William Lee
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Posts posted by William Lee
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http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/sc...ning081014.html
Scam Warning
The Embassy has received some reports of fraud committed against U.S. citizens by Internet correspondents from China professing romantic interest. In many of these cases, the Chinese national has hired a company to communicate with the American citizen for him/her, meaning that s/he has not actually written any of the e-mails that were sent to the American. Likewise, the American citizen may unwittingly carry on telephone conversations with a paid consultant posing as the romantic interest. The business models of many of these companies are reliant on the American citizen ultimately paying extremely high ¡°consulting¡± fees¡ªoften the Chinese national will tell the American that s/he needs tuition for English study, but actually uses this money to pay the relationship consultant. In some cases, when the American visits China to meet his/her Internet friend in person, a visa consultant accompanies the Chinese friend and presents the American with a demand for payment of thousands of dollars in fees. At times, when the American citizen has refused to pay, s/he has been threatened with physical violence or unlawful detention. The Embassy has also received reports of Internet relationship scams seeking money, rather than visas. For instance, the Chinese person will claim they or a close family member has been kidnapped or had a large sum of money stolen and asks the American to wire them money.
While many Chinese citizens are sincere in their desire to marry and live with Americans they meet over the Internet, some are not. It is important to remember that immigrant visas to the United States are viewed by many Chinese as having a great deal of value, and it is not uncommon for people to enter into relationships for the sole purpose of obtaining a visa.
Unfortunately, the Embassy is unable to carry out investigations of relationships of this sort, but all Americans are urged to approach such Internet relationships with caution, and to be wary of situations which appear similar to that described above.
For further information, see http://travel.state.gov/pdf/international_...ms_brochure.pdf.
I have also heard of simular like scams from Russia and Nigeria.
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Same type of question but I have NO wages for income because
I have not worked in over 6 years.
I do not want to get a co-sponsor because if something happens between me and my wife I do NOT want my friend to pay for her support. In other words, I don't want my friends to get involved and I don't trust my wife fully. I have heard of too many stories of scams in China.
I was wonder if $100,000 USD in a bank CD and $100,000 USD of what's left in my mutual funds, and 35,000 of my IRA account is enough for assets. A house with equity of about $600,000. I still own
about $110000 on the house. I am renting the upper portion of my house to other people. Are these amounts fine for NVC with NO income.
I was told it will bring a red flag by NVC for AOS I-864 because have NO wages for income.
Any suggestions .....
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Darnell:
Sorry after reading my posts again, I meant CR-1 and NOT K3. Thks.
I just got my NOA2 today in the mail..Great....
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pj,
i'm flying to hong kong airport and bus to china in januray. there is a bus service from hong kong airport to china at 18:45 right now, but during the chinese new year they will add more schedules. you need to check after december 2008.
Since you are arriving so late, your options are limited:
1. Go to the Hong Kong airport website for information on transportation like buses and ferries.
http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/transport/index.html
2. Go to the airport counter A1 for information but when I arrived most of the agencies were closed at 10:35pm.
3. You can try Skylimo the last bus/minivan is at ~10:50pm. I think they are the last bus service out of the airport. You are limited to one small carrry on and one other bag. You can also try taxis into China.
Skylimo will take you to Huangguan Border in Shenzhen. Huangguan is opened 24hrs while LoWu shutdowns at midnight. Once in Shenzhen, you have to get another taxi.
Skylimo's number is 0755-8360-9002 and 0755-8395-2068
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Thanks for the clarification.
Now, why in the H3LL are you studying K3/K1 flow? You are studying the wrong thing on Visa Journey.
You have other forms to worry about now. Suggest you study James' Shortcuts on Visa Journey, as well. see http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/...'s_Shortcut
Since you are not filing for a K-3, I beg of you, stop using the label 'K-3' in your future posts. Thanks in advance.
If you wish to study a NVC flowchart for the I-130 - have a look here:
http://www.visajourney.com/examples/NVC_Pr...wchart_v1-2.pdf
Good Luck !
http://lheeanne.blogspot.com/2008/04/new-a...-short-cut.html
Thanks found link.....
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I am even more confused.
Sure, you filed an I-130, which will lead to a CR-1 or an IR-1 .
But did you actually file an I-129F for a K-3 ? If so, there is no I-864 at all, as there is for a CR-1. NVC might actually think you are abandoning the I-130, unless you keep it active .
reread dnoblett's reply - both situations are covered in his answer to you.
IF you are really slinging a K-3 - then you still have the AOS fees to worry about, exactly like a K-1, after she arrives.
