Luo_Bin_&_Jialu

Well, thank you all for an interesting discussion. Upon reading the posts, two additional questions popped up.. 1) What are the projected changes in the visa process post Beijing 2008? 2) What are the major differences in how American and Chinese students are taught to think? (for example, I have often felt that for a bulk of the last 30-40 years, chinese are taught math, science, engineering, accounting and how to apply them whereas american students are tought the same, but the emphasis is on how to think and solve the unseen problems--indepent thought and action not being encouraged in the previously communist china) Well...I will one day get around to posting these threads..today I am taking my chinese born and raised and very pregnant wife with my chinese born american 15 month old daughter to the California State Fair and see if I can get my wife to eat a corn dog.. As usual, you all have been great! ÎÒÆÚÍûÄãÈ«²¿Óа²È«¡¢½¡¿µ¡¢¿ìÀÖ¡¢°®ºÍÐí¶àÇ® Rob

So, just for some time filler..and perspective for those who are waiting and have already waited... Is it easier to get a visa today than it was last year or three years ago...and what are the major changes?

Congratulations! I wish you and your family a great stay in the U.S. Our first B1/B2 Visa was for a one month stay. It has very little to do with proof of someone's parents or any of the other bs that people think. Immigration law is based on "the napoleonic code" which, in english means "guilty until proven innocent". So, this means the chinese people must prove beyond reasonable doubt that they have a reason to return to china. Most determining factor is how much money they have, how much property they have and what they would be leaving by "going underground" Please note that the terms highlighted in quotes are those of a high ranking government service employee. Isn't it nice to live in the land of the free?

Now you can only hope that your security checks have been completed. More than one person has had the VO's find this out at the last minute, thus causing them to issue a blue slip...which is then overturned once security check is finished.. There is also other errors which can occur, so don't get too happy until you actually get the visa. I am not trying to be a joykill, just hoping to not hear another crushed person in agony after getting "GUZ'd"..

Warpedbored: Okay, think about this: GUZ processes god only knows how many cases. All of us here at CFL work overtime to make sure all boxes are checked, t's are crossed and i's are dotted. Do you know how many other app's aren't? Do you know how many thousands of apps these guys look at? The people who do most of the processing simply look for paper titled "x", then check the appropriate box and pass the pile on to the next person. I can only guess at how many people touch each of our app's, then pass it on. Each person has no idea who we are and very, very, very seldom look at corroborating documentation. The actual VO with authority to pass or fail very likely gets about 5 minutes of time with your case AFTER many, many others have simply checked boxes and passed it on. The likelihood of clerical error OR other is exponentially increased through all this. As I have said a few times, unless someone has lied, or contadicted themselves, or someone else has sent in "hate mail" about you, your case--if properly filed, checked and marked--will eventually be passed. This can be referred to these matters as containing "transparency" in the process. If I were to tell you at great length of my experiences you would understand I have been victim to the error of others and after much consideration I firmly and strongly believe the few actually containing authority in GUZ will come to your defense. I will quote someone of authority in GUZ whom I thanked after he helped me resolve an issue I had. He could have easily not returned my phone call, but he did and he helped me. He said: "Don't thank me, I am simply doing my job. A U.S. Citizen asked me for my help. I would not be here if it was not for this reason." When I was frantic and running around the consulate emailing people and calling Maura Harty's office and having meetings with various people in GUZ, the GUZ GSO Staff all had one common thread--they took time to listen to me and do what they had authority to do. Every single person at GUZ treated me with compassion. The chinese national who did the actual interview with my wife was not cordial and could have cared less about us, but the GSO people all were very kind and compassionate. I firmly believe that if Phil is true and his SO is true, then this is a small deal and he will soon get his visa--probably quicker than if GUZ had waited for the security clearance to clear THEN scheduled the interview.

