Information for travelers
Warden Message—Changes in I-130 Petition Processing (Immediate Relative Petitions)
U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam
March 27, 2007
Recent legislation has led to changes in the procedures American citizens resident abroad will follow if they wish to sponsor an immediate relative (spouse, parent or minor child) for an immigrant visa. Effective immediately, the immediate relative petition (I-130) must be filed with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) office responsible for the petitioner's place of residence (that is, the place of residence of the American citizen who is filing the petition). Consular offices at U.S. embassies and consulates are no longer authorized to accept I-130s, although they will continue to provide guidance to American citizen petitioners and their family members. Responsibility for acceptance and approval of immigrant visa petitions rests solely with USCIS. American citizens should submit their I-130 at the USCIS office responsible for their place of residence.
EXCEPTION: Consular Section may accept petitions from American Citizens who are resident in Tanzania for at least the preceding six (6) months. Petitioner must be able to show that they have permission to reside in Tanzania and that they have been doing so for at least six (6) months before filing the petition.
All other Americans must file the I- 130 petitions at the domestic USCIS office with jurisdictions over their place of residence in the United States
This procedural change may result in a processing delay for some applicants. The Department of State recognizes and sincerely regrets the inconvenience this may cause. American citizens with further questions on this change who are resident in Tanzania should contact the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Dar Es Salaam via telephone at [255]22-266 8001 , ext. 4122, or via email at drsacs@state.gov or drsic@state.gov
USCIS contact information may be found on their webpage at www.uscis.gov. USCIS can be reached through their National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833).
Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy in Dar Es Salaam’s website, http://tanzania.usembassy.gov, and the U.S. Department of State's travel website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, East Africa Public Announcement, and other Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html, which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.
Citizens living and residing in Tanzania are advised to register their presence in the country through the U.S. Department of State’s automated online registration system, https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens may also contact the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy via email at drsacs@state.gov or by calling 255-22-266-8001, extension 4122. Further updates will be forthcoming when new information is available. This complete message is available on the Embassy’s website at http://tanzania.usembassy.gov.