Zingaro

Sounds like the same kind of interview my SO had. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! Best luck to you both!!!!1

When it comes down to the interview, I think it depends on which VO conducts your interview. From what I've read here, some VO's are willing and able to conduct the interview in Chinese. Some are not. My SO speaks a little English, and she's working hard to improve it, but asked the VO if she could speak Chinese. He denied the request and told her that she's marrying an American, so she should speak English. SO also told the VO that I speak some Chinese, which I do, and that I have studied it in the US, which I have. That seemed to end the issue. The interview was so brief that language ultimately wasn't a problem.

Welcome aboard, xiaobu! I'll try not to repeat too much of what has already been said here. It appears you want the fastest route to get your fiancee to the US. I think that's a goal we all share! If you have not yet met your fiancee in person, you can't file the I-129f (petition) before you depart for China. One of the rules is that you have met in person, and you must provide evidence of that -- plane tickets, boarding passes, passport stamps, photographs of you together, etc. Under "normal" circumstances, the K-1 visa process is faster than the K-3 visa process. However, there can be snags in both processes. My SO's K-1 visa took nearly 18 months due to one long delay. Had that delay not occurred, we'd probably have had the visa in a year or less. You can always file your K-1 visa petition (I-129f) and all the supporting evidence from China if you have maintained a US mailing address, and if you have someone in the US who will forward your mail to you. Overall, the K-1 route should be the fastest for you. Don't forget an important point: No matter which visa route you take (K-1 or K-3) you must provide proof of a genuine relationship. Letters, phone records, photographs with your fiancee, her family, etc. If you're living in China for 4-5 months, it might be good to prove that you're living together (if you are). One note on direct consular filing (DCF), should you decide to marry in China: I am not sure you will qualify for DCF while you are in China for those 4-5 months. I think you must be married for a minimum period of time. I think it is one year, but I don't have that information right in front of me at the moment. Hang in there, ask questions, and good luck to you!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! All the best to you both!! The AOS forum will help with all the "new life" issues. Also check out the Links section here at CFL. Welcome home!

For the record, the references I have been able to find in China's English language media (my Chinese isn't quite up to reading newspapers in Chinese yet!) say that China will close its borders if they find an instance of human-to-human transmission of the H5N1 virus. This is a bit different from finding "a certain strain" of the bird flu. This is from "Shenzhen Today" English language edition, 10/24: China to shut borders if hit by flu 2005年10月24日 01:40 CHINA will shut its borders if there is a single case of human-to-human transmission of bird flu in the country, its deputy health minister has said. Huang Jiefu said saving lives would be China’s main priority even if it meant a slowdown in the economy at a meeting for health officials from the mainland, Hong Kong and Macao in Yunnan on Friday. He said any suspected human case would be quarantined. Bird flu has killed 60 people in four Southeast Asian countries and has led to the deaths of tens of millions of birds since 2003. A flu pandemic would be triggered if the lethal H5N1 strain mutated into a form that could jump from human to human. The WHO has said it may only be a matter of time before the deadly H5N1 strain develops the ability to pass easily from human to human. Bird flu has reached as far west as European Russia, Turkey, Romania and Britain, tracking the paths of migratory birds. Health officials from the mainland, Hong Kong and Macao also signed an agreement at the meeting to coordinate responses to outbreaks of infectious diseases such as bird flu and SARS. Under the new agreement, the three sides must immediately inform each other when any major health emergency occurs. A joint response team has also been formed to handle any crisis. China announced its first reported outbreak of bird flu in more than two months, saying the disease had killed 2,600 birds, mostly chickens, on a farm in its northern Inner Mongolia region Wednesday. Health experts fear the longer the virus remains in animal populations, the more opportunity it will have to mutate into a form transmissible by humans. They warn that if the disease, caused by the deadly H5N1 variant of the virus, reaches that stage, it could trigger a worldwide pandemic that could claim up to 150 million lives. (SD-Agencies) Personally, I don't think human-to-human transmission and a pandemic are imminent threats. But governments can act hastily and without thinking things through, especially after China's earlier experience with SARS. IF China were to close its borders, there's also no telling how long or how short that nationwide quarantine would remain in place. Those with SO's still in China who are planning their travel to the US, or those who plan to travel to China in the near future should take these factors into account.

I felt this was somewhat topical since many people here abandoned OneSuite and went to DynaSky after OneSuite crashed (which I was using too) holding all of our phone records in limbo. I just felt that everybody had a right to know they were giving their money to the same unrelaible company. -James Leonard 162391[/snapback] I switched to DynaSky when OneSuite crashed. I was curious, as some of the voice menus were identical to OneSuite's. However, until the crash, OneSuite provided reliable and good quality service for the two years I've used them. I rarely had any trouble accessing the service (occasionally on holidays when the traffic was heavy), but otherwise pretty solid. I haven't gone back to OneSuite, and it really doesn't matter to me if they and DynaSky are the same company.

Great news!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Good luck to you both!

