chuckandshuping

This is a great post. I remember all those feelings too. It was so difficult being apart and feeling so helpless. The good news is that "this too shall pass." All of the lonely, angry time I spent waiting for the visa process to be over is now a distant memory. Even through the troubles we had with Guangzhou, it is all water under the bridge now. Take it from a guy who knows first hand, the lonely days will fade soon enough. You will be together and your lives together will be made stronger by the time apart.

First of all...CONGRATULATIONS to you Benjamin and Anna. I hope you will have a long and happy life together. To answer your questions...you need to go to the local translation office where you are in China and have your marriage certificate translated. You will get a normal letter sized folder with the translation and all required documents when you do this. My advise is to get about 10 copies there. It doesn't cost very much to have this done in China. Your wife should know where to get this done. Bring all the copies back with you to the states. You DO need to send one of those origional translated copies in with the I-130, and again with the I-129 if you go the K-3 route. You will need more copies for adjustment of status later, and many other things after she arrives here. Get the copies now and you won't have to worry about it later. YOu NEVER have to send you little red book to anyone, unless you want to apply for a multiple-entry Chinese visa to go back and visit her, in which case you have to send the red book to the Chinese embassy but they will return it to you with the visa and your passport. When you marry in China, you are legally married in the eyes of the US government too. You don't need to worry about that. It also enables you to claim her as a dependent on taxes, etc. Just enjoy your time together while you are there. The coming back and leaving her there is the hardest part. I remember 4 trips to China and the heartbreak of leaving her every time. The good news is that you will eventually be together. Believe me, it is worth every minute of the wait! Good luck to you.

We were married Dec. 03. OOPS! I will change my timeline.

Sorry I didn't clarify. We got the 10 year card. We were K-3 and her AOS interview was after our 2 year wedding anniversary.

After a very painful bout with the good folks in GUZ and overcoming TPC, Shuping finally got to the US in March of 2005. I filed for her AOS at the end of April. She got the EAD card in October. We had the AOS interview in Memphis on 1/26/06. It was very easy and the IO was very nice. We were in and out in about 15 minutes. Last Saturday got the welcome letter and yesterday she got the green card. WHAT A RELIEF! Finally, finished with this mess for 10 years. Just to update...everything is going well. We bought a new house last spring. Her English is very good now. She is getting ready to take her drivers license test soon and she wants to open her own business. We are also going to buy a house in China sometime in the future as we plan to retire there in another 10 years or so. As each day goes by, I realize more and more how lucky I am. This woman is the best thing that ever happened to me! (except maybe for the occasional mop slap ) I want to express my thanks to everyone at Candle for their support through the process. This site is a wealth of information. There are many great people here and I wish all of you success. For those still waiting to be united with their SO, don't give up. It is worth every minute of the wait! Chuck

CONGRATULATIONS! It sounds like it's almost over for you two. After all you've been through, this is indeed good news. Best of luck to you both and have a happy life together. Chuck and Shuping

Went to the civil surgeon this morning and all went very well. They knew exactly what was needed. I handed over her passport and vaccination records from China, gave them $50 and walked out with the sealed envelope and a copy of the supplement form. All was finished in about 30 minutes. Already sent back to Homeland security so just awaiting an interview date now. Fingerprints and everything else are done. Now we can relax for a while. Thanks for all the support. Chuck and Shuping

Welcome! Good to have another Tennessee member. Chuck and Shuping

Thanks for all the replies. I lucked out. Got an appointment with a civil surgeon on Morristown TN. for tomorrow morning. The nurse said no problem, just pay $50 and get the form. This doctor is a small town guy and they really seemed to know the rules. Here's hoping for the best. Thanks again. Chuck

Thanks Trigg. I am hoping to find one closer and I am talking to the nurses everywhere I call. I think some of these doctors need a good mop slapping! If we come to Nashville, I will let you know. By the way, I don't need to witness the mop slapping. I have first hand experience in that department. Chuck

We filed for AOS and got an RFE for the 693 supplement. I have been calling several civil surgeons and so far, all want to do a complete physical. I know this is not required and they are trying to get as much money as possible. I live in upper East TN. and if necessary, will drive to Nashville but would like to find somewhere closer. Maybe Trigg can offer a suggestion, I hope! Still calling and trying to find one that is honest. If anyone can help I would appreciate it very much. Chuck

Alex, This is unbelievable! Hang in there and make lots of noise, any way you can. I hope things get resolved for you soon. I don't know of anyone who has been through more than you. Good luck! Chuck

We were lucky. The VO finally talked to Shuping and told her who sent the correspondence. The matter was not easily resolved but we did overcome it. Out of all the waiting and frustration with the visa process, this was the worst part of out experience. The people that sent the correspondence to GZ were known criminals and had caused us some problems early on. I had contacted a very nice lady in Citizen Services during this time because I was worried about my wife's safety while still in China. She was very helpful and when we were denied, I asked her to talk to the IV unit. She did and everything was cleared up and we got the visa. Like I said, we were lucky. I know of some other cases that did not end up as well. It is a real shame that GZ will listen to known criminals and not pay any attention to the US citizen that is the petitioner. If anyone has a problem with 3rd party correspondence, rattle as many cages as you can and don't take no for an answer. Just remember, in GZ's eyes, you have no rights. It isn't fair, but it is GZ.

Dang Trigg, she is a smart tater! Just hope you ain't learnin her bout speakin hillbilly.

Congratulations and best of luck for a happy future!