[DraidodaRip]

I know the residency laws have recently changed but I also know someone who just applied without issue here in the DR without the trip home. It may be worth your while to consult a lawyer and see if its possible without the trip home. It will cost you anywhere from 1000-1500usd on average depending on lawyer but well worth it in the long run as this is an especially frustrating process when handled without counsel.

Not possible whatsoever for somebody who has no long term established ties to the DR and for who the travel outside the DR would constitute a hardship (family, especially).