whatsthehaps

This could be a tough decision. The colleagues in question, I believe, know both of our full names (definately hers). They seem to be devoted on making sure she never goes to the US. I didn't, at first, think this would be an important issue. After reading the post and the ones from the links provided, it seems that there are a couple cases where this results in a denial. Personally I like the keep quiet approach, but I am not sure if I am beyond that. What about an email to GUZ expressing my concern? Thanks, Rick

I am sorry for not clarifying more. My SO is concerned mostly about letters her previous collegues may send or have sent telling GUZ that she is a bad person. She quit her job in July 2005. She now tutors students where she lives and is doing well there, she likes what she does, although has complained about stress on occasion. I help relax her, tell her not to give her self any stress, do not worry about anything, if she needs money or wants to quit I can give her money. She does not want to quit and her students and their parents don't want her to quit. She also loves her home very much, it is a very nice 1 bedroom apartment in a lovely garden. Right now I believe if there is any damage it is already done, I hope. What I fear is that she may be harmed physically. People automatically think americans are rich. Plus people have seen what a nice place she has. Most of the female teachers do not have what she has and they are jealous. In stead of a good for you attitude, the people in question hate her for it. Someone has also followed her before. Someone that was not a teacher but worked at her school. He wanted to see her apartment and would not leave her. Her former male colleagues, who she has a good relationship with, just feel that he is looking for sexual relations. (Oh, is that all? What a relief!!! ) My fear is not to the point where I feel she is trully in danger. She lives in a safe and guarded area. She is surrounded by students and their parents and her parents are nearby. By the same token, I don't want to let my guard down so I like her to be careful. There would be decent problems with the visa application if she moved now also.

Rick, it is possible to get both right and wrong advice from either site. Regarding many of the visa issues, especially the interview, only the Consulate knows the sure answer, and they understandably keep it to themselves. We are all giving advice based on views, speculations, and experiences, and what works for one person in an interview may not work for another. But, the right thing to do is what you are doing, read what everyone says, weigh the information, and make a judgment and decision about the info. I will say, that I do trust CFL more than any other site for the information I get. I think you are on the right track! Ken 199819[/snapback] exactly, Also as far as my concern, I do remain cautious on the Chinese side because of what has happened and problems others are facing. Much of my concern is actually coming from my SO who is getting worked up over what she hears and reads. This is generally the case and other opinions are very helpful! I just got off the phone with her and it is now after 2am there. She gets worked up and has trouble sleeping. When she talks to me (and usually I talk to you guys first) I am able to relax her and she falls asleep. I come from a research background. I hear what others have to say and do my own research. That's what we all should do (not buy trim spa, for example, because the people selling say it works). That's also why CFL includes external links to information. When you talk to people long enough, you develop trust, and this group has been incredibly good! Thanks everyone, Rick

I am glad to hear the responses, we think alike. I also reviewed this subject in the past with other posts but the Chinese recommendations seemed to be contrary to what was being said here. My SO seems to think that Chinese site is a good one, I am not so sure. Sometimes the wrong advice can create potential problems. Is it also possible that wrong advice is given on the Chinese end, I do not know the actual site but it is not CFL, to make things more difficult? Something to watch out for then. Thanks everyone, Rick

Right now these are considered immigration issues. Soon they will become criminal issues when new laws are signed. After 911 things have dramatically changed. People are crying out for stiffer laws for immigrants. These laws, however, do not differentiate the reasons for them being here or if they are positively contributing to our society or if they are married to a US citizen with a family, etc. It will also make things more difficult for people who want to get married or are married to an alien. See also topic - New Law Signed..., regarding marriage visas... http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?...topic=15144&hl=

Hello, I am looking for some advise regarding jealous colleagues of my SO. This also fits in with the prevous posts on keeping things quiet over in China. If you are seen over there hy people your SO knows it is best, if asked, to say you are Australian. A little background. My SO was a teacher at the local elementary school. When her female colleagues found out, they made things extremely difficult for her (all the guys wanted was for me to hook them up with American women). Her colleagues told lies to the principal and treated her extremely bad to the point where she quit. She is doing well tutoring presently. Eventually a new principal came to the school (female who worked there was promoted and a male vice principal) and fired the women who were telling the lies because they knew they were bad. However, they have relatives at the school who are now mad at my SO. Her male colleagues told her that the women there took great pleasure in talking about doing things so she would never go to America. Now we are worried that her colleagues sent letters to GUZ claiming she is a bad person and a member of the communist party. She is neither and she has many students presently to prove how good she is. The parents of her students know she is leaving for America and because she is such a good want her to stay. My question then: Should we write to GUZ explaining the cercumstances of leaving her employer and that there are people making up stories so she will not be able to go to America? She was reviewing a Chinese site and a recommendation to a similar situation was to write GUZ and explain this. Otherwise when they are doing the background you will run into problems. Our P3 for the K-1 was already sent in. What do you guys think? Thanks, Rick

Oh that's good news! Congratulations!!!

