doesn’t look like it is enough unfortunately. I’ve emailed the London office to see if it is possible to transfer to London before 31 March. I don’t suppose anyone has had direct experience with this situation at all but please?

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Good luck to you. It would have been much better if their instructions were clearer, but I suppose it's a moot point now that they are going to be shutting down.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

My understanding is DCF London applications must be mailed in hard copy to USE London.

Isnt that stipulated in the Checklist?

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Out of interest, did you hear back from the London office? I suppose you could consider preparing all your documents today and sending off a hard copy to the US Embassy via next day delivery before tomorrow's deadline (DCF will cease to exist after tomorrow). Then try and contact NVC to see if they can cancel your electronic petition. Unfortunately, I have no direct experience with this to be able to give you a first hand account!

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Hopefully you made a copy of the I-130. If your money (check/credit card) has not been taken yet, cancel it and reapply via overnight delivery to the proper London address.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Thanks both, that’s what we did over the weekend and got the hard copy forms ready in case.

The embassy came back to me just now and said I could cancel the existing application and refile directly in London. Just sent the forms so we have at least started the process, who knows how long it will take as their email also said they are running much slower because of Coronavirus at the moment.

thanks for the advice.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Been thinking about DCF London suggesting they still intend to complete within the 90 days. I hope they can. It will be a brave effort.

Go DCF London!

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Amen to that, Stuwoolf!

That being said, I have been checking my credit card balance pretty much daily and unfortunately, my card has still not been charged yet. I have a nasty feeling hat my petition envelope is sitting in a mailroom somewhere and hasn't been touched since it arrived on the 18th of March :(

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Not sure if the DCFL/Visa staff come under the category of "Essential Workers". If not I would expect them all to be at home. Maybe at least some are working from home?

Good luck.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Dont know if this is relevant but fingers crossed🙂

Got this from USCIS Homepage

https://www.uscis.gov

On March 18, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services temporarily suspended routine in-person services to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). USCIS plans to begin reopening our offices on or after June 4, unless the public closures are extended further. USCIS staff are continuing to perform duties that do not involve face-to-face contact with the public. However, USCIS will provide emergency services for limited situations. To schedule an emergency appointment, contact the USCIS Contact Center.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Thanks, Stu, for posting this. Very helpful and timely for those with pending petitions who are wondering what in the world is happening to their paperwork.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Cheers, Stu. Hopefully there is light at the end of the tunnel. I suspect the specific re-opening date of the London USCIS office will be determined by the date the UK government decides that lockdown restrictions will be lifted.

I was wondering what this means in terms of processing times. Our petition was delivered to the US Embassy Mail Room on the 18th of March. Unfortunately, this was just before the lockdown was instituted and it looks like no envelopes have been collected from the Mail Room from this week onwards. Therefore, I think it's safe to assume that our I-130/I-130A has not been filed as no payment has been taken. Most importantly, this means that we haven't received a NOA1 or filing date, unlike people who sent their petitions in a week or two before ours. I'm wondering if the 90 days processing time kicks in from the day that our card is charged and our petition is formally filed, or does it kick in from when the petition is delivered to the US Embassy. If it's the former, then it looks like the petition will not be filed until USCIS opens up again after June 4, so if the 90 days kicks in from then, we're potentially looking at having to wait until the 2nd of September (at the earliest) or our petition to be processed. :(

Re: DCF London Processing
 

The email we received advised our Processing Date was the day payment was taken and the email received ie March 5th.

Arithmetically, as the system shut down, say, 2 weeks after this date, I fully expect to wait AT LEAST a further 16 weeks once DCFL returns to work. 18 weeks total, 90 working days. This would be around September 24th.

That brings all sorts of issues for us as we had intended starting my wifes UK Visa renewal on September 2nd. I guess that needs to wait as the cost is excessive.....its all a bit of a "perfect storm". Hey ho, what can ya do........

Good luck.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

I always endeavour to contribute when and where I can. Not an expert in any of this immigration business. I guess its about seeking out what may be of use and spreading the word.

Stay safe.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

So I remembered today that the London USCIS office is officially closing its doors on July 31st. Therefore, I wouldn't be surprised if they push hard to get all of their pending I-130 petitions approved before this date. I have a good feeling that we won't be waiting as long as September...

