Michael and Manyun

Congratulations. Our timelines have been remarkably close to each other through the entire process. Good luck Mike

Whew. Was worried about you and Manyun. I'm glad you're back and moving again. Weihua and Wen had their medicals yesterday. Congratulations. 235394[/snapback] And good luck to you guys, Mike. I am sure that you won't have any trouble what-so-ever.

And now we start the September list. DOS informed me yesterday that we are set for September 14th. OMG, there is so much to do. And now I have to start plowing through the old posts to refresh my memory on what I need to get done. Why did I procrastinate?????

Mike et al I am enjoying (not really) my 24 hiatus between last weeks Boy Scout Camp (got home 6 hours ago), and leaving for London/Poland 18 hours from now... I am very happy for all of you. I will be back before the need to wish you all the best of luck with your interviews. As of yesterday (Friday) we are still ineligible for the interview due to a name check issue. However, my issue does not dampen my enthusiasm for those of you about to take the next, and possibly final step. Hold On!!! I'm Commin' !!!!! (That would be Sam and Dave, by the way. ) Michael

I know you are not looking for comments, but, this has to be very frustrating for you. I think I would be going out of my mind. And Mike, sometimes you wonder why you are in this --- it's because you know the final result will be the ultimate happiness in your life. Hang in there man! Ron B) 228129[/snapback] Thanks, buddy. I'll catch you all (fellow CFLers ) in a week. Good luck to those that need it, and congratulations where appropriate. Michael B)

Another call to DOS confirmed what I was told by GUZ by email. A name check was initiated by GUZ on May 11, and it is not yet complete. Unless I hear from others, that sounds like it took a very long time to initiate the check, no? She (from DOS) requested that I ask very specific questions, and when I did, I was brushed off almost every time. Time to let it ride for a while, I guess. I have read where some members are in Name-Check Hell. I can empathize, although I am a newbie in this area. The kicker is that My SO left Nanning for Wuhan 11 days ago to resolve a problem with her daughter's birth certificate. She was to return several days ago. Yet, I wait tonight, and I do not hear from her. We have had one chat session since, and I cound not gather much information through the translation program about where she was, and what she is doing. I got a brief message from her this morning, and expected her to be on Yahoo tonight...yet, nothing. Am I on the edge? You bet. I leave in the morning for a week of Boy Scout work. My next chance to chat with her is 8 days away. This does not feel right. I can't help it...sometimes I wonder just what the hell I am doing. I am not really looking for comments or advice. I needed to put my thoughts somewhere rather than chewing on them as I try to sleep, so that I can make ready for tomorrow.

Thanks, Richard and Ron At least through next week I will be able to call DOS on my cell phone. I know that it works from the Boy Scout camp I will be at. After I leave for Poland the following day, I'll have sporadic computer access, but no phone. So really, I will be out of phone contact with DOS for only about 2 1/2 weeks. We've waited this long. I told Richard that if things aren't broken loose by the time I return on the 25th, I'll get that name from him and start making other arrangements. I will call DOS again this afternoon and see if I get get someone competent enough to be able to answer my question about this late name-check business. Thanks again, Guys. Michael P.S. Paul (Wheelman)...you know I was kidding, right? Well, not about bushy or texas, though YeeHaw!!!!! P.P.S Ron, it was actually the stress of not knowing if my committed trip to Poland was going to conflict with the interview (and throw in the spectre of a potential jury duty date) that caused me to blow off a bit of steam last week, know what I mean????? 227991[/snapback] Hey Michael - Thanks for your response and letting me hear from you. Firstly, I can read a lot of possible frustration in your postings. As your buddy, I'd like to tell you that everything will work out in the long run and things will be fine ... you'll see. Secondly, I am a guy who does a lot of kidding to others. One thing I will always remember that my mother taught me is that if I'm going to dish it out I have to be able to take it, hum. Well, you don't worry about kidding me - I can take it, ok. But as far as politics, you know the Presidental family is originally from the north east - not Texas. And hell, if there were such a thing as an A-political person it would be me. Anyway, you hang in there and keep us all posted on your progress and what's happening in yours and Manyun's life - we all really care, ok. Wheel Man 227996[/snapback] I don't understand why our Baja Oklahoma members think they can speak for "we all". Sure, I care about Michael and Manyun but I'm pretty sure Goat Boy couldn't care less. After all, Manyun is not a "sheeps goil". Shheesh. Enjoy your trip, Michael. We'll keep the light on for ya. 227999[/snapback] Who said anything about speaking for you azhole - the "we all" in the text I believe you are referring to is everyone in my house and online in CFL that logs on using my screen name. Stick it in your shorts, Wheel Man 228011[/snapback] Just in case someone here is NOT kidding, I am acquianted with both Paul and Mike (Pushbrk). I met Paul during my first visit to Nanning last fall, and I met Mike during my second visit this past spring. Personally, I got a chuckle out of Mike's comment because I know that he was kidding, based on my "texas" remark, especially when he mentions Goat Boy, who I have not seen post lately (and we are all the better for it.....) I was going to answer Paul's comment about "bushy's" non-Texas roots, but I think I leave that for another time. And besides, we are WAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYY Michael

