Stepbrow

The reason that the OP's wife got the white slip may not be related to the IRS filing. That is just speculation. A white slip is serious, and as previously advised get a reputable and experienced attorney. Wait for the actual NOID. It will specifically list all of the reason that the CO cited for the denial. Then work with the attorney in responding to the ACTUAL REASONS.

Regardless of the source, what spectacular pictures!

Well, I have finally had some time and energy to get back to this thread. My dinner date went well, but my intestinal problem returned that following day. On the bright side I have been feeling better for about a week now, my energy level is back up where it should be. I found a restaurant near my apartment that will cook without MSG. That stuff gives me leg cramps after I eat it. Anyway, it turns out that the owner speaks English, and new right away what I meant about no MSG. Their prices are a little high, but it is worth it. I have mostly been busy with school. Before my co-teacher and I were hired the ESOL program was pretty much a step-child of the school. The school is an English environment, and all the classes (except Mandarin and Dutch) are taught in English. So, we have been busy putty together the ESOL program. It has been a lot of work but we have gathered the needed materials, and have done a thorough assessment of our students. We are both looking forward to next week so that we can focus more on teaching. We have lots of social activities organized by fellow teachers. Last week there was a water rafting trip that lasted about four hours. It was lots of fun for all except for those rafts who did not buy water guns before they boarded. The wet ride was a fine break from the heat. Since then though the weather has gotten a few degrees cooler. Shanghai is more expensive than most other Chinese cities. But, the subway is cheap. The cost is a low a s 3rmb for a short ride. The most I have paid is 6rmb. They charge by distance. I have been venturing out and finding out where the different lines go. I got lost the other day after I went to Ren Men Square station. It is so big, it is like a city under ground. There are 20 exists from that station. Almost got a ticket when I made it topside and started to walk around. I was waiting at a light, and there was no traffic. As you know when this happens, people just go on across. I looked across the street, and wondered why the people weren't walking but just shrugged it off. Then I started to cross, and when I was about half way across, I saw a guy in a uniform that I had not seen before. He gave me a little no no gesture, and all of the pedestrians laughed and smiled at me while I felt foolish. He waved me on though, forgiving the stupid foreigner. I was glad that I didn't get a ticket. Many of my coworkers have gotten these Vespa looking electric scooters. I have been thinking about it too. Getting around on scooters and bikes is better in Shanghai than in other cities I have been to because they have dedicated bike lanes, and the cabs, and buses rarely go in those lanes. I have been waiting to see how it works out for them before I get one. Some have had trouble getting their bikes charged up. Having one could sure make things like shopping more convenient. I haven't had too much time to explore the city as I would like. I hope that I can tell you more about happenings in Shanghai in the future.

Hey Buddy, I hope you get that job. Yes, I am teaching in Shanghai.If you come this way, give me a call: 136-4184-0054. You should have bought that school. You would be rich now

You will be fine. Just go in the nothing to declare line.

:cheering: Congratulations :cheering:

It is good to do as much as you can to prove your relationship is bonified. My advice is to focus on the most important things, and don't stress about minor ones. Here they are in my opinion: The first is time. Did you rush into the relationship, or did you take some time to get to know each other. How much time have you spent together? When you make a trip is it a short one, or do you spend a good deal of time? How many trips have you made? Numbers count here as well as time. The second is communication. Either you need to speak Chinese or she needs to speak English. Relationships are based upon communication, so if you cannot communicate you cannot have a bonifide relationship (in the eyes of the CO). The third is money. If this isn't covered, forget it. If it is, then this one is covered. Finally, as our good and wise friend David Z (or is it David Dawei now) has said many times. You must look at the long term, and you must prepare your SO for a bad result. CO's decisions are final, and sometimes non-logical. Getting your SO to the US is a process. For some the process is shorter than for others. I believe that all will succeed if you have a strong relationship, prepare adequately, and accept a long term attitude. If you are fortunate you will get the visa on the first interview. If you are unfortunate you will get the visa on the second interview. This is because the appeals process will work; it will just take time and patience.

Just a thought occurred to me. $25,000 is not much after taxes. If you came to China you could teach in a buxiban. They only require that you have a degree of any sort, and that you are a native speaker. If you negotiated well, you could do alright considering that the money you make here in China is tax free to the US up to $90,000 per year.

I am very happy to be the first to congratulate you Just realized that you got the pink on the 26th Congratulations on your write up.

I was on East Nanjing Rd. this morning! If you make it to Shanghai drop me a line and i will give you my number.

That is great news. I am glad that your finally getting through this. I just wonder why in the heck, they put you through all of that?

Concert you have had lots of good advice. And that reply from your wife is heartening. My advice is this. What you are going through is a process. You can't push the time, as the inscrutable David Z, stated. So, even though it is late in the process explain this to the wife. The process is one of convincing the DOS that your relationship is bonified. One of you has to speak the others language. That is not required by law, but to GZ it is a red flag. Everything else that you have listed looks pretty thorough. So, since this is so important, I would recommend getting an attorney (one on our board) to follow up with the refusal. Better safe than sorry at this point.

Had a bout of the stomach flu. Nothing unusual with that. Went to the acupuncturist and am feeling better. Glad my insurance covered it. Later I got a hair cut which included shoulder rub, shampoo, and scalp massage. Walked out after and hour and a half feeling like a new man. It was so good, I think I might get a massage tomorrow. Got a dinner date Tuesday night.

One of the tech guys at our school knows a guy .Actually a store, and many of my coworkers have been buying unlocked I-3's for about half price of a US phone. Buy them in China, and you will have more money to spend on your honey.

While technically another visit is not required, I think that another visit would be a good idea.It would be good for the relationship, and it would strengthen your case for the DOS.