Forms done online now? DCF still a thing?

[ilovetacos]

Filing form 130 again.  Did it in 2018 or so, mailed in a giant packet of printed forms and evidence.

This time, I noticed that the webpages directed me to file via the USCIS online system.   

I also read this from the US embassies website in China (link:  https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/petition-alien-relative-form-1302/  )

So I take it the processing has being re-routed somewhere else?  Hence, how I ended up filling out the forms online? Apologies I don't have any links to share to show that, but I remember feeling as if all of the directions were encouraging me to do the online form instead of the mail in.

The reason I'm asking is: I remember there being a clear time benefit with the DCF process.  I recall waiting 3-6 months the first time, whereas with this filing, my wait time is 10 months.  Is the time benefit we once enjoyed by filing DCF to Guangzhou no longer a thing, since the processing is now routed to the State Department?

AUGUST 7, 2021

As of February 1, 2020, the processing of form I-130 at US Consulate Guangzhou has been transferred to the Department of State.  Please contact the Immigrant Visa section if you are eligible to file a I-130 petition at the US Consulate Guangzhou based on “exceptional circumstances”.

For all other I-130 petitions that do not meet the “exceptional circumstances” standard, please consult https://www.uscis.gov/i-130  for instructions on how to “File Online” or the location of where you can mail your completed petition."

Edited March 24, 2023 by ilovetacos
Explaining more clearly (see edit history)

[Randy W]

11 minutes ago, ilovetacos said:

Filing form 130 again.

I noticed that when doing this form this time, I was directed to do so online. 

I also read this from the US embassies website in China (link:  https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/petition-alien-relative-form-1302/  )

Is the time benefit we once enjoyed by filing DCF to Guangzhou no longer a thing? When I did this a few years ago, it seemed we waiting about 6 months, whereas the total predicted time for our filing was 10 months this time. 

AUGUST 7, 2021

As of February 1, 2020, the processing of form I-130 at US Consulate Guangzhou has been transferred to the Department of State.  Please contact the Immigrant Visa section if you are eligible to file a I-130 petition at the US Consulate Guangzhou based on “exceptional circumstances”.

For all other I-130 petitions that do not meet the “exceptional circumstances” standard, please consult https://www.uscis.gov/i-130  for instructions on how to “File Online” or the location of where you can mail your completed petition."

Well, yes - you answered your own question there. The time benefit, of course, is still there, but you may or may not be eligible to file at the consulate.

But see the following topics：

See https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/petition-alien-relative-form-1302/ (this is the same link you gave)

They apparently aren't very busy, and are willing to bend the rules a little bit - see https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/786871-guangzhou-china-dcf-cr1/ on VJ.

My claim of "not very busy" may or may not still be applicable - you're at their mercy there.

[ilovetacos]

Ooo thanks Randy. Yea I know I had the info there on the site, but I was looking to the experts for their opinion here. Thanks a bunch!  Interesting clause about those "exceptional circumstances", will see if I can come up with a good idea from the good ole noggin'

Edited March 24, 2023 by ilovetacos (see edit history)

[Randy W]

9 minutes ago, ilovetacos said:

Ooo thanks Randy. Yea I know I had the info there on the site, but I was looking to the experts for their opinion here. Thanks a bunch!  Interesting clause about those "exceptional circumstances", will see if I can come up with a good idea from the good ole noggin'

The traffic through Guangzhou is VERY sparse, especially from expats, since the pandemic. That applies to CFL also, unfortunately. You have to take the information where it's available.

Thanks for dropping by and let us know how it turns out.