You are not allowed to have plans, perhaps the FAQ's neglected mentioning this. The DS-230 part II is not part of the K-1 visa paperwork, something similar is used for AOS. P-4's seem to be coming relatively quickly, so you would probably be safe in getting things together toward the end of April, but then this is my guess of you having an interview in May or June. 198238[/snapback] Oh, thank you!!! That is very helpful... (I think? unless they throw more curve ball!!!)

Oh, that's just great!!! How are we supposed to plan with a 10 month, give or take 9months 3weeks time frame. We sent in the requested P3 stuff and are holding off a bit on collecting some stuff because of out of date issues. How long should we hold out to get the stuff needed for the P3 checklist, P4, and interview? We need it for the interview so we can collect the stuff after the interview date and P4 comes? Or would that be on the late side? Here is some of the info that I got off the site, but I am not able to forecast accurately. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!! When your fiancée gets the P3 packet in the mail she must return 3 forms: 1. DS-230 (part I) 2. OF-169 3. P3 Supplemental Sheet (Done and sent in February 28, 2006) The financials you need: 1) Taxes (copy or transcripts) (have) 2) Employer letter (have to get new one) 3) I-134 (notarized) (have to get new one) Not older than three months is really optimal and should avoid any request for newer ones (ie: avoid a blue slip) DS-156 & DS-156k DS-157 & DS-230 part II for the interview (filled out at least) Thanks, Rick

I've also used Travisa at esun's recommendation. They are also used by my work.

I don't like the communist thought politics center wording. You have to list your employment and it reads: employed with the communist thought politics center. What do you guys think about that?

Slightly confused (again!!!)... We sent the P3 information they requested upfront. The ds-230 part I was part of that information. So when you say they won't mail the ds-230 without getting paid you mean they have to send it somewhere else to be processed? I've paid nothing so far, we are waiting for our P4 and interview date. Should I (or could I) be paying something now? Or wait yet? Are they looking for RMB or USD? How long should I hold out after sending in the requested P3 information on collecting the financial information and I-134 stuff? Thanks, Rick

Everyone's experience has helped me very much! Thanks, Rick

Good luck!

Congratulations, I love good stories!!!

Yes, suffering becomes a bit more enjoyable when you can share it with someone! When my brother was in the marines and had to do those 20+ mile humps with all the gear on each day, he had a great big smile on his face. They were horrible but the looks on the other guys faces were priceless!!!

I hope to join you soon, Congratulations!

Yes, I got it to work today. thanks, Rick

I am having problems with the P4 link: http://home.comcast.net/~donahso/P4index.htm I am receiving a corruption error. I have started the DS-156, DS-156K, I-134, DS-157, collecting the financial information and am reviewing the P4 FAQs and the site. Should I focus on any of the other P4 documents at this time? Thanks, Rick P4 Documents: Certificate of Intent to Marry Cover Letter DS-156 Chinese - Fillable DS-156 English - Fillable DS-156K DS-157 Chinese - Fillable DS-157 English - Fillable DS-2053 DS-3024 DS-3025 DS-3026 GIV-24 GNI -2 I-134 Instructions I-134 - Fillable OF-171 P-4 Letter

Hello everyone, I am reviewing the site for the P3, P4, and interview questions and had a couple more questions. We sent in the necessary P3 information on February 28, 2006. Looking at some of the timelines shows a period of 1-3 months for the P4. Does anyone else have a better estimate for this? I prepared some of the financial statements a little early and will get new ones. When would be a good time to prepare these after the P3 was sent in? Should I send these to my SO, bring them with me to the interview, or both? I would like to go there and bring her back (hopefully using only 2 weeks of vacation). Thanks, Rick

p.s. Thanks for the 57 pages of questions!!! haha

Thanks everyone, I owe you all a KISS! Rick

Hello everyone, I am reviewing those interview questions and I remember from previous posts that some questions could have sensitive answers. Anyone have good ideas for these? Why was my fiance's first marriage not working out? When will you leave for the US? I remember reading somewhere GUZ does not like you to leave directly from China to the US? Is that right? Would at a convenient time after receiving the K-1 be a better answer. For the first question the best answer would be "He married an american spoiled brat" I know that won't do. It was mostly due to immiturity and finances - irresposible spending habits like $22k in designer purses and not paying the credit card bills on time so my credit was affected and a 0% interest rate jumped to 21% which I was using to remodel my house, hmmm, and not taking care of the animals (the $3000 mastif and the 2 chiwawas that she had to have when I said I wanted no animals because I had to fix the house and much to do and could not take care of them myself, SURPRISE!!! I turn around and there is a new dog) Sorry for the run ons and if I keep going you may want to move this post to the other forum, but you at least get the background for the first question. I am afraid to say financial reasons because the addition of a foreign wife could be seen as a burden (really it was irresponsibility) and whatever I say I do not want it looked on poorly by the VO. Thanks again, Rick p.s. I did not have any beers but it is really late.

Thanks very much and congratulations! Stories like these are good to hear and a big help in preparing for our interviews! I also should have thought to get pics with her parents!

Hey Rick, I told you these guys were good! Rick