I second that ... The computer hardware I've seen in Guangzhou, Shenzhen and cities in Hunan province were equal to or more expensive than comparable computers in the US, at least the name brands like IBM or Toshiba. I'd suggest buying the computer in the US, then getting a Chinese version of Windows in China. The reason I suggested getting an IBM or Toshiba, rather than a Dell, etc., is that service is available in China for IBMs and Toshibas. Don't know about other brands. You can find good used/factory refurbished computers on eBay. When I bought my SO's Thinkpad, IBM still had their own eBay store. Best Buy and CompUSA still have their own eBay outlet stores. That's just one resource, of course. Thinkpads are still selling on eBay for decent prices, for example.

How right you are. Watching my SO and her sisters bargain for just about anything and everything could be the next big global spectator sport - except that my SO and her sisters make me go hide someplace while they do the bargaining. Actually, my soon-to-be brother-in-law just rolls his eyes when his wife (my SO's younger sister) starts bargaining to shave a few kuai off an already inexpensive item.

I suggest you always start with a letter. Then there is something in writing, a paper trail. Telephones have no memory. I wrote to one of my Senators - sent the letter to her main state office. I knew it would go to an assistant. When I received the unsatisfactory response from the assistant, I emailed the Senator's D.C. office AND wrote a follow-up letter to the assistant. The assistant telephoned me, I never telephoned the Senator. If you're going to telephone, use that as a follow-up, rather than as your first line of communication. I also wrote to my congressman. I have yet to hear back. Since you've already written letters, try a follow-up letter, follow-up email, and/or follow-up telephone call.

I bought my SO a factory refurbished IBM Thinkpad laptop on eBay and brought it to China with me. I had installed Chinese fonts and input method editor (IME) and some Chinese translation and word processing software. She still wanted a Chinese interface, so she took it to a computer geek friend of hers and he installed Chinese Windows 2000. IBM (now Lenovo) and Toshiba computers are readily available in China. They're good quality and software is easy to come by. I'd suggest: 1. Buy a laptop in the US (eBay, retail, whatever) and bring it with you. If you do this, get an IBM or a Toshiba, as those brands are readily available in China. Then take the computer to a local guru in China to install a Chinese version of Windows. OR 2. Buy the computer in China. But do it this way - have your SO do a bit of scouting and you do some scouting in the US. Do some homework and pre-select the computer you want, then she can go buy it on her own. Without a foreigner in the picture, she is likely to get a better deal.

My SO and I endured a 10 month delay at second name check. During that time, I wrote a letter, accompanied by appropriate documents, forms and information, to one of my state's senators. At first, I got only a form reply. An assistant in the Senator's office did telephone DOS and received the exact same response I'd gotten many times for myself. I wrote again. The senator's assistant actually telephoned and told me straight out that they could do nothing. Ultimately, the Senator's office didn't achieve some miracle result. However, the fact of an inquiry from the senator's office did show up on DOS's computers. DOS actually did look into the matter. I don't know what they found exactly, but things did shake loose within a month or so thereafter and the name check was completed with acknowledgement from DOS that "it was overdue". GZ then expedited our case - without my requesting it - and scheduled the interview on a very fast track. We had the visa roughly a month after completion of the name check. Whether the senator or congressman can actually get something done often depends on how connected the senator's assistants are in DC. However, some communication is better than none, and an inquiry from a senator, especially a high-profile senator, can't hurt.

It is too bad - I've been using OneSuite for nearly two years. Never had a problem except occasional overloads. I switched to DynaSky two days ago (when O/S went down). It's a very similar service, same rates, very similar interface - with both Chinese and English, all the same features PLUS access numbers in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. OneSuite can't be accessed outside the continental US. I'll probably use up what I have left on account at OneSuite when they're back online, then keep it as a backup.

DynaSky also has access numbers in China, Taiwan and HK. OneSuite had no presence or access outside the US. With the Chinese language interface option, SO's have an easier and cheaper time telephoning to the US as need be. Another big plus.

OneSuite's still down as of 8:30 a.m. Pacific Time. I am now a DynaSky customer. Same rates, similar web site access, same calling procedures. DynaSky has China access. Not sure about access numbers across the US, but in my area, there are many. My only gripe is that the DynaSky website doesn't work with Firefox.

0223 PDT - still not up.

CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES TO YOU BOTH!!!!

Jesse ... Our case took 17 months, 10 of which was spent in 2nd name check limbo. Had our 2nd name check gone through in "normal" time, we'd have been "average" as far as other timelines went, but it would still have seemed like forever. We went into the K-1 process expecting a wait of a year or so from start to finish. I believe that if you expect to wait, and if you move your horizon toward the future, you'll find the essence of patience. It doesn't make the wait a lot easier, but you at least have a better context for it. Look at the timelines, determine what is "average" or "normal" as a baseline. If your process goes beyond the "average", then communicate. Email, phone calls and letters might not produce an immediate response. But my experience - and that of others here - is that the weight of continual, steady communication does eventually produce results and shakes things loose when they are stuck. Be patient, look toward the future you are creating together, and accept what you are going through as a shared experience that will bring you closer and make you stronger. Meanwhile, exchange letters/email with your SO everyday. Telephone her everyday. That is the most important communication of all. You are in this together and you must realize that you are partners in a new adventure.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Here's to a long and happy life together for you two!!

