How were you married to her before that, common law? I am not American but I don't recall the process being that difficult, just having the correct paperwork and taking it to the correct ministries...etc. Our maid waited 12 years to get her residency approved. She had her final interview scheduled then cancelled during covid and had to wait another 2 and half years to get a new appointment.
A friend of mine living here married a Dominican. It took him 8 years dealing with the US Embassy in SD to get her and her daughter a Visa to get to the US. Finally got one and working in Florida. He said they lie like rugs there. Always another document or problem...............Good luck...........
Yes, I thought it was by common law BUT three weeks ago while preparing my docs for the application my DR lawyer came to my house to explain the process to my wife. I then got quite a surprise when she told me I signed a document 4 years ago (she had prepared it) that was a legal doc of common law marriage. Sure enough my wife went and found it in the draw.
It's running 14-18 months we hear. We are not sitting on pins and needles since our life here is comfortable and will continue as such. This is basically for her and her future.
He checked all the boxes except he did not use a US lawyer. He did have a DR lawyer. I don't make this stuff up. You will find out soon how it goes..............Or NOT go.............
He is a retired school teacher with a pension from NYC. Also SS. And the marriage is totally legit.........I am posting this to give you a heads up for what you are in for. Nothing else..........
I am not sure what ceremony you may have had prior, but the consulate will generally only accept an "official" civil record of the marriage.
I did everything legally with my wife. I am not sure why it took 8 years for this person. There are two big issues problems with the process. One is the Dominican attorneys who handle the process do not actually monitor things, or they drag it out intentionally for more money. The second problem is the US system. When you try to follow the progress of the application, it is extremely frustrating. It is impossible to call someone and have them say “yeah it is on Larry’s desk and he should get to it next week”
I tried three times to get my Dominican wife a visitor visa to the USA. Was denied each time. Then I got her legal residency in the USA so she could see my mother and where I grew up. That was exchanged eventually for a 10 year renewable visitor visa. Who told me to do it this way? Members of the US consulate in Santo Domingo. Why do they make it virtually impossible for an American citizen's wife to get a visitor visa? It was because so many Dominicans overstayed their visitor visas. Of course you can use CHATGPT to find out how many American citizens spouses were granted visitor visas, but I was told by the US Embassy that it almost never happens. So I took their advice and it worked out.
I agree with you. But my friend encountered problem after problem and most proved wrong on the Embassy side. I wish you luck, but you won't get this within 18 months or even 2 years........