K-3 = I-130 + I-129F , then AOS AFTER she arrives.
CR-1 = I-130 , Green Card issued within a few weeks after she arrives.
I did NOT file for I-129F. I believe I still have the option to file the I-129F but I think the CR-1 or I-130 is a better option.
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William - I'm still a bit confused, I quickly flashed over your prior posts here, and could not figure out if you filed a subsequent I-129F for a K-3 or no.
IF you did not, then you'll be doing the I-864 through NVC for the I-130
and...
what did you decide here?
I am going for a K3. In other words, a visa for a spouse, an I-130. The I-129 cost $1000+ after AOS and a 3 month wait. I decided it was not for me. I got married, sadly. B)
I was surprised my NOA2 came so fast. I was expecting about 6 months. This was because someone asked about it on this forum, "How long it takes after getting the NOA1 for the NOA2". I also checked USCIS and it posted 6 months for the NOA2. I was told by others that ours should be faster since this is our first marriage for both of us. Therefore, there would be less questions and problems.
My question is, are they ( NVC ) going to send me a bill BEFORE they send out the forums.
OR are they going to send the forums and asking me to return the forums with the money for the I-864 and I-134.
Thanks....
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NOA2 approved, Great got an email.
I have a question. After NOA2 does the NVC send me a bill BEFORE they send me the paperwork for I-134, I-864, D-230 etc.
After getting my money, then NVC send me the paperwork ( package ) like I-134, I-864 D-230 etc.
This should be a easy question to answer. I am asking because I am leaving for China in 3 weeks and hope to get a bill or do something before I leave. I will be in China for 40 days and I want to do the paperwork before I leave. I have started most of the paperwork and hope I can send them in to NVC before I leave. I might have to ask some to check my mail when I am in China.
I have seen the flowchart and there is nothing about this.
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...amp;page=k1flow
http://www.familybasedimmigration.com/forum/k3flowchart.php
Thanks¡.
NOA1 received Aug 15
NOA2 approved Dec 18
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Processing Timeframe means the maximum time that USCIS may take to process the petition, if you are inside the timeframe, don't bother calling them they will simply tell you to wait until you are outside the timeframe, if you are outside the timeframe (6 months or so) then call them.
It has to do with the date you filed the I-130, for example if you filed it to VSC last January or CSC more than 7 months ago, then it would be time to call USCIS to ask what is up.
This is what I got from uscis.gov website:
Service Center Processing Dates for Vermont Service Center as of: August 31, 2008. The "Processing Timeframe for I-130 is Feb 26, 2008
Am I correct, the "Processing Timeframe" is a date where most cases are processed/completed/finished. The "Processing Timeframe" date is Feb 26. If your date ( receipt ) is before the "Processing Timeframe" like Jan 30, 2008, and no NOA2, then you should call and fine out why/what is the problem.
Or the "Processing Timeframe" is, if your case/application is BEFORE Feb 26, 2008, is being looked/processed now. They have just started to process, if your case is BEFORE Feb 26. If it's after Feb 26, most like nobody has touch you file. It can be 7-8 months waiting for cases for Sep/Oct.
For California, it says 6 months for I-130. In other words, does it mean it can take up to 6 months to process but can be less depending on your case. The average for the last 2 years was about 3-4 months for the NOA2.
I'm a little confused.
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The permit is not needed to be newed in 3-5 months. (Where do you get your info.. unless I am now completely out of touch with this stuff).
My information in the post might NOT be 100% correct. I was told/read and it might not be true. I have just started the process and just got my NOA1 for I-130 last month.
What I believe is after arriving to the USA with the K3, I-130/AOS everything is taken care of like, green card and SS number.
On the other hand, 129F you have to apply for adjustment of status for a green card and you have to get a work permit. This will take about 3-4 months after arriving in the USA.
For the work permit expiring after a few months and needs to be renewed, I need to check on this since there is some doubt
PS This is my first marriage and I might be a little Paranoid. It might be due to all the stories I have heard about bad marriages from overseas.
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I need some advice on how to protect myself if my wife decides to get a divorce. I am currently in the USA and it seems like she is avoiding me when I call. It seems like she has second thoughts. The biggest issue might be she is 20 years younger than me.
I know a few stories of ladies getting divorces once in the USA. They always give some excuse bad about the guy. One story is she even had a boyfriend back in China. Their intentions were to get a divorce and to bring him over after a few years. The husband and wife had a joint account and she was withdrawing large amounts before the divorce. She does not want to give the money back and claims it¡¯s his fault. I heard they got a divorce and she is in the process of bring his boyfriend over.