Thanks, Richard and Ron At least through next week I will be able to call DOS on my cell phone. I know that it works from the Boy Scout camp I will be at. After I leave for Poland the following day, I'll have sporadic computer access, but no phone. So really, I will be out of phone contact with DOS for only about 2 1/2 weeks. We've waited this long. I told Richard that if things aren't broken loose by the time I return on the 25th, I'll get that name from him and start making other arrangements. I will call DOS again this afternoon and see if I get get someone competent enough to be able to answer my question about this late name-check business. Thanks again, Guys. Michael P.S. Paul (Wheelman)...you know I was kidding, right? Well, not about bushy or texas, though YeeHaw!!!!! P.P.S Ron, it was actually the stress of not knowing if my committed trip to Poland was going to conflict with the interview (and throw in the spectre of a potential jury duty date) that caused me to blow off a bit of steam last week, know what I mean?????

One more update Incredibly, I received a reply from GUZ to my email, sent on Wednesday. Here is what I wrote, and their reply: "I have called the Dept. Of State 3 times this week after learning that the beneficiary is not yet eligible for the interview. I know of several people that have submitted documents during similar time frames that have interviews scheduled for August. I have received 3 completely different answers from the DOS staff, one of which was a delayed name-check, and another answer was because Guangzhou is waiting for Part 2 of the DS-230 to be submitted (as K1, Part 2 is not required). The third answer was that we needed to wait for 6 to 9 months for the interview date. These answers are not acceptable. I am asking for an update of my case status. If there is some document that was missing or improperly submitted by the beneficiary, I need to know to avoid further delay. Thank you for your consideration of this matter" The reply: "Thank you for your email. Please be advised that subject case is under pre-interview name check procedure. We will arrange an interview as soon as possible when the name check procedure is finished." While I don't understand how this could be taking so long, at least I got my answer, and the first person I talked to at DOS was the one with the correct answer. So, I guess its back to the waiting game for me. Congratulations to all of you recent P4 recipients. I'm looking forward to all of your stories. Michael

I've been living here (in Guangzhou now) for 5 months with my SO as we await our Interview and all I can say is that it doesn't get any better. They really believe the firm "rock" is really good for the back. B.S. if you ask me. I've found the best way to deal with it is to get a few comforters and/or thick blankets and load them up under the sheets. I did this for "my side" for a few days and then she wanted to see what it felt like so I put it on the whole bed. After about a week or so of it I think I've got her converted because now she can't sleep on the old hard "plank" she used to do before. Nice. Peachy Missing his $2000 King-size mattress he bought that is at home in the US. 224408[/snapback] This is my hope once my SO arrives here. During two visits to China from Michigan, I have never slept as poorly from the time I left my home until the time I returned. Unfortunately, when I am tired, I am crabby. Two weeks of sleepless nights combined with burning knees, elbows, and sores on my hips and shoulders convinced me that most of our problems while together were due to sleep deprivation (mine). I have the standard "firm" American matress. If she does not like it, I have plenty of 3/4 inch plywood to tighten it up for her. Once, I dropped down too quickly on her bed and injured my spine.....

