xulei601

We just talked to China Post about shipping dozens of books to America. Very discouraging! Two things surprised me. First, the price was much higher than expected. The exact price escapes me now, but it was well over 10 US bucks per kilogram! Second, I expected they might have a "book rate." Most of my reading material has been sent to me in small parcels that come extra cheap because of the content. But China Post said the price was higher for shipping just books! Though you can get the lower price just by throwing in a few other things - some clothes, kitchen appliances, household pets....

What's your point? I know superstitions occur the world over. But I recognize superstitions from my culture for what they are and do not allow them to dictate my life. To satisfy your curiousity, I've never seen a building in China without a 13th floor, but I have never seen a hotel or hospital that wasn't missing a 4th floor (si4=four, si3=death/die).

Will anybody else be drinking coffee on the 4th floor of the embassy and freaking out with the nervous jitters on Sept. 8th?

Good luck, Bill. Like I said, beer's on me if she comes out with a white slip! (wait a minute, what color means good now? Is white, purple, pink????)

No, it is about $100 151306[/snapback] And that $100 is the fee paid at the same time as the medical check? That's great news! We were going to buy rings today, and now we can get something a little extra special for her.

I am interested to know what superstitions have caused problems for you or your relationship. For example, did any of you know that this is an unlucky year to get married? I thought it was a village or a Guangdong superstition, but my boss from Wuhan rushed his marriage so it occurred before last Spring Festival. This belief caused some definite friction with her family. Other such instances have caused minor ruffles between us. I see it as superstition. I think those astrological calendars that so many people base their lives on are mass produced for profit only, and if there is some legitimacy to Chinese astrology, it is not reflected in the calendars. I'm not religious, and not superstitious as far as I know. I am tolerant of other people's beliefs, but so much of this "folk religion" just seems like old wives tales and out-dated traditions. It's hard for me to accept sometimes, especially when it interferes directly with our life (such as wedding dates). Does anybody else have this problem?

I just read this whole thread through and as you may have noticed I'm a little slow on the uptake sometimes. So can somebody answer this question with a simple yes or no? Is there a US$380 fee for K-1 visas?

We are close to our visa interview date, so it's time to start worrying about the next step. I looked in this forum and was immediately intimidated by all the acronyms and references that I'd never heard before. Is there a link or a pinned thread for people like me, something like "The Next Step for Dummies"?

Can you tell us how soon after the interview you were able to get the visa? Next day? Two days????

You said "PHOTOS" as in plural... is that mean two of her or one of each of you ? Be as specific as possible! THANKS.... 149198[/snapback] I mean passport photos, 50mm x 50mm, of her. 149504[/snapback] One more question to anyone: Did you hand in a chinese version of DS-156 as well, and attach photos to that one as well ? 149590[/snapback] Yes, turned in DS-156 in English and Chinese, with photos attached to each form (4 in total). Also turned in DS-157 in English and Chinese (no photos). I thought we were just being thorough by doing them in both languages, but the doctor checked to see that they were all there. By the way, the International Travel hospital on Shamian get two thumbs up from me. Very professional, efficient, and helpful.

You said "PHOTOS" as in plural... is that mean two of her or one of each of you ? Be as specific as possible! THANKS.... 149198[/snapback] I mean passport photos, 50mm x 50mm, of her.

Here's the verdict from today's medical exam --- ATTACH THE PHOTOS TO DS-156 AND TAKE 4 MORE! You will hand over 4 photos right off the bat, and later you turn in the forms and they need pictures as well.

I have never personally seen the sheet (GIV-8).. Just found out last night she did not have it. I'm telling my SO to go by the list I created... and to have blank forms in case one of them is filled out wrong. If anyone has the GIV-8 and can offer comments from it, PLEASE DO !! 148847[/snapback] I just found my GIV-8. It's not that helpful regarding what to bring. It says bring everything listed on Letter To K1 Applicant, which tells us what to bring to the interview, so it includes financial and relationship evidence. It has actually been a bigger source of confusion than anything else. It also lists participating hospitals. So I think we're set for tomorrow. I always go through these last minute panic attacks. Thanks for your help, David. Glad you were online!

What is GIV-8? That must be one that I didn't get...hope it's just info and not something that needs to be filled out and signed! I do have several papers with no numbers, though.....

It seems to be a case of finding slightly different instructions in different places (which has been all too common throughout this process). I went back and found the list that came with P4, which states what to bring to interview, not necessarily medical check. It says bring DS-156/157 with 4 photos attached.... But I'm going to follow your advice and just bring them in loose. By the way, David, on the "confused" thread you wrote a helpful list of what to bring. But what did you mean by #5: P4 (K1 list)? Would it be the list I just mentioned? Thanks.

Urgent last minute question (medical check tomorrow): Do we attach photos to form DS-156? I assume that's what the four photos are for - 2 for the english forms and 2 for the chinese. Do we go ahead and attach, or just take the photos to the hospital? Or, do we attach photos AND bring 4 more to the hospital?

How did your SO's answer number 5 on the family composition sheet. It asks "how/when did petitioner enter U.S.? Type of visa? "A" number?" I think she should write, "US Citizen, born xxxxxx" and maybe include my passport number. What do you think?

Just called that hospital again to confirm, and this time they said it would in fact cost 100 extra.

A few days ago I read a post by somebody who has been living in China for a few years and hasn't filed tax returns. He wrote a letter of explanation that I planned on plagiarizing the hell out of. But now I can't find it! Can anybody point me in the right direction?

By the way, my SO called the hospital on Shamian Island and they said to get there early and she could get the results the same day - no extra charge (and no appointment necessary). Would you post the name of the hospital? Thanks 148504[/snapback] Health Care Center of Guangdong International Travel #33 Shamian North Street Shamian Island, Guangzhou Tel: (020) 8121 9500, 8121 9513 P4 includes a list of acceptable hospitals. There are 2 in Guangzhou. This one is 200 RMB more expensive than the other. We chose it because the other hospital wasn't answering its phone. Also, I hate hate HATE Chinese hospitals and health care. I'm hoping that this one might be better since it has the word "international" in its name.

--- "List all the countries you have entered in the last 10 years"--- She's never left China, except for a trip to Hong Kong earlier this year. Hong Kong IS a part of China, but..... Chinese need special travel passes to enter, and only if they are from Guangdong. I think the majortity of Chinese can only enter with official tour groups. So, is the answer to question 9 on form DS-157: a- none b- Hong Kong I assume she does not need to include China on the list.....(?) Thanks!

We plan to get the health check in GZ Sept. 2nd. -- we'll pay the the extra 100 RMB to get the results fast, then go back to SZ for the weekend. We're going to GZ this Mon. or Tues. for the medical check and to scout out hotels. Will probably be in GZ Sept. 7-9, and Shenzhen before and after that. By the way, my SO called the hospital on Shamian Island and they said to get there early and she could get the results the same day - no extra charge (and no appointment necessary). Xulei

Think I just answered my own question. Didn't realize 156K was to be signed and sworn in front of visa officer.

DS-156 in duplicate (actually, this means 2 in english and 2 in chinese.. so four all together). So, the 156K does NOT need to filled out in duplicate? The wording is a little ambiguous ("This form, together with Form DS-156, completed in duplicate..."). I only received one 156K, so I suppose that's all I need. But then again, GZ has clearly had some problems with their staff of envelope stuffers of late.

Hi Frank, Two questions: 1) Wasn't most of the paperwork already sealed inside of the medical envelope? 2) How long after she had the exam did you pick up the results? Thanks!