Michael and Manyun

Phil: The initial interview wasn't an interview at all. Sounded like it was predetermined. Basically the VO asked if Aiai spoke English and she responded "a little". The Vo paged through our documents and handed them back and said we will need a video. We immediately rescheduled a follow up date that was set for 2/27. We had the video shot and she returned to Guangzhou and handed the documents and video to VO and was informed to return om 3/1 for a decision. Upon her return she was given the infamous red slip and told Congratulations. Larry 194959[/snapback] This is simply great information. I think it would be prudent to compile a database of these kind of events and pass along to GUZ. It's long been suspected that GUZ often behaves in this manner for some, and not so in other cases. We, the citizens of the US are entitled to a comprehensive explanation, eh? 194963[/snapback] Last night I spent about 2 1/2 hours chatting on Yahoo with a very emotionally distraught SO. We are not even half way through the process, and she is already on edge due to lonliness for me, and growing impatience. I did my best to calm her down. Luckily, I will hold her in my arms 3 weeks from today. Still a long way off. Few things crank me up as much as this issue about communication. All of us on here are able to communicate with our SO's in one fashion or another, otherwise we would not have come so far. Manyun and I chat EVERY night for 2 to 2 1/2 hours via Yahoo Messenger. She types in Chinese, and I use Bablefish to translate both ways. She is taking English classes every day. She is injecting more English words into our chats, and understand more of what I type without the need for translation. Will she be ready to speak to a VO exclusively in English during the interview? I doubt it. So now we take a highly emotional woman, put her in a very stressful situation where she feels that success or failure is on HER shoulders at this point, and expect her to perform flawlessly. Yes there has been months of preparation, reams of documents, hundreds of pictures, and more hoops to jump through than any circus has. You even HAVE the freakin' video already made. First question from the VO relates to communication. On the surface, it may appear iffy at best, but you have the required proof. Can you show it??? NO!!! Out comes the Blue Slip, more days required in Guangzhou, more lost time, more expense because you cannot hand the tape to the VO, have them slip it into a VCR for a couple of minutes, and then return to the interview. I have read here that some interviews last a lot longer than 5 minutes. What's a couple more minutes in the grand scheme of things? I do not undestand why the video cannot be treated exactly the same as the stack of photographs that you ARE allowed to show during the interview. It provides visual proof of the relationship. Is anyone aware of a denial after the video has been viewed? What am I missing here? Mike

I only have the "freebies" that Adobe allows you to use installed on my computer, and I have had no problem with the fillable forms.

Hi Richard Glad to hear that you finally crossed that NOA2 hurdle. Sounds like you and Paul (Wheelman) are neck and neck. Too bad CSC is so slow, but you are on your way. Good luck to you all. Mike

Congratulations...finally!!!!! A little Everyone talks about receiving email notification along the way. I have not received one email since I started this process. And yes, I did write it correctly on the paperwork. I didn't even receive a response to an email that I sent to GUZ informing them of my SO's new address. I also faxed it to them. 194288[/snapback] Michael - Did you register on the USCIS website to receive their e-mail notices to you? Wheel Man 194549[/snapback] Duh...Nope. Gonna do that right now. Thanks, Paul 194669[/snapback] Hi, You are out of USCIS after NOA2 now, the people you need to 'ding' are DOS I think. -James 194672[/snapback] And another, well deserver DUH!!! B) Thanks again. I hope I'll get the hang of this one day. Mike

Congratulations...finally!!!!! A little Everyone talks about receiving email notification along the way. I have not received one email since I started this process. And yes, I did write it correctly on the paperwork. I didn't even receive a response to an email that I sent to GUZ informing them of my SO's new address. I also faxed it to them. 194288[/snapback] Hi, To receive email notices you need to register at the USCIS website: https://egov.immigration.gov/cris/caseStatusSearchDisplay.do Set up an account and then turn email notifications on. -James 194300[/snapback] Thanks...Gonna do that right now. Congratulations again.

Congratulations...finally!!!!! A little Everyone talks about receiving email notification along the way. I have not received one email since I started this process. And yes, I did write it correctly on the paperwork. I didn't even receive a response to an email that I sent to GUZ informing them of my SO's new address. I also faxed it to them. 194288[/snapback] Michael - Did you register on the USCIS website to receive their e-mail notices to you? Wheel Man 194549[/snapback] Duh...Nope. Gonna do that right now. Thanks, Paul

Congratulations...finally!!!!! A little Everyone talks about receiving email notification along the way. I have not received one email since I started this process. And yes, I did write it correctly on the paperwork. I didn't even receive a response to an email that I sent to GUZ informing them of my SO's new address. I also faxed it to them.

