Randy W

Can you read the VCD's on your PC to see what files are on the disk? Try double-clicking on Avseq*.dat files in the Mpegav directory. I was going to say PAL vs. NTSC, but it doesn't sound like that's it since they play on your TV, unless the player converts PAL to NTSC. Bottom line - they should work. There is no region encoding, or special MPEG encoding for Chinese VCD's. Maybe it is that they are PAL - I just put a Chinese VCD in my TV DVD player. It tells me it's a PAL VCD and converts it. If you are able to play it but garbled, try using a different software player that will handle the PAL format.

My finances are handled the same way David's are in China - hand the wallet over to the S.O, and get it back when leaving. I have no idea how much tipping she did, if any. I see a new trip there on your timeline - I hope it works out for you.

That's pretty much what I was told about beggars while I was in Beijing - especially if they gave any hint of being employable.

Huh? 164532[/snapback] Oh - I see! I thought that the I-130 was an application for the K-3 visa, when it's actually for the IR-1/CR-1. Now I understand - the I-129F application filed after the NOA1 (I-797C) for the I-130 is actually the application for the K-3, and that the K-3 is actually a non-immigrant visa to use while waiting for the IR-1/CR-1 processing to complete. A little more clear than mud. They are already engaged, guys - my guess is they've already met, and can file the K-1.

A K-3 (spouse) applicant can submit the I-129F (fiance) form (after the NOA1 is received), and the spouse can be brought to the US while processing is completed on the K-3. I believe that the visa is actually a K-1 visa.

You're talking about the mechanics of filing the K-3 NOW, vs. waiting until you are together, getting married, and THEN filing the K-3. The calendar provides the 6 months difference. If you file K-3, you can also file K-1 after you get the NOA1 receipt (Notice of Action) for the K-3. Looking at it this way, there's about a 1 week difference (depending on the service center response time). There is, however, an additional stumbling block on the K-3 route in that it is an immigrant visa and is more likely to be sujected to an "administrative review", which could add months to the process. With the K-1, your SO is not a legal permanent resident until after you file AOS (Alteration of Status) and get the green card (2 years later). So, yes - go the K-1 route

The bank of China will also convert the Traveler's Checks

or the mind! Mine will likewise do as she pleases (I hope she keeps it as is!).

At the DHL website, select "Track by Reference". Enter "I-730" as the reference ID. Then look for a package that was shipped to Guangzhou around the correct date.

Congratulations!!

I think the overall tone of this little set-up is that they would have told her to come back on Nov. 4 even if she had had everything with her. It sounds especially cruel, but still optimistic for Nov. 4.

http://bergoiata.org/gif/Feu4.gif Congratulations!! http://tinypic.com/erfmns.gif http://tinypic.com/erfmns.gif http://tinypic.com/erfmns.gif http://tinypic.com/erfmns.gif http://tinypic.com/erfmns.gif http://tinypic.com/erfmns.gif

Let us know - it sounds VERY optimistic! Congratulations!

http://bergoiata.org/gif/Feu4.gif http://tinypic.com/erfmns.gif http://tinypic.com/erfmns.gif http://tinypic.com/erfmns.gif http://tinypic.com/erfmns.gif http://tinypic.com/erfmns.gif http://tinypic.com/erfmns.gif

. . . or just flat don't have the red flags.

Don't forget that visas can be turned down at the pickup. Would it be playing it safe to plan on going to the K-3 interview even if the CR-1 interview is successful? She won't have the K-3 visa until at least the day after the CR-1 interview. Or is one canceled ahead of time?

The bank statement should be a separate statement on the bank letterhead - your bank will know what to do there.

No one has reported getting any info from the Visa Center in Shangai - several have reported futility. But the Department of State has access to the Guangzhou database and can tell you whatever has been entered there. Since Guangzhou did away with email assistance, that's the best source for now.

Use DHL track-by-reference ID "I-730"

Yes - and that is when you provide the email address.

Sounds like a VERY bureaucratic teller - good thing the manager was there to help out. People who have their own interpretation can really gum things up.

We should all chip in and get him that Delorean! Congratulations to both Jim's and their SO's

I have heard that prior to 9/11, Mexico was a loophole for those here on a one-time visa (e.g., student) to go to with a return permit. From there, they were able to go to China and back to the US through Mexico. But these people were legally here - it was not legal for them to go directly home and return to the US.

Try Global Express (EMS). It goes through the China Post system.

Our interview is at the same time. Unfortunately, I have no more vacation time, so I can't make it. Best of luck for both of us.