Basically, I want send my wife back, if things don¡¯t work out. The second time for me will be even harder to find a wife and to get her over to the USA. I will be well over 50 years old by then.
1. First I know about getting a pre nuptial agreement. I own two houses and have some saving but I still have mortgages on both. I was thinking about putting her name on the deed to get the Visa faster but decided not to.
2. Second I asked her to sign some beneficiary form giving my brother and sister some of my assets if I die. She has been delaying signing it for sometime now.
3. After the I-130, I have the option to file an I-129F. The I-129F is non-immigration visa. The person can work but have to file adjustment of status for a green card. The adjustment cost $1000 and can take 3 months. I need my wife to get a job and start school but she does NOT need a green card.
While the I-130, a green card is automatically given. The I129F you have to get a work permit. The permit has to be renewed in 3-5 months. The cost is about $200 for each renewal. I have NOT applied for the I-129F yet and I am thinking this is a good way to keep her in check. What is the best way to get a conditional green card and is there a difference for a permanent green card?
I would like to know when is a social security card given. She needs it to applying for school and for opening bank accounts. I apologize about my poor writing in this post. I hope you can understand my points and questions.
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Suspect there is a excellent change to pass thu the first time without any problem if:
1. First time getting married for both parties
2. US Born Citizen
3. Never petition for a foreigner before like a K1 Fiance visa
4. Financial stable, 2.5 times the need income but more the better
5, Older sister of beneficiary already in USA ( for me ).
6. NO criminal record and good credit.
Problems I see for me:
1, Age might be an issue being almost 25 years differences
2. I hope she is NOT using me to get over to the USA. My older
sister and I know of a few getting divorced later after getting out of China/Russian.
In Chinese, the call it cross over the bridge and pull the bridge behind you, something like that.
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Well Tonoue, They will know from your application when you divorced and when you two met. This will be evident regardless of when you apply. Personally I would apply. If they delay you there's nothing you can do. If you decide to delay yourself - well that's your doing.
Think it over. Many people will respond. Sort it out for yourself.
Welcome and good luck. - Jay
Thank you, Jay.
I really want to apply as soon as possible. We can't stand being away from each other. However, we're both kinda....ummm.....concerned? Maybe paranoid would be a better word. lol
QiuQiu tells me (from what she read on the chinese counterpart to this site) that if we apply and she is denied, the chances of getting approved a second time are slim to none. So, I pretty much gather that it's a one shot deal. I don't know if it's true, but I have no reason to disbelieve what she says.
Just a side note - I will be going back to visit her in January. We plan on meeting in Xi'an for the Lunar Festival. =D
- Tonoue
Your are correct, if you get CR1/K3/K1 and denied the first time, things will get messy. The process will even take longer, maybe years. Suggest getting a lawyer quickly after getting denied.
But this is your first petition for any visas, is a good thing. Your first marriage was in the USA, good. You are a US born citizen, also good. They are just checking for any fraud.
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The 'evidence of bonafide marriage' set o stuff to do changed in january 2008. If you review a current I-130 form, you'll see what is suggested to prove up a bonafide marriage. others have made lists, reread what is here in this topic. FWIW, those affadavits from OTHER PEOPLE - you can get them now, not wait for a few months. Please study, as much as possible, what 'front-loading' is all about.
You can also submit stuff after you receive the P-2, cause you'll start to recv the I-864 requests right after that.
Be Well, and Well Rested !
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I downloaded a sample of the California version and utilized it for my two affidavits filed with the I-130. Even though not asked for specifically with the I-129F, I also included them along with the other evidence, with that package too. Each of my petitions, both I-130's and the I-129F, were over 2" thick, including the photos.
I followed the USCIS official file compilation directions and "submitted as Complete a package as possible".
In the end, I felt I did not 'harm' myself in this regard.
Photos: I have read some people put photos in the I-130 package and again in the I-129. I think it's a wait of time. In other words, it seems to me it a duplicate effect sending the same pictures to both place.
For the number of photos, I was told 20-25 should be enough. Each photo should have a short desciption. Any comments please.
Thanks...
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Financial co-mingling only is provided in cases where a couple has been married and diving together for some time.
This is strictly optional, USCIS and Consulate know that due to the short time of marriage that you wont have any of the above evidence, you can provide a couple of letters from friends and family attesting to knowledge that you are in fact married.
This evidence has more to do with persons who have been married and living together overseas for several years, as in 2+ years together, the resulting visa, and green-card in the USA will be a 10 year permanent one, no conditions to file to remove. People filing for a visa shortly after marriage tend to get a 2year green card, which will eventually need the conditions removed for a permanent card, at that time you will provide to USCIS evidence of bona fide marital relationship.
