Jocelyn

We stayed in the 001 suites just above the consulate, and I have to say, with all of the police around there, I found it even more safe than normal.

Kudos to another Hangzhou couple! You go guys! Best wishes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Looks like I'm not the only one celebrating....congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

That's awesome news! Congratulations on a smooth interview!

Hi Bruce, We were a CR1, but I found this from the FAQ on the US Consulate website:

John just called me to say he passed! I am SOOOOO relieved and so thrilled about it...this is such a happy, wonderful day for us. I still don't have the details yet but promise to give you the full scoop. P.S.: We're staying at the 001 suites above the consulate (the one place recommended and pinned in the GZ info section) -- they really are great, and especially the people there are REALLY helpful to you. I can't recommend them enough.

Good luck! I'll be there at the same day....maybe I can also send you my best wishes in person...

Thanks for the fast reply David! After I sent this out, I checked the P4 and it says that we need to prepare the cash for the interview (it's especially clear in the Chinese). The wording is: "Applicant should prepare to pay (in cash) the Immigrant Visa Processing Fee...." That wording seems pretty conclusive that you're bringing it to the Consulate. Nowhere does it say that you must go to a third party (ie CITIC bank) to do it. Also my husband checked 001 and the CR1 experience listed there said they paid at the Consulate -- window 16. So it's clear that CR1s are paying at the consulate.... As usual I'm overthinking things as the interview gets closer....I think my brain is going to be totally useless on November 15!!!

My husband and I got confused about this and I wanted to confirm about the fees. We are a CR1, but since we DCF'd, we didn't pay any fees (unlike those of you who started the petitioning from the US). The impression we got is that we can pay the entire visa fee (3,154 yuan) the day of the interview -- at the consulate. Could someone confirm that this is the case?

I would add that it's a good idea to get your SO a TIN....it definitely shows that you have a serious relationship.

Shengri Kuaile Jenny -- sorry for the belated reply, been so busy this week!

Hmm, I'm not sure if a birthday card is really definitive proof of ties to the US. Here are some other things I can think of off the top of my head (in no particular order): --> plane tickets from trips to the US visiting family/friends --> e-mails to family members discussing trips back home to the US --> US insurance policy papers --> US driver's license --> Affidavit from parents/family members attesting to the fact that your permanent residence is at X address in the US and that this is where you and your SO will live Also check out this old thread from Beijingjenny

David: Thanks for your thoughts on everything! I definitely agree that chances are, the VO won't ask for most of this stuff...but, yeah, it's always good to have it just in case we fall into that 0.1% and they push the questioning a little further (quota reasons or whatever...goodness knows how the great GUZ works on this!) Yeah, we're both working on the "try not to stress part"...poor John had trouble sleeping the night after we reviewed interview questions! Amerchin: Glad to hear that your laopo had no problems with the folders. Looks like we'll be OK. Bubbafred: Good suggestion on re-reading the documents beforehand -- thanks!

Thanks both! David I must confess I've read through your interview already hundreds of times -- and no doubt a few more before I head over. So, I take it that unless it's opaque/see-through stuff, they're going to give you trouble about it, right? I guess if that's the case, we'll just stick with the transparent folders then. And another thing...do you think they will have questions about me b/c my job is currently based in China? Would it be a good idea to write a letter stating my intentions for employment when I get to the US?

Our interview is a little over two weeks away and I wanted to check over my interview evidence...could you guys have a look and tell me if I'm missing anything? --> med. exam forms/marriage certificate/birth certificate/police certificate/DS-230 part II/GIV 24 --> I-864 from me, I-864 from my father as cosponsor --> Photos (all the way from 2002 to present, including a trip with John's father, plus photos of when we registered our marriage) --> Other proof of marriage relationship: *e-mails from 2002 to present *credit card bills showing we share an account *insurance letters showing John is on my policy *lease with both of our names on it *letters from 3rd parties addressed to us at same address *tickets from two trips we took together *letter from me describing how/when we met, history of our relationship *Affidavit from parents attesting to the validity of our marriage *letters from my family to John for his birthday --> Proof of domicile in US *plane ticket from return trip *e-mails discussing trips home (am collecting) *bank records in the US *a letter from parents stating my permanent residence is their home (am collecting) *driver's license (am collecting) -->Proof of John's ability to survive in US *TOEFL/GRE scores *his master's degree *e-mail discussing publication of John's article in US journal --> Extra financials: my bank records in China Another question about organizing stuff for the interview...does everything have to be in completely transparent bags/cases? We have transparent folders, but we're going to put them in a filing case that is not. The filing case is very compact and easy to open...I'm thinking there won't be a problem, but just wanted to bounce it off you guys.

Thanks for clearing that up Beijingjenny...I know I'm being such a worry-wort...but the e-mails you mentioned showing them, which ones did you choose? What sort of e-mails did you feel could prove ties to the US?

Thanks David! Yeah, I guess I am more of a silent type...but I promise to give a good writeup. ;-)

Alex, that is really horrible, I'm so sorry to hear about that. But we're all behind you...don't lose hope and, most importantly, don't let GUZ get the best of you -- especially your health! I think if you hang in there -- and are extra persistent, you will come out with your visa. As they say, the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Don't let them wear you down...

Yes, that's great! Jun loves it! It's disturbing though to see the one note on it (in Chinese) that says (not a direct translation: Be careful, there are people standing around who might steal your evidence bag and then ask for money to return it. That makes me sick -- not only b/c there are people who will stoop to that level. But also b/c you would think GUZ would try to care for the security of the people waiting around and ensure that such things DON'T happen. But no...

If you've had resident status/working in China for a while (and you DCF'd) then I would say you would definitely need a co-sponsor. That's because you don't meet the requirement for residence in the US. My dad is our co-sponsor.

Hi Jenn, welcome to CFL! My interview date is Nov 15, so I'm right there with you. Beijingjenny, I wasn't aware of the domicile problem. I do have bank account information from the US....not sure if I can dig up those plane tickets, but probably can. Anything else to prove domicile? Has it been a problem in the past?

About the address...I don't know what it is for fiancee visas, but we used the I-130 and it has a space that asks you to write the beneficiary's address in the original language (if roman alphabet is not used). That's what they will use to get in touch with your SO.

raineedaze, our interview date is Nov 15, but we'll be around by the 17 anyhow at least for pickup so maybe we can meet up... ;-)

Yes, Joanne, please do let us know about the fee situation! I too am in Shanghai and now am thoroughly confused about paying the fee, and my husband is planning on going to get the medical exam this coming week. Also, for clarification...you said that the passport sized photos needed for the exam are according to Chinese standards, NOT the US Consulate's standards?

You can update us on the list -- we just got our P4 today and our interview is set for November 15. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!