I received my Cedula De Indetidad and my Permiso Residencia Temporal on February 23, 2009. The Guzman Law Firm handled everything. They take you by the hand and walk you through the process. I can't say enough about how well I was treated. I am so happy I chose to use their services. To avoid any unnecessary stress just do as they say. They are truly professionals and know what they are doing.
A brief time line:
June 16, 2008 - Contacted the Guzman Law Firm by email requesting information about obtaining temporary residence and a cedula.
June 17, 2008 - Received a detailed reply telling me exactly what I needed to do and exactly what they will do.
June 30, 2008 - I mailed my birth certificate to the Dominican Consulate in NYC to be legalized. The Guzman Law Firm advised me they would take care of the translation.
July 7, 2008 - Opened a peso bank account with La Nacional (part of the requirements)
July 12, 2008 - Wire transferred the required retainer fee to Guzman Law Firm.
July 28, 2008 - I went to La Nacional bank to obtain a letter stating I had an account in good standing. The Guzman Law Firm emailed me all of the information that should be included in the letter.
July 29, 2008 - I met with the Guzman Law Firm to review all documents. I did exactly as they said and all my documents were in order.
August 1, 2008 - I arrived at the Guzman Law Firm's office at 8:30 am. A little before noon I was finished with the physical, blood work and a chest x-ray. An associate from the law firm held my hand and walked me through everything. Only thing I did was sign wherever there was an X.
Now the wait begins..............
October 24, 2008 - I received this email from the Guzman Law Firm, they keep you informed of every little detail:
"Just a note to inform you that as a result of the Presidential Elections in the DR, on August 16, 2008, the Executive appointed a new Head of the Immigration Department and accordingly a new staff was appointed in all the Departments and offices of that government entity. The delay in the taking office of the new employees has caused a delay in the filing of your residency application.
Your residency application was filed at the Immigration Department on October 14, 2008 (File number XXXX), the first step is the investigation performed by the Dominican authorities and the Interpol. During this time, we would not have any news about the progress of your file, because of the fact that the investigation performed by the authorities is confidential, at this point, attorneys do not have access to the applicant?s file."
Back to waiting again..............
February 16, 2009 - I received an email from the Guzman Law Firm that I had been approved and can come to pick up my documents anytime. As luck would have it I had a trip to the DR for the upcoming weekend.
February 17, 2009 - I wire transferred the balance due on my account.
February 23, 2009 - I am back in the office of the Guzman Law Firm to be held by the hand again. First stop I receive my cedula, next stop I have my provisional residencia. A quick trip back to the office for some minor details and a little before noon I am on my way with documents in hand.
It was the easiest thing to do when you have people working for you who know what they are doing. It was worth every penny. In a year I will receive an email from the Guzman Law Firm reminding me it is time to apply for my permanent documents. From what I understand it is the same process one more time.
Many thanks to the Santo Domingo office of The Guzman Ariza Law Firm.
A brief time line:
June 16, 2008 - Contacted the Guzman Law Firm by email requesting information about obtaining temporary residence and a cedula.
June 17, 2008 - Received a detailed reply telling me exactly what I needed to do and exactly what they will do.
June 30, 2008 - I mailed my birth certificate to the Dominican Consulate in NYC to be legalized. The Guzman Law Firm advised me they would take care of the translation.
July 7, 2008 - Opened a peso bank account with La Nacional (part of the requirements)
July 12, 2008 - Wire transferred the required retainer fee to Guzman Law Firm.
July 28, 2008 - I went to La Nacional bank to obtain a letter stating I had an account in good standing. The Guzman Law Firm emailed me all of the information that should be included in the letter.
July 29, 2008 - I met with the Guzman Law Firm to review all documents. I did exactly as they said and all my documents were in order.
August 1, 2008 - I arrived at the Guzman Law Firm's office at 8:30 am. A little before noon I was finished with the physical, blood work and a chest x-ray. An associate from the law firm held my hand and walked me through everything. Only thing I did was sign wherever there was an X.
Now the wait begins..............
October 24, 2008 - I received this email from the Guzman Law Firm, they keep you informed of every little detail:
"Just a note to inform you that as a result of the Presidential Elections in the DR, on August 16, 2008, the Executive appointed a new Head of the Immigration Department and accordingly a new staff was appointed in all the Departments and offices of that government entity. The delay in the taking office of the new employees has caused a delay in the filing of your residency application.
Your residency application was filed at the Immigration Department on October 14, 2008 (File number XXXX), the first step is the investigation performed by the Dominican authorities and the Interpol. During this time, we would not have any news about the progress of your file, because of the fact that the investigation performed by the authorities is confidential, at this point, attorneys do not have access to the applicant?s file."
Back to waiting again..............
February 16, 2009 - I received an email from the Guzman Law Firm that I had been approved and can come to pick up my documents anytime. As luck would have it I had a trip to the DR for the upcoming weekend.
February 17, 2009 - I wire transferred the balance due on my account.
February 23, 2009 - I am back in the office of the Guzman Law Firm to be held by the hand again. First stop I receive my cedula, next stop I have my provisional residencia. A quick trip back to the office for some minor details and a little before noon I am on my way with documents in hand.
It was the easiest thing to do when you have people working for you who know what they are doing. It was worth every penny. In a year I will receive an email from the Guzman Law Firm reminding me it is time to apply for my permanent documents. From what I understand it is the same process one more time.
Many thanks to the Santo Domingo office of The Guzman Ariza Law Firm.
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