Peachy

Just an update... We applied for her AOS under the Dallas Dora program on 10/12 and lo' and behold we got her green card just 61 days later. Woo Hoo! Just a quick thanks to everyone here for providing an invaluable service to me and my sweety. We'll be checking in from time to time, but won't have a reason to add much since we are now waiting the 2 years for the removal of conditional residency restrictions. She starts ESL classes in January and life could not be any sweeter. Good luck to everyone here. Shawn

Well, we are one of the lucky ones I guess. So far... Handed in the med check forms to them and then we waited the requisite 10 days. Got the 2 confirmation i-797s for both the approval and the fingerprint appt next week. So far so good... We shall see.

Entertaining and easy-to-understand no b.s. lesson on economics: http://www.fff.org/freedom/fd0503g.asp In response to this question, see page 9: Let¡¯s look at just one of the baker¡¯s needs ¡ª flour. How does the wheat farmer know whether there¡¯s a surge in demand for bakery products? The short answer is that he doesn¡¯t. All he knows is that millers are willing to pay higher wheat prices, so he¡¯s willing to put more land under cultivation or reduce his wheat inventory. In other words, prices serve the crucial role of conveying information. Moreover, prices minimize the amount of information that any particular player involved in the process of getting flour to the baker needs in order to cooperate. What if politicians thought that flour prices were too high and enacted flour price controls in the wake of a surge in demand for bakery products? Would wheat farmers put more land under cultivation? Would millers work overtime to produce more flour? The answer is a big fat no because what would be in it for them? The result would be flour shortages, but the story doesn¡¯t stop there because mankind is ingenious about getting around government interference. If there were flour price controls, we¡¯d see black markets emerging ¡ª people buying and selling flour at illegal prices. That¡¯s always one effect of price controls. Another would be the corruption of public officials who know about the illegal activity but for a price look the other way. In 302, the Roman emperor Diocletian commanded, ¡°There should be cheapness,¡± declaring, ¡°Unprincipled greed appears wherever our armies ... march.... Our law shall fix a measure and a limit to this greed.¡± The predictable result of Diocletian¡¯s food price controls was black markets, hunger, and food confiscation by his soldiers. Despite the disastrous history of price controls, politicians never manage to resist tampering with prices ¡ª that¡¯s not a flattering observation of their learning abilities. Other good observations: Which is the best method of resolving conflict over what¡¯s produced, how and when it¡¯s produced, and who¡¯s going to get it? Among the methods for doing so were the market mechanism, government fiat, gifts, or violence. The answer is that economic theory can¡¯t answer normative questions. Normative questions deal with what is better or worse. No theory can answer normative questions. Try asking a physics teacher which is the better or worse state: a solid, gas, liquid, or plasma state. He¡¯ll probably look at you as if you¡¯re crazy. On the other hand, if you ask your physics teacher which is the cheapest state for pounding a nail into a board, he¡¯d probably answer that the solid state is. It¡¯s the same with economic theory, as opposed to economists. That is, if you asked most economists which method of conflict resolution produces the greater overall wealth, they¡¯d probably answer that the market mechanism does. The bottom line is that economic theory is objective or non-normative and doesn¡¯t make value judgments. Economic-policy questions are normative or subjective and do make value judgments ¡ª questions such as: Should we fight unemployment or inflation, should we spend more money on education, and should the capital gains tax be 15 percent or 20 percent? It¡¯s in the area of value judgments where there¡¯s so much disagreement among economists. Keeping the distinction between nonnormative and normative in mind is very important, so let me elaborate a bit. Take the statement: The dimensions of this room are 30 feet by 40 feet. That¡¯s an objective statement. Why? If there¡¯s any disagreement, there are facts to which we can appeal to settle the disagreement, namely getting out a measuring instrument. Contrast that statement with: The dimensions of this room should be 20 feet by 80 feet. Another person disagrees, saying it should be 50 feet by 50 feet. There are no facts to resolve such disagreement. Similarly, there are no facts to which we can appeal to resolve a disagreement over whether the capital gains tax should be 15 percent or 20 percent, or whether it¡¯s more important to fight inflation or unemployment. The importance of knowing whether a statement is nonnormative or normative is that, in the former, there are facts to settle any dispute, but in the latter, there are none. It¡¯s just a matter of opinion, and one person¡¯s opinion is just as good as another. A good clue to telling whether a statement is normative is whether it contains the words ¡°should¡± and ¡°ought.¡±