I've tried to find a definitive reference, but the search gremlins are winning today. I believe that a separate DS-230, Part I, is needed for both the K-1 applicant and the K-2 applicant. Perhaps the missing document is the K-2's DS-230. Isn't this a fun process!!!! 227545[/snapback] On the DS-230 it says: "complete one copy of this form for yourself and each member of your family, regardless of age, who will immigrate with you." So one for each visa applicant. This makes sense since at the petition point, some could be derivative status (K2 &K4) and some not (CR2).. but at this point, everyone has to fill out a visa application. 227580[/snapback] Thanks, David You are right. I see it now. I didn't have the form magnified enough on the screen to read the fine print. I hope to be able to chat with Manyun in about 3 hours, if she is back in Nanning. Mike 227583[/snapback] Hey micheal i had a similar problem with a friend as well of my fiance .She was all way's right in her mind and after she caused a few problems with thing's and after my so was more familar with english and seeing these thing's decided the friend was not as competent as she thought .Now we decide thing's together as much as can be expected with a chinese fiance and her family but we now talk of thing's before i or her make any decision's that would effect both of us . This is a challenge that i am glad i have over come .and some time's parent's are right in what they say but now if parent's are involved we discuss thing's more together this is a big hurdle i feel i have over come in my relationship 227666[/snapback] Hey Kungfu - I tried calling you yesterday but could not get an answer. I'll try you later on tonight. Hope all is well with you and everything works out for you in the best possible way. Wheel Man 227809[/snapback] Hey Paul!!!!! Just 'cause you and "bushey" are fellow texans (yeah I know that I did not capitalize) doesn't mean that you can tread all over my thread. I leave on Saturday for almost the entire month of July. I'll be out of contact for the first week (Boy Scout camp), and then sporadic after that (travelling with my brother and sis-in-law to Poland). Ok, ok. so I am also This thread has run it's course anyway... Michael

I have read many posts that indicate the SO has gotten a driver's license in a relatively short time after arriving in the States. At would level of proficiency would you estimate that the SO has to be in order to achieve this? Public transportation around here sux, so I would have to be driving her everywhere. She has been taking English classes in China for quite a few months now (takes the bus, of course), but her verbal skill are still severly lacking. Written is getting much better. Sounds like a Catch 22...no license, no class or job, but no class, no license unless my evening is spent driving her around. She informs me that she has never had a driver's license, and thus has never driven a car. Am I confusing something here? Mike

Ron Glad to hear that they are finally starting to move on this IMBRA thing. Without seeing the form, how the question is asked, or how you are expected to indicate a negative response, it's difficult to understand what you mean. I am sure, though, that others dealing with this issue will help you figure this out. You haven't been convicted of any crimes because I didn't take you to court on slander charges for calling me an ***** last week. Good luck to you, buddy. Michael 227600[/snapback] LOL Here is the way the question is presented: 2. Have you ever been convicted by a court of law (leaving out some wording here) for any of the following crimes. Check all that apply. ___ Domestic violence, sexual assault, etc. etc. ___ Homicide, murder, manslaughter, rape, etc etc ___ Three or more convictions for crimes relating to a controlled substance or alcohol not arising from a single act. That's it, it just says "check all that apply." It does not say to write "No" or "None." 227606[/snapback] Ron... After the sentence, "Check all that apply", I would write in CAPITAL letters, NONE. Just my opinion.

Ron Glad to hear that they are finally starting to move on this IMBRA thing. Without seeing the form, how the question is asked, or how you are expected to indicate a negative response, it's difficult to understand what you mean. I am sure, though, that others dealing with this issue will help you figure this out. You haven't been convicted of any crimes because I didn't take you to court on slander charges for calling me an ***** last week. Good luck to you, buddy. Michael

I've tried to find a definitive reference, but the search gremlins are winning today. I believe that a separate DS-230, Part I, is needed for both the K-1 applicant and the K-2 applicant. Perhaps the missing document is the K-2's DS-230. Isn't this a fun process!!!! 227545[/snapback] On the DS-230 it says: "complete one copy of this form for yourself and each member of your family, regardless of age, who will immigrate with you." So one for each visa applicant. This makes sense since at the petition point, some could be derivative status (K2 &K4) and some not (CR2).. but at this point, everyone has to fill out a visa application. 227580[/snapback] Thanks, David You are right. I see it now. I didn't have the form magnified enough on the screen to read the fine print. I hope to be able to chat with Manyun in about 3 hours, if she is back in Nanning. Mike

I've tried to find a definitive reference, but the search gremlins are winning today. I believe that a separate DS-230, Part I, is needed for both the K-1 applicant and the K-2 applicant. Perhaps the missing document is the K-2's DS-230. Isn't this a fun process!!!! 227545[/snapback] Hi Travelers Pushbrk (mike) told me the same thing, but I have yet to read where it says that. It appears that the DS-230 is structured for an adult, and includes a place for that adult to list the children coming along. Why would such information be required of a child? He also told me that a separate check-off sheet is also required. But then again, from a paperwork-craving society, with a one size fits all craving, perhaps only about one half of the first page of Part 1 (perhaps through question #11) is what they would be looking for from a child, with the remainder being N/A. Fun????? Not yet!!!