Nice to see someone else has a lady from Chongqing. I was in Chongqing May 3 - May 21, August 1 - August 28 and February 10 - February 19th. I suppose if Tall4anasian were to visit Chongqing he would see the complete difference between the two cities. Larry 193722[/snapback] I met my SO in Nanning in September/October of 2005. First warning? Keep nothing in your wallet that you will never need during your daily routine. My hotel had a safe in the room. Second warning? Keep your wallet in your front pocket. I carried a backpack for the first couple of days. I had an umbrella, raincoat, cough drops, etc. Nothing of value. To cross very busy streets mid-block the Chinese have tunnels that go under the street. Talk about a mass of humanity. Bodies on all four sides. Anyway, by the time I reached the other side, every zipper was opened. As I had nothing that was wanted, I lost nothing. I would think, however, that a lock would raise suspicion. The punks also carry razor knives. They can always slit the material below the zipper, and you would never know. My advice??? Do not carry any more than can fit in your front pockets. Keep the baubles, bangles and beads in the hotel safe. Your SO already knows who and what you are. No need to show anything off in public. I drew much attention during my first visit, and expect the same during my second. I am 6'-4" tall. Outstanding in my field??? You bet. But I'll tell you that I used my height to my advantage. I stared down the locals that oogled. If they were troublemakers, they knew that I would not go quietly.

"N/A for K1 VISA" SAYS IT ALL...

I think this came up in a thread once before that sending money to (supporting) your wife would be viewed favorably, but money exchanged by fiances could be viewed as somebody "buying" something. The receipts could open a door for the VO to question her motivation. Don't show them unless specifically asked. 190246[/snapback] Thanks Randy. I was starting to get that feeling. Appreciate the confirmation.

This comment of yours has been bouncing around in my head. There is no question that my income alone will be sufficient to prove my ability to support my SO and her daughter. I have been sending her money on occasion to help her out. I thought that the wire transfer requests would be a good piece of evidence, but I think that you are saying it would not be a good idea to include them? Would I be implying financial need for me as opposed to physical/emotional desire? Mike

Agreed. Thanks and welcome Eunice. It's good to have you here.... 189528[/snapback] I too have to say that her advice and sense of humor is awesome!!! In addition, her help she has given tremendous insight on understanding us her culture and their thinking is invaluable!!! I for one truly enjoy getting a different perspective from our Chinese family members here at Candle!!! As I mentioned in one of her previous threads, I will say it again. This time just a little bit louder. WELCOME SMILINGASIA!!! :clapping: 189535[/snapback] I second that. Welcome, SmilingAsia. Thank you for helping us. You are a much-appreciated resource for good information. We can't have enough Guardian Angels watching over us. Mike

RLS, Welcome to CANDLE! I thought the 3/4 view picture was changed to a regular passport photo about 9 months ago. I can't find the thread right now. What is the date at the bottom of the form you are looking at? Larry 186354[/snapback] They now want the full face-on view, with both ears showing. No more 3/4 view. You might be looking at an older form. Always be aware of the latest acceptable iteration of the document that you are filling out. I was in your shoes a little over 2 months ago. If it weren't for CLF I would have freaked. These are all very good people with real-life experiences. As DavidX chided me after a particularly basic question, ya gotta read the pinned material for newbies at the very top of the forum first. Then ask away. From what I have seen of these members, no question is a bad question.

Hello The first thing I did was to visit an immigration lawyer. I did not hear anything from her that I could not do myself. I put together my packet as suggested both on CFL and VisaJourney. Being the obsessively meticulous sort (read:anal-oriented Engineer), I believe that I put together one heck of a packet, as evidenced by the fact that I received the NOA1 and the NOA2 within the same month. In my humble opinion, if you become familiar with the procedures, read everything on the US Embassy, Homeland Security, USCIS and GUZ sites, you have nothing to fear but fear itself (I think I heard that somewhere). I am confident that we will prevail on our own without lining the pockets of immigration attourneys who are going to take what I do, and drop everything in the mail themselves. Again, my opinion. The important thing is that you feel comfortable with what you believe is the best route for you. I have decided to "split the difference" between the submission of the K-1 application and the "anticipated" interview by visiting my SO during late April/early May. I understand that Nanning weather is ideal during this time. When I was there late September/early October last year, I never stopped sweating. Perhaps being from Michigan had something to do with that, huh? Mike

Ooops, sorry. I spoke too soon. I received NOA1 in the mail today. It is dated two days after DOJ/USCIS first endorsed the check, but one day before the funds actually came out of my account. Mike

Thanks for the information. From looking at the time line of others, I was getting the feeling that the notification would come within about a week. I couldn't see how it would be tied in with cashing the check, although from the looks of it (I can print out a copy of the front and back of a check once it is cashed) my check was passed around for 3 days before being cashed. All I can assume is that the packet was received, the check goes one direction and the packet goes another. A one month vacation. Must be nice, huh? People grumble because I get the week off. Mike

You can only go as far as the fourth floor, where there is a cafe and many USCs wait for their SOs... Read the FAQs... this will give you comments from past members, answer lots of questions and prepare you better... http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=11293 174860[/snapback] Thank you Mike

Wonderful... I'm even more depressed than I was this morning...

A quick question, please. I am just starting this whole process, but will be saving your information for future reference. My plan is to fly to Guangzhou to meet my SO (coming from Nanning) for the interview date. My question is, at what step does the SO go on by herself? Or should I ask, how far along in the process can I accompany my SO for comfort and reassurance? As I said, I am just starting, and will be adding my timeline shortly. Thank you. Mike

Great information for future (hopefully not TOO distant future) reference. Thank you. Mike

I agree. It isn't a signature they want, it's a clear version of the SO's name and address in their native language. I used Alta Vista's "Babelfish" to see if her address would translate back to English, and started cracking up it was so garbled.

Thanks for the information. Sounds like the way I am going to go...forget FedEx and DHL.