Could you please verify if interview (in Spanish) is now needed when going from Temporary to Permanent. I'm not sure if this is a correct information I've got.
Could you please also point me to what letter (where to find a template and it was mentioned in the other thread) is needed to be submitted among (along? ) with the other documents?
DGM does require, in some cases, that you appear for an interview when going from temporary to permanent residency. I know someone who had such an interview in September 2018, and the person retained Guzman Ariza to handle the immigration matter. It was easy, and lasted ten to twenty minutes, if that. The lawyer could not enter the room, and had to wait in the hallway at The Malecon Center.
As I used to tell my clients, answer the question asked, tell the truth, but do not volunteer anything to any government. The questions were easy. The interviewer spoke in English, but the candidate responded in Spanish. Both got to practice their second language.
Most of the questions and answers follow:
1. Why do you want permanent residency?
It is a beautiful country, and represents my retirement destination.
2. How much do you have in the bank?
I have approximately USD$xx,xxx at xx bank.
3. According to the bank statement, you only have USD$xx,xxx in the bank. Explain.
I just deposited another USD$xx,xxx a few days ago, and the check did not clear yet.
4. You desposited a check? That can take a few weeks.
Normally, my check clears in a few days.
5. Where do you live?
I currently reside here, in Santo Domingo. My apartment is down the street on Independence Avenue.
6. Why do you not own a residence in the Dominican Republic?
I have not decided where I want to permanently live. I like Costambar on the North Coast, but also Juan Dolio and Santo Domingo.
7. You like Costambar? It is nice.
Yes, the community is very nice.
8. Why do you not own a car here?
I do not need one in Santo Domingo. I use the metro, the publicos, and we now have Uber. The traffic is bad, and I do not like driving in it.
9. Yes, the traffic in the capital is congested. Much like New York, no?
Exactly. This is why I use the metro and the buses.
Thereupon the interview ended, and lawyer and client obtained an additional bank statement, and permanent residency was granted two months later. The interviewer stated that it would be granted, but everyone had to wait for the signature of DGM.
I hope that this helps.