By the way, Jesse... In case I didn't say it before, congratulations on that interview. Best of luck next month. Michael

Thanks to both Jesse and Ron (I kid Ron because I blew off just a teensy bit of steam at him last week) I will wait and see what Guz comes back at me with. Yes, it is very difficult to deal with such important, no, crucial matters over such a long distance under difficult, emotional conditions and restricted ability to communicate one-on-one. If I can't get a straight answer to get me back on track, I will ask for references for someone to help me out. The difference, Ron, is that this guy is a family friend, and think he know's it all. If his opinion differs from what the facts dictate, he just ignores the facts. Manyun is intelligent, but is baffled by this process. So she turned to someone familiar, someone she trusts implicitly. Unfortunately, I can see through this guy's smoke and mirrors. However, after saying all of that, the confusion may not even by his fault this time. As I said, I'll wait for Guz to get back with me, and hope that this is just another little hiccup (well, more like a big belch).

Mike, I understand your frustration but now is the time for calm resolve. By all means email GUZ and ask them specifically what they are missing, if anything for you to be interview eligible and then how to get that to them. For reference, here's my log of calls to DOS. Some were helpful and some were not. My advice is to know what you want to ask and make sure you get those specific questions answered. I would avoid mentioning previous calls. Date Time Name Status 4/21/2006 7:45 Raquel Confirm transfer on 18th but electronic file not yet boarded 4/25/2006 6:19 ? Says case is Loaded but not received. Claims loaded date is same as transfer date 5/12/2006 8:02 Jeanette Reconfirmed loaded date. No further update. Seemed distracted. Didn't ask if I was petitioner. 5/22/2006 1:33 BJ Confirms P3 sent May 17 There is no second name check scheduled at this time. 5/26/2006 6:03 Sue P3 NOT logged as received- Case shows as "open" which is supposed to mean the physical file is present. 5/31/2006 9:01 Raquel P3 NOT logged as received- Raquel also confirms the physical file is present since May 17. 6/2/2006 11:05 ? P3 NOT logged as received 6/5/2006 10:10 Rose P3 Not Logged as received 6/7/2006 9:35 Michael P3 Not Logged as received 6/9/2006 9:20 BJ P3 Not Logged as received 6/12/2006 8:05 v spec :-) No new update This seemed to be a new person. Wouldn't give name when asked. 6/14/2006 7:35 Jennifer Document qualified, eligible for interview P3 logged 6/14/06 Interview not scheduled. 6/15/2006 6:47 Barbara No Change 6/16/2006 6:46 Raquel No Change 6/19/2006 6:18 BJ I'm sorry but no interview has been scheduled yet. 6/20/2006 7:09 BJ I'm sorry but no interview has been scheduled yet. 6/21/2006 Rose No interview yet 6/22/2006 7:36 Sue No interview yet (GUZ can take from 3 to 6 months to get interview.) 6/23/2006 6:54 BJ No interview yet 6/26/2006 6:44 Sue A K1 case with same eligible date was just assigned interview for August 30. 6/27/2006 7:01 Ola P4 today. Interview August 8. One of the people in the last couple weeks quoted me the stock "could take 6 to 9 months" but I just ignored it and logged no change in status and called again the next day. I think the key to maintaining sanity in the face of all this is to be as personally informed as possible and then take control of the conversation by asking specific questions. Then do your own timeline projecting. Ignore the DOS staff's predictions. You CAN know more about GUZ than they do. The day before I was informed our interview was 8/8 the woman speculated that because she had informed somebody else (probably cheffie dude) with my same eligibility date, of an 8/30 interview, ours would probably be in September or October. She went on and on about priority dates and K1's ahead of K3 etc. We know that for GUZ, all that is meaningless. They aren't FIFO. The next day I was told our interview was 8/8. 227484[/snapback] Thanks, Mike The email has been sent to GUZ. I explained the situation in my most professional writing style, told them the responses that I have gotten, and requested the true status of my case as they see it. The last guy I talked to didn't even indicate that there WAS anything missing from the submittal, just that it was many months too soon to expect anything to happen. Hey, everyone knows that I am a calm, laid-back guy, right Ron (RLS)?