I would also think that they will know that you can't get your wife or husbands name on some stuff unless they live with you and can show up to sign in person (like bank accounts).
I'm in the process of opening an account with HSBC Bank. I'm currently in the USA. The information for her to sign was sent to an office on China. Then it will be sent back to the USA. The account with be a joint account with her and my name. The process takes about 3-4 weeks. The guy from HSBC Bank said the information can't be fax over. I didn't understand why NOT. It had to be send internal mail.
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The 'evidence of bonafide marriage' set o stuff to do changed in january 2008. If you review a current I-130 form, you'll see what is suggested to prove up a bonafide marriage. others have made lists, reread what is here in this topic. FWIW, those affadavits from OTHER PEOPLE - you can get them now, not wait for a few months. Please study, as much as possible, what 'front-loading' is all about.
You can also submit stuff after you receive the P-2, cause you'll start to recv the I-864 requests right after that.
Be Well, and Well Rested !
Actually, the changes for the I-130 came about in very early 2007. They were already in place, when I first filed my I-130 in late April 2007, and VJ had already included the changes on their I-130 Guide, by April 2007. As I stated in post #6, I sensed a [change] in the dynamic at that time, as to how to approach the filing of the petition.
As to the other question on the Affidavit, each state has its own format (although most are similar) for the legal affidavit.
I downloaded a sample of the California version and utilized it for my two affidavits filed with the I-130. Even though not asked for specifically with the I-129F, I also included them along with the other evidence, with that package too. Each of my petitions, both I-130's and the I-129F, were over 2" thick, including the photos.
I followed the USCIS official file compilation directions and "submitted as Complete a package as possible".
In the end, I felt I did not 'harm' myself in this regard.
Hi rogerinca:
Can you post or PM the sample California version for Affidavit. I am also from California.
Thanks....William
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I am little confused. Do I summit "Evidence of a bonafide marriage" alone with my I-130 package? Like photos, reciepts, phone records, letters from 3rd party and other small proof now with I-130. Should this proof be also "duplicated when interviewing" at the Chinese Embassy when the time comes in about 1 year later?
I was told and read just send in a copy of marriage license for "Evidence of a bonafide marriage" for I-130?
What do you believe is the minimum I can send because I don't have enough for the I-130 for proof. I am currently working on the proof and don't want to wait a few months. I want to send in what I already have, a few pictures and e-mail. Then when the interview comes I will give what I have gather for the rest.
The 'evidence of bonafide marriage' set o stuff to do changed in january 2008. If you review a current I-130 form, you'll see what is suggested to prove up a bonafide marriage. others have made lists, reread what is here in this topic. FWIW, those affadavits from OTHER PEOPLE - you can get them now, not wait for a few months. Please study, as much as possible, what 'front-loading' is all about.
You can also submit stuff after you receive the P-2, cause you'll start to recv the I-864 requests right after that.
Be Well, and Well Rested !
Thanks to all that replied.
Where can I get a sample for Affidavits. I know the basics requirements for the Affidavits on visajournel.com.
From visajournel.com
5. Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by third parties havingpersonal knowledge of the bona fides of the maritalrelationship (Each affidavit must contain the full nameand address, date and place of birth of the person makingthe affidavit, his or her relationship to the petitioner ofbeneficiary, if any, and complete information and detailsexplaining how the person acquired his or herknowledge of your marriage);
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Ok according to Visajourney.com http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=k3guide
on the checklist (Assembling the I-130 Package: Checklist ) item #6
asked for Evidence of a bonafide marriage. At this time of the 6 items listed, we can only supply #5 (Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by third parties...)
Question, is this enough? Why doesn't the marriage license trump everything else? I suppose if this is the only edvidence we can show then that is the bottom line.
After seeing these 6 listings, has anyone thought of something else that may qualify as evidence?
I suppose that the marriage license can be done by anyone and that is why it is not considered to be real evidence.
Richard
We will apply for our spouse visa but right now we want to make everything well without any errors. As far as I know, our marriage notarized paper work,email letters, photos, reciept of dimond ring, phone call list are enough. But according to visajoruney, we have to show other evidence. We need help?
Thanks,
Amanda
I am little confused. Do I summit "Evidence of a bonafide marriage" alone with my I-130 package? Like photos, reciepts, phone records, letters from 3rd party and other small proof now with I-130. Should this proof be also "duplicated when interviewing" at the Chinese Embassy when the time comes in about 1 year later?
I was told and read just send in a copy of marriage license for "Evidence of a bonafide marriage" for I-130?
