pkfops

What's the name on your appointment letter?

Actually, I had no problem traversing the Hong Kong Airport, or finding the Sky Ferry. There were plenty of signs in English. Lets see, how long was Hong Kong under English control, over 100 years. As for a baby sitter, I haven't needed one for about three decades. As far as needing to be there, there is no need. I just thought it would be a nice bonding experience for us. You know, the whole being there for her, during one of the most relevant moment of her life. Not to mention taking her back to the farm. So I can say hello to my new family, and let her say goodbye to her mother. 198672[/snapback] I was told not to come for the interview but I did come to bring her home. Did the sights and had a few dinners. For the last night, her friends and her family got a couple of rooms at the hotel where I was staying and we did karaoke. Her best friend tried to out drink me. It all made for some great video.

Just took a look at the I-751 instructions. Looks like the same old stuff. Hold on to those papers until it's over.

Funny...but sad. I had a smile on my face while reading this. But, here is my question about most US snack food. Is it really food or chemicals wanting to be food?...hehe 198634[/snapback] On an added note: If you eat healthy there is no reason to "snack" unless you need the extra energy while you are biking, hiking etc.

No need to worry about being there for the interview. If you don't speak Chinese, being there might be an extra burden for your SO. Face it, can you read a train schedule, tell a cab driver where to go or order food in a resturant? Your SO's job is to go to GZ and pass her visa interview, not to babysit as she will be worried about your comfort.

I remember reading somewhere that Portland was once refered to as DePortland by Japanese tourist because they given such a hard time.

A high speed internet connection with web cam on both sides. Access to local Chinese community (food) is a plus. Go out and show her something new every weekend.

Other than the sponser's birth certificate and passport, I've read the instructions to mean only the NOAs. We are bringing the following: Birth and marriage certificates. Credit/Bank Cards, health insurance card, bank statements and utility bills in her name. Also my dependant elections printout from my employer. Print out from SSA (three request for the card ) I was lucky enough to file jointly for 2005 so I have a copy of our return and a copy of the refund check. In addition to all returns from 2002. And last, copies and originals of all supporting docs filed with the I485/I864 and a small photo album. Another good tip by David is to make sure the Chinese passport is signed. I checked my wife's and it was not so I had her sign it in Chinese and English. I guess a "signiture" is less important in China.

May want to get the Biometrics done yourself.

Thanks for the report as it has help me to decide not to go in with 10lbs of paper. Now you can start planning more for the long term and make the return visit to China; I'm sure your wife's family wants to know if she's been "americanized".

Good report. Sorry to hear about the EAD card.

It wil be over soon. It is hard to talk about the Day to Day things because of culture and distance; but that will change. Just do the Chinese thing; work hard and save money for "that day". It will happen. Your goal is set so don't worry about it; Chinese girls aren't like American girls.

I'm just an average guy. After planning our itinerary, I would buy my Trans Pacific flight 90 days in advance. This would give my 3 months to spread the payments. The hotel; I would spread the payments 1 to two months after my return. The big key to China travel; the longer you stay the more you save. Day to day expenses are much cheaper in China than the US. For our Yunnan trip we spent 23 days and toured 5 cities. AirFare and hotel was $2300. I plugged in a similar itinerary with a China travel service and it was close to $10,000 minus the Trans Pacific airfare. When I got home I had money in the bank (direct deposit) as I did not have my "at home expenses". Hang in there and plan well. Remember you SO is your partner and can privide shortcuts and save $$$$ with you travels.

Do Do Do Do Do Do Do..... (The theme from Jaws)

Where's your report?

Just got the card today, valid from 2/28/06 thru 2/27/07. We got ripped off for 8 days! "They" owe us.

I like going to the consulate(SF) and getting it myself.

I hand carried mine though you may want to mail a set just in case you do the unthinkable and forget to put them in you bag before the flight.

Lots of stuff will happen next. I thought everything was good to go after the visa. Spent a week in GZ while she tied up loose ends, partied with friends and family. Said our goodbyes at the counter and proceeded through security and passport control to our gate for the hop to HK. Once seated in the waiting area she began to cry and did not perk up until we flew over SF on our final approach.

I just worked hard and went to China every 6 to 8 months.

If all else fails: Print the Chinese characters in Word. Cut the characters and paste them to the completed doc with a glue stick and run it through the copy machine.

I took the risk and booked my wife on Singapore Air, HK to SF. The airline had a $100 cancellation fee.

Primary Credit Card for the hotel bill. $100 per day for general expenses. Emergency cash in money belt to cover entire cost of trip. (getting home is very important) Backup credit card and AmExpress card in shoe under gel pad insert. Also don't forget two sets of photo copies of airtickets, passport/visa, credit cards and hotel reservations. One copy carried on your person and one in your bag(luggage tags inside and out) along with a copy of your itinerary.

My wife's sisters sent her some things via China Post. It got here in less than two weeks.

My wife likes "The Price Is Right".