Thanks, Wally. I appreciate your input. Now this thing is taking on a whole new light each time I talk to DOS. I just now got off the phone with them after speaking with a different person than I did this morning. This guy tells me that we are not yet eligible for interview because GUZ received (logged in, I suppose) the DS-230 in early June. However, he said, that normally it takes 6 to 9 months from that point to have an interview scheduled. SIX TO NINE MONTHS????? What the.....? I questioned him about what I was told this morning, that I was told I was lacking Part 2 of the DS-230, but that as a K1 we don't need it. He said that he didn't know anything about that, and that he could not refute what I was told this morning. OMG! I told him that I see people whose time frames are similar to mine being scheduled for August. His response? If Guz wants something else from us, they will request it. Ya know what??? BS. These are my tax dollars at work, and their ineptness (is there such a word?) has REALLY got me riled. No, this is no longer about whatever Manyun might have done/not done. I'm calmed down about that. This is now about a system that is in such disarray that no one knows nothing about anything. Four phone calls to DOS over 3 days, with 4 different responses. They must not have a single-source screen giving them all the information at once. They must have to hunt and peck for bits and pieces to try to make sense of it. And I am supposed to wait for a request from GUZ????? I am going to email GUZ this afternoon to see if I can get a heads-up on what, IF ANYTHING we are lacking, or if they just have our case so bass-ackwards that they set us aside for a while, hoping it would fix itself.. More later.

Thanks, Gary. I am sure that Dos is at lunch now, so I will wait a while. You are right about the other part to. As I said, I believe that it was a thread in the "Our Stories" that brought up the subject of why and why our SO's listed to. I hope that over time, manyun will begin to listen to more than she does to others. It is very frustrating trying to get a point across based on first hand KNOWLEDGE, arguing against a 3rd party's thoughts or opinion planted in my SO's head.. Mike

Now I'm thinking that I am putting the blame in the wrong place. Only Part one of the Ds-230 is required for a K1. Looks like I let my mouth (keyboard) do my thinking for me again. I need to call DOS back this afternoon. If we are being held back because of a missing Part 2, and we aren't SUPPOSED to submit Part 2, there's going to be Hell to pay.

Wait a minute!!!!! For K1/K2, isn't Part 1 the only part required? Does the K2 make the difference?

I finally got a striaght answer out of DOS as to why We aren't making the current journey on the P4 train. We don't even have a ticket yet. Manyun received the P3 Packet in May. There was a one week delay because despite two emails (receipt confirmed) and a fax, the packet was held at the China Post because of an incorrect address. I repeatedly asked her to get help from a certain gentleman of her acquaintance, even if we had to pay the guy, because he has helped many people with visa application forms. He is very good with english, and highly educated. Instead, She went to the son of a friend of hers. While this guy helped us out tremendously during the initial phase of our relationship, he is stubborn, opinionated, and NEVER wrong. Don't believe it? Just ask him. He caused some headaches for me during my visits there, and tanked Manyun's computer because he knew how to set it up better than I did, making some changes after I left. So, they got the forms completed and mailed back to GUZ. The sudden rash of Interview dates caused me to call DOS to see if we would be in the mix. Instead, I was told that Manyun was not even eligible yet. Two phone calls, two different reasons, delayed name check being one of them. Well, today I called again. I was told that GUZ received her paperwork, but that she omitted one of the forms, I believe that it was Part 2 of the biometrics. I am P.O'd. So now, we've lost another month plus because of her bonehead friend. But from what I've read in the "Our Stories" section, this habit of believing a Chinese friend/relative over an SO or husband is not uncommon. Many of our "disagreements" are over what this guy does. It's partly my fault, as I don't call DOS as often as many of you do. But from now on, I will make it a weekly habit. I have always been an advocate that if you want it done right, you have to do it yourself. I will also ask her more questions about what she is doing, although the damage is done. Live and learn

Well, all I can say is that I hope others won't have to learn this frustrating quirk too. It still goes to show that regardless of what I do, if someone else tells her otherwise, it then becomes the gospel truth..... 226014[/snapback] Have experienced this TOO many times. But when I am proven right, I had better not throw in an "I told you so". And then she does it again...Grrrrr.....