What do you believe is the minimum I can send because I don't have enough for the I-130 for proof. I am currently working on the proof and don't want to wait a few months. I want to send in what I already have, a few pictures and e-mail. Then when the interview comes I will give what I have gather for the rest.
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Any suggestion for lawyers ( Attorney ) for K3 in Northern California.
Hello after looking and trying to read required documents, I have decided to find a lawyer. This is after read some of the horror stories that might go wrong and relatives. At first, I was trying to do most of the work like filling out the forum and just hiring a paralegal that specialize in immigration. The paralegal can help with the finer details of the paperwork. I was planning to get a K1 since it is faster but now we got married. It's a K3 now. The cost was reasonable, like 100 to 175USD for a paralegal.
Then my wife¡¯s relatives got involved and made a big thing about how things can go wrong. Well, if anyone can suggest ( recommend ) a lawyer in the San Francisco Bay Area please post the information. I can fill out most of the paperwork myself but need some advice to get it right the first time and not wait several years of red tape or white slip.
I have already did a search for lawyer and read the following link:
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?...6&hl=Lawyer
Thanks¡..
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I don't mind giving my distance cousin some money but not something like 30-40K RMB. That's about 4-5,000 USD. 1K USD is more reasonable for me. Actually my mother in law is suppose to pay it and not me but she doesn't have that kind of money around. Mostlikely, the amount is a wish amount and she will settle for less.
Yes, I too been offer over 50K USD for a fake marriage a few times.
Since my Chinese is very limited, I was hoping somebody knows something about Southern China can help me, specifically Taishan/Kaiping area. It might be true and a custom in Southern China. On the other hand, I have asked a few of my Chinese friends, 3-4, and they said they never heard of such a thing. So far we have been keeping our marriage plans a secret because of my cousin.
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Do anyone know if there is some kind of rule to give money to a marriage broker in Southern China. My cousin who is the marriage broker, now wants something like 30-40K RMB from my future mother-in-law. Most likely I will have to pay it because she doesn't have that kind of money. My cousin claims since she indroduce the girl to me, now want the money when we get marry.
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I quickly read some of the posts. To answer some of the questions, it is our first time getting married for me and for my girlfriend. I am an ABC, meaning American Born Chinese. My first language is English but I speak a little Cantonese. The main thing I see wrong with our relationship is I am 20 years older than her. I 'm over 45 now. This should be a red flag to anyone.
She speaks Cantonese and some English. She laughs at may Chinese all the time. We met thru a cousin who now wants about 40-30K RMB from her mother. Her mother doesn't have that kind of money. Most likely I have to pay it off. We are wary the cousin might cause some trouble for us if we do not pay her anything. I am willing to pay her something but NOT 40-30K.
Most of our information are just rumors and stories from other people who have applied in GZ.
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Firstly there is nothing complex about the K-1, we did it with no problems.
But yes you need a cert of marriageability, you can get this at any of the US consulates in China.
http://shanghai.usembassy-china.org.cn/mar...e_in_china.html
My future wife is scared of being rejected. She also believe I should get a lawyer. The price of a lawyer is around 2K. I said NO, it's too much. I feel I can do it myself. Most people feel after doing it once, a lawyer is not neccessary. Anyway, I will go to a specialize just to look over the paperwork for me. The cost is about $150.
On the other hand, after she read some other people's problem there is a over 55% chance of being rejected and we have to start over again for K1. She feels we do not have enough proof. The people at the Canton, embassy are very rude. She feels the time frame for a K3 is about 3-4 months longer than a K1. It is safer.
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Hello,
I am now located in the USA. First we were thinking about getting a K1 fiancee visa but hear there were too many problems and very complicated. We also feel we do not have much proof and might fail. As a result, we are planning to get married when I return back to China in May/June 2008. Then return home and file a K3 Visa.
My question is what paperwork do I need before I return back to China. For example, I was told I need to prove that I am single and it has to be notarized. Then maybe copy of birth certificate or passport. Someone help with some general questions first for a newbie.
Warning Internet dating SCAM
in General Visa Discussion & First Steps
Posted · Edited by William Lee (see edit history)
I talked with a few people about the marriage fee, including from a Candle for Love member's wife. The wife's member lives in the same district as the marriage broker, my cousin but about 2 hours away by bus. Most said NO but the member's wife and another person said there is a fee for the broker. We are not planning to tell the marriage broker, until we get our visa in case she wants to cause some trouble. For example, calling the US Embassy. I am will to pay her sometime but NOT what she wants. I hope it is negotiable.