Re: DCF London Processing
 

I have not a clue what will happen. But as a general matter, in the past USCIS has engaged in case management by transfer of a number of backlogged applications to another adjudication office.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

In a previous reply on here it was said, once USCIS has done its bit the case is transferred across to the US Embassy Visa Dept (which, I understand, will remain open after the Field Office is closed) to complete the process.

At what stage does the transfer take place? Is it at the point where DCF London confirms the application has been "correctly filed" and payment taken? If this is not the case, can anyone outline the steps in the process?

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Indeed, this is what happens. From my understanding, once the I-130 petition is approved (they like to use the term 'adjudicated') the Consular Officer at the London USCIS Field Office hand delivers the petition to the Immigrant Visa Unit (IVU) at the US Embassy (which I presume is on a different floor in the same building). You also receive a letter from the USCIS confirming that the I-130 has been approved. The IVU then sends you a case number that starts with the letters "LND". The case number is important because this is what you use to book your Medical and actual visa interview. The London USCIS office says it takes 8 weeks from I-130 approval to receiving an LND number; however, looking at other people's timelines it looks like it actually takes around a month. I wouldn't be surprised if it takes longer, given the Covid backlog.

Although the process may seem convoluted, in theory, it's much more convenient than going through the Dallas USCIS Lockbox. In that case, you might wait 10-15 months for your I-130 petition to be processed, after which you have to submit your documents to the National Visa Center (NVC) in New Hampshire. Once your documents are processed and approved by NVC, you book your interview at your local US Embassy. By going through the DCF route you effectively bypass the NVC stage and can bring your supporting documents with you to your visa interview. This used to be a lot quicker pre-Covid, with some people going through the entire process from start to finish in 4-6 months. It's a shame that with the closure of the London USCIS Office, this will no longer be an option for couples in the future!

Re: DCF London Processing
 

A general description of the immigrant visa system might be in order. As an initial aside, “DCF” is a on-line acronym for “Direct Consular Filing.” Actual DCF has not existed for years and London did not have actual DCF when it existed. Nonetheless, it was on-line practice to use the acronym.

The Department of State, via Consular Officers, is responsible for Visa Issuance. If a preliminary petition is needed (e.g. I-130) that is within the purview of DHS (former INS before 2003). (I say “if” because the old “non-preference” did not need a petition, go straight to consulate.).

so, system was I-130 was to INS in the Department of Justice. Upon approval, the I-130 was the forwarded directly to the consulate (no NVC back then). By regulation, former INS allowed overseas petitioners to file directly with the consulates. The consulate was delegated the authority to adjudicate clearly approvable family cases. Otherwise, it would forward the petition to the nearest overseas office of INS. Here is an important note: consulates in countries with an overseas INS office did NOT have authority to accept for filing or adjudicate visa petitions. Instead of direct Consular Filing, it was filed with local overseas INS Office. One such office was London. (Also Rome, Frankfurt & Athens). So, a French person had true “DCF” but a British person did not. But the British person had access to the analogue which looked like true DCF, but was not.

Some years back, true DCF was eliminated. That said, the remaining authority of overseas INS (now DHS) offices remained. What is now happening is that the overseas DHS offices are being closed. Until it is adjudicated (which includes possible denials), the pending I-130 remains with DHS. DHS is free to transfer pending petitions between DHS offices.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Wow, thank you for this insight and historical overview. If there's one thing I've learnt from this process so far, it's that there is no shortage of unnecessary acronyms and confusing nomenclature within the US immigrant visa system!

In an earlier post you stated that USCIS has engaged in case management by transfer of backlogged applications to another adjudication office. Does this mean that there is a possibility that if cases are still pending (or if an RFEs cannot be completed in time) at the London USCIS Field Office by the July 31st closure date, we may see some petitions transferred to a USCIS office Stateside (e.g., New Hampshire)?

Re: DCF London Processing
 

It is when the USCIS has approved the I-130. It is sent to the US Embassy.

PS The USCIS Field Office in the UK takes the place of the USCIS service center that approves the I-130 and other documents and forwards them to the US Embassy.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

As I said, I don’t know what will happen. But knowing who has authority I can envision the pending petitions being sent stateside. Again, I’m just saying it might happen.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Yep, acronyms can drive one crazy. I recall one colleague mentioning that a NIF was different than a NOF (don’t ask - nothing to do with marriage visas/adjustment.)