I'm really sorry to hear about your blue slip. But I'll second the advice already given to you in this thread. First, take that deep breath and regain your composure. Tears and anger and frustration are a natural reaction, but none of that will improve the situation. On the contrary - they will make it more difficult to navigate the maze. It's not clear from your post what evidence your SO brought to the interview, whether she was asked for any of it or had an opportunity to present it. It really helps to bring far more than you think you need, but the trick is to organize it so that your SO is completely comfortable with it so she can pull out any document requested. Some of the reasons for rejection make no sense - such as the authoriship of your emails. Many couples email each other, and I have not seen any question about email authenticity to date. My guess is that the address of your SO's ex is the real red flag from GZ's viewpoint. So it's up to you and your SO now to answer that question, and to build a more convincing case of the reality of your relationship. Organize your overcome information point by point, clearly labeled for each point. You'll probably need some cooperation from your SO's ex to help prove that he is still in China. It might be helpful to offer him a little money for his cooperation "to cover his expenses" and to show your and your SO's gratitude. But avoid the 'visa agencies" in GZ at all costs. They are expensive, ineffective, and many of them are total scams. You really are better off going it on your own, and with all the support and guidance the veterans here at CFL can offer. I'll also second the recommendation that you go to GZ for the overcome appointment. You can help your SO organize the paperwork, rehearse with her, and help her relax. That is so very important.

After a long trip through the evil vortex at second name check, the Great GUZ expedited the interview and conducted the interview itself in record time and smoothness. The entire interview itself lasted less than one minute. Result? A RED slip with visa approval. (They keep changing the colors on us, don't they? Then again, red is a lucky color in China.) The visa itself was received two days later via EMS. I'm sure the brevity of our interview was not the norm - but I am more and more convinced that GZ makes at least a preliminary up or down decision prior to the interview. I think in our case that 10 months in name check hell, dozens of phone calls and emails to DOS and GZ, letters to US senators, etc., was proof in advance of a bonafide relationshiip. The Chinese word is "jie su". Finished. Now the real adventure can begin. Thanks to all here who helped with advice and support. CFL is an invaluable resource. Richard

Richard, do you have the numbers/email for contacting the FBI, DOS, or anyone for the purpose of gaining information regarding a case in "security check" mode? Now, I ask this knowing that getting a live person to help is EXTREMELY difficult, but I've seen a little info that some have had some success. Yes, agreed. I think this should be added to the FAQ. 154422[/snapback] I have no numbers for FBI, although I do know the number was posted in a thread here at some point. I never telephoned FBI, mainly because of the experience of others here. Phone calls routinely turned out to be fruitless and occasionally less than pleasant. The DOS phone number is: 1-202-663-1225. Press 1, then 0 (I think) to get to a live person. Have your GUZ number and other information ready. However: As you don't yet have the NOA2, your case is not yet with DOS, but is still with DHS/CIS (Dept of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services.) The number for DHS/CIS is: 1-800 375-5283. Our case went through NOA1, NOA2 and NOA3 in "average" time, so I never had to telephone them. I used that DOS number a lot, though.

I'll add one more thing to my last post - communicate. Don't be worried about annoying anyone at any government agency. Always be polite and civil and keep the emotions in check, of course. Not only is communication universally important, but agencies like DOS (and their outpost at GZ) log all such communications. They know who has called or written and when. That accumulated history can be very helpful later on. So, even though you might feel that you're shouting in the dark, do it anyway.

Thanks for posting the "official" writeups. Although the documents you cited are a couple of years old, the procedures are still pretty much the same to my knowledge. My SO and I spent 10 months going through the "second name check" (the P3 security clearance iinitiated by the consulate - GZ.) Even though I knew a lot of what you posted here, DOS was consistently very secretive about the procedures. They wouldn't say what agencies were doing what. That, of course, makes it difficult to zero in on a problem area when there's a delay. Add to that the special wrinkles presented by China. Not only is there quite a bit of name duplication, but it's not easy for westerners/English speakers to really determine name differences. So, when there is a hit, it seems to take extra time to sort out what's true and what's false. Here's an amusing bit, which I've posted here in the past. I Googled my SO's name in both Pinyin and in Hanzi (Chinese characters). I got a surprising nmber of matches - including an individual who was arrested in NY a few years ago for smuggling illegal Chinese aliens into the US! Of course, date of birth and gender should have cleared that one up quickly, if anyone actually looked at those things. Even though I knew this, even though I knew the essence of the security clearance process, talking to DOS about it was talking to a stone wall. I guess the moral is that knowledge is important. It's very important to understand all phases of the visa process. But much patience and persistence are still required in abundance! We should add your excellent post to the FAQ's for reference.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!