Hi guys and gals! Well, just wanted to give an update on a problem we experienced with the Dallas DORA (Dallas Office Rapid Adjustment) pilot program that is used to get the green card within 90 days so that you don't have to file for work authorization or advanced parole for travel (and therefore save some extra money). So here's the issue in relative chronological order: We are under the K-1 Visa process so keep that in mind. Did the medical exam for the I-693 at GUZ in July. We decided to wait to have the vaccinations done (I-693A) in US since I could get them done on my insurance cheaper after marriage. Got the fun brown envelope with the corner cut off when we picked up her Visa. Arrived in the US in August at Chicago Ohare airport and went through the process of handing over the fun brown envelope that contained her I-693 as well as other various papers. Grabbed the connecting flight to Dallas and arrived home safely. Got married and logged into InfoPass and setup an appointment for DORA. Went to have the vaccinations done at the civil surgeon in Richardson that is covered by my insurance. Minor snafu was that he can't just do vaccinations unless he does a normal physical (not an immigration physical) with it so we had that done as well. No worries, just some blood drawn and then they administered the 3 vaccines (with a schedule of when to return for 3 and 6 months to get the follow ups). I-693A completed and locked into another brown envelope for DORA. Total cost: $15. sweet. Arrived at DORA interview yesterday (9:30am on 10/12) and they took all my papers and forms (the usual stuff I485, Approved K1 I797C, G325A, I864 and other docs) and all looked great to them. They approved our entry into DORA and we had our interview scheduled for noon that day. 2 hour wait so we went to get some breakfast (it was a bit early still). ... So far so good.... 9) Interview time: a few silly questions that she answered easily and we laughed and talked for a while but there was one problem: The immigration officer needs to physically SEE the I693 before she can continue the process. Unfortunately, the I693 is sitting in Chicago in some sort of NRC (National records center) where it won't get to Dallas for probably a “few” months. I tried and tried to explain to them that it is IMPOSSIBLE to get a K1 visa without having done the required I693 physical so how can they say we haven't done one? Her answer: "Don't try to be logical about the problem. You have to suspend logic. If I don't have the physical file then I will get into trouble." Retarded, but understandable give the idiocy of the US Govt. How odd: A is done before you can get to B. B must be done before you can get to C. However, at the USCIS... If you try to do C so you can go to D and you don't have the papers from A then they don't give a rats ass. Oh, and they know you have no way of getting the papers from A since they are sealed and surrendered at the point of entry. Thanks for playing. Here's the rub. Since “normally” what happens is that the applicant sends his AOS paperwork to Chicago Lockbox and then waits for the interview date around 6-8 months later this gives the sloooow USCIS time to mail the fun brown envelope from the point of entry back to the USCIS local office where the interview will be done. However, since we've been married and are applying for AOS within 3 months of her arriving in the US they have yet to forward the envelope to the Dallas office. So what are our choices? 1) Wait for the NRC to send the papers to Dallas (Like hell if you think I'm waiting for them) 2) Get ANOTHER immigration physical and I693. (cost $95) Obviously, we are going with option B. She went ahead and gave us the RFE to get another I693 done and we have that scheduled for Monday. Granted, I don't care about the cost but it's just another minor pain in the ass. Seriously though, I am pleased overall with the level of service this program is trying to provide. I can, however, see why it is still in the "pilot" phase. Don't worry. We are doing great and this is just another snag. I'm not writing this to complain, but rather as an fyi to others that might experience the issue as well. Suggested solution to avoid this in the future: I'm not sure if the hospital in GUZ would give you 2 sealed brown envelopes (or at what cost that would be), but if you plan to do the DORA process you might want to consider having that done if you are going to follow my timeline of activity. Otherwise, be aware of what to expect. Live well, B) Love deeply, Laugh often, Smile Always... Peachy and Melody

Thanks for the summary. We've got our InfoPass appointment scheduled for October 12. I'm not expecting too many hurdles either other than a minor amount of paperwork prep. Did they ask you any specific questions? Just curious... Thanks again, Peachy and Melody Hangin' out and chillin' in Frisco

Additional info. http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?...c=19605&hl=

I live in Saint Lucie county, but I think marriage license is controlled by the state. I went to the local courthouse showed my ID and my fiancee showed her passport with the visa and we were given the marriage license. We had to wait 3 days. We will get married either tomorrow or Monday and my fiancee still has no SSN. 240162[/snapback] Well... sounds like you are lucky. Congrats! http://marriage.about.com/cs/marriagelicenses/p/texas.htm ID Requirement: In Texas, you will need one valid form of id such as drivers license, certified copy of your birth certificate, U. S. passport, military ID card, and your Social Security number.

Gary, I checked online and called both Dallas and Collin county govt offices and they indicate that you need a SSN for the marriage license. What county are you referring to? No worries anyway. We went to the SS Administration building yesterday and all looked good by the friendly gentleman that processed her paperwork. He gave us a pass to come back the next day to pick up a piece of paper with her number on it while the actual card is being mailed. That's all I really wanted was to know the number.

Hi guys and gals. Just an update. We're doing well after our first week in the US. Life is great and we both couldn't be any happier. Now just waiting for the next steps to fall into place. Who knew it would be so much trouble trying to get married quickly. Neither of us wants any kind of ceremony. The JP is fine for both of us. Unfortunately, in Texas this means you gotta get an SSN. Argghhh... So we wait again. but together always. Nice. I believe the order will be: 1) Apply for SSN tomorrow (that's 10 days of waiting as recommeded) 2) Get SSN card within 2 weeks (can't they just give us a temporary number to use so we can get a marriage license? ) 3) Apply for marriage license and wait the 72 hours before getting hitched. 4) Get married at JP 5) Add her to insurance, apartment lease, bank accounts, credit cards and other services. 6) Begin the DORA program for Dallas residents and see if we can be one of the lucky 60% to get our green card within 90 days (yea right, I'll believe it when I see it) Peachy and Melody

fyi... she didn't have to pay the $45US biometric fee. Not sure why. They did the fingerprints, but no fee was requested. The mystery continues. Peachy and Melody Searching for flights...

Well, we just got back from the interview (and passed!). Only document of our 6 inch stack that he looked at was the 2nd letter of intent. Not to say that it was needed, but I took the viewpoint that it was "MY" only chance to talk to them again about how important this lady is to me and how much closer we have grown since we started this journey in life together. Just a thought.... Peachy and Melody

Woo Hoo! Just got back from the consulate. We passed! Interview was short and sweet. She had fun and chatted with the VO for only a few minutes. No pictures, no I134, no nothing required, but I believe the 6 inch stack of papers (kitchen sink) showed the organization that instilled confidence in her so he did not feel the need to look at any of it. I had also referenced all the papers and pictures