U.S. EMBASSY NOUAKCHOTT
American Community Message
 January 24, 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 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.  More information on filing I-130 petitions can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov.

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.

U.S. citizens in Mauritania are strongly encouraged to register and keep in touch with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy at rue Abdallaye, Nouakchott, telephone (222) 525-2660/2663, 525-1141/45 or 525-3038 (ext. 4551), fax 525-3945/525-1592. The Consular section can also be contacted by Email: ConsularNKC@state.gov.

In case of emergency during non-business hours, you may call the Embassy Marine Security Guard at (222) 525-2660/2663, 525-1141/45 or 525-3038 (ext. 0) or 525-3288, or the Embassy Duty Officer at 662-8163.

The Department of State continues to monitor conditions overseas and, as always, will promptly disseminate information affecting Americans abroad through its consular information program.  These documents are available on the Department’s Internet website at www.travel.state.gov.  Up-to-date information on security conditions can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 in the U.S. and Canada and, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.