As I stated in my reply to Phil on his other thread, I have been through a blue slip after the statement of "congratulations"--the same as Phi. Our blue slip stated "security check", "two months, blah, blah"--same as Phil. It was actually a simple oversight. The IV unit did me a favor and scheduled the interview without the security check being complete--I am not sure if they knew it or not--but it saved me at least a month. So, they scheduled interveiw and then when they did the "final review" they noticed the security check was not complete, so had to go "against their word" and deny us temporarily. I was upset and sent mad emails, phone calls, visits, etc..all alluding a conspiracy, to lack of transparancy, etc..and it turned out to be a simple ordeal taking only an extra week. Boy did I feel like a "schmuck"! I would like to say that I was "pre-disposed" to thinking that the big, bad GUZ IV unit was out to get me by reading threads like these two relating to this. I never did get to apologize to the IV unit for my actions "attacking" them and questioning their integrity, but I would like to let you all know that they deserved one from me. My wife, myself and our two month old daughter are sure glad that the IV unit does indeed practice integrity and transparancy. We are also glad that they scheduled our interview sooner than later--even with the snafu of the additional security check. Please note that the people who work in GUZ's three departments are headed by US Citizens that would rather help you than hurt you--especially if you give them the chance. I know this as I went all out during my process and got many, many chances to speak to GUZ OS people. I also have spent many years overseas and dealt with these people in other countries--GUZ is not as bad as these threads make them out to be. One day, I would like to tell you all about our story, but today will simply wish Phil the best of luck and the fastest resolution to his ordeal. Rob

Phil, RELAX! I went through the exact same thing--my signature does not reflect one year of back and forth to china. To make a long story short, we recieved word that are visa was successful and then received blue slip for "additional security check" same as you. Within two days, DOS had completed the "security check" and asked my wife to come back, which she did within the week. Would you rather that they didn't schedule your interview for last week? How about if they waited until the security check was complete..which may be a few more months, then schedule you for a few months after that? You may have lucked out in them scheduling your interview as you now have done everything and may get that "surprise letter" tomorrow. I know is sucks, as it did for me, but it may be a blessing that saves you a few months. The problem seems to be they thought your security check would be complete and it is not yet complete. This was the case with mine. After I flooded the thee departments in the consulate with emails, phone calls and visits, the problem was resolved within a matter of days and it was truly a simple oversight--not a conspiracy as I first thought. So, hang in there! I, my wife and our beautiful two month old daughter wish you a safe and quick ending to your long struggle. Rob

Send her to school. This keeps her busy and REALLY gives her ammo to get mad at you One thing I know about Chinese woman is that they can be quite difficult. Similar to handling delicate glass statuettes... Mine got pregnant and that got her quieted down a bit. I now have about two years to figure out some kind of business to get her--as she will not work for anyone else--so my options are even more limited than yours seem to be. Good luck and let us know how things go..and congratulations on your green card. We have the interview on July 20. Rob

hmmmm...sending off your wife in exchange for cheetos...sounds like a sticky situation to me.. Congrats on your green card! Rob

Yeah...that is quite a ridiculous statement to post on GUZ speaks. It is a great thought..but not at all worth my time if I am a busy GUZ employee/staff member. Could really be interpreted as a little brown-nosey.. Just my thoughts...but I lobby on the side of utilitarianism as it relates to GUZ speaks..

Dude, trust us on this one. Do not change anything until she comes to the US. Keep all names, addresses, phone numbers, etc.. The slightest change can cause some kind of confusion, which can cause major problems. People have had delays in their cases because of a common last name, or because they put "none" instead of "n/a" or (god forbid) left a box blank...can you imagine if your SO changes her name? Good grief...you will take 6 years to be a visa.. Other than all that..don't sweat it. If you are for real and she is for real, you have nothing to worry about. It is the game players and people trying to hide sh** that have things to worry about. Good luck! Rob

Wahooo!!! After all that..the interview was nothin wasn't it!! I wish you both all the best! Rob

You are going to DCF in person? That is the best way. They are open on tuesday and thursday afternoons. They are really busy--they do 6000 adoptions each year. You will help yourself immensely if you are able to file your 130 in person. Good luck! Rob

RELAX! I don't know what you NEED, but I would rather err on the have too much side. Bring as much proof as possible..a few pay stubs, employment offer letter, letter from someone high up in company, etc... Every case is different...who knows the magic answer..just remember.. proper, prior, planning prevents profoundly poor performance.. Rob

I have had some great luck with the DOS people. They most often are really helpful and understanding. Good luck with your visa! Rob