I’ve sometimes mentioned that use of DCF with the governmental people in London or immigration attorneys will draw a blank stare because the acronym is not used outside of internet discussions.

i follow attorney groups and “AOS” depends upon context - affidavit of support or adjustment of status. I learned “CP” as “Combined Processing” whereas today it is “consular processing.” And PC is “potential client.”

let’s not talk about VD.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

That's brilliant! As a physician, I thought I had seen my fair share of acronyms in the medical world (including VD), but this just takes the cake...

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Thanks for this.

A further question is what constitutes USCIS approval, does USCIS do all the checks thus establishing approval? At that point the Visa Section solely produces the paperwork to facilitate the booking of the Medical and subsequent Interview?

I really have zero idea of how all this works and welcome any insight to the process which increases my understanding.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Hi all,

I have some potentially good news. I contacted the London USCIS Office for clarification about the 90-day processing time, and they responded with the following:

We generally strive for a 90-day processing time goal, and going into the COVID-19 disruptions, we were in good shape, with a 30-day processing time. With COVID-19, we are not bound to a 90-day processing time goal. More importantly for your question, we expect to adjudicate in the first instance all I-130s postmarked by March 31 before our permanent office closure on July 31. If, at the time of adjudication, we issue you a Request for Evidence (RFE), then the RFE will indicate the deadline and the office to which you submit your response if you are not able to submit it to our office before our closure.

I think the most important part about this message is the fact that they are expecting to make a decision on all I-130 petitions by July 31. This is reassuring, HOWEVER, it also means that if you receive an RFE and cannot submit a response by July 31, you can expect to have to submit any documents to a Field Office located in the US. Fingers crossed for no RFE....

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Wow!

Good to know.

As you say, I guess its all depending on whether the need for RFE arises. Its also interesting to note the "machine" was hitting 30 days to process. 3 times as quick than expected. On that basis, as Lockdown took effect, March submissions, if submitted in early March, were maybe around 10 to 15 days away from completion

Damn this virus!!!!

It lifts the spirits to at least learn something about whats going on.

Thanks for sharing and good luck.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

No problem. I expect you’ll be one of the first to hear back with some good news once the Embassy reopens. Right now it’s looking like they’re on track for reopening at the beginning of June, unless the UK government decides otherwise.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Should we hear anything rest assured I will report back here.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Just had a look at US Embassy website and the future since "DCF London" is no longer available.

"Generally, family-sponsored petitions must be filed with USCIS.=10.8333px However, there are some limited circumstances in which the U.S. Department of State (DOS) may accept and adjudicate Form I-130. USCIS no longer accepts and adjudicates routine Form I-130 petitions at its remaining international field offices."

"Short notice of position relocation – A U.S. citizen petitioner, living and working abroad, has received a job offer in or reassignment to the United States with little notice for the required start date."

Source - https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-6-part-b-chapter-3

Does this mean a USC with a job offer in USA and the offer has an immienent start date, eg 1 - 3 month (much less than a "lockbox" submission will take to adjudicate), could hurry things along by submitting an i-130 to a local Consulate?

Just wondering.........

Re: DCF London Processing
 

You missed this bit out:-

If a consular officer in a U.S. embassy or consulate encounters an individual case that the officer believes has need of immediate processing of a Form I-130, the consular officer may, but is not required to, accept the local filing in exceptional circumstances, in accordance with the guidance below.

So it will be whatever the London COs decide is exceptional and if they decide they will deal with it. Which boils down to who knows, it is wait and see.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

I don't know, but my guess would be no, because a USC can return to the USA anytime to begin work. No need to speed up the I-130 because that doesn't affect the USC's ability to get to the job on time. Just looking at it through USCIS eyes.

Rene

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Thank you so much for sharing this response. My petition was filed March 4th so this is really reassuring news. Let’s hope for no RFE!

Re: DCF London Processing
 

You're welcome. These forums have been a source of relief for my (numerous) anxieties surrounding this process so far. Therefore, I'm more than happy to post whatever information I can gather, if it helps others.

We are nowhere near that stage in the process ourselves, but I have just seen on the VisaJourney forums that people have been able to book Embassy interviews and Medical appointments or July, so it all looks promising.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Wow! I am surprised at that. Maybe US Embassy has had a preview of Lockdown being lifted.

The next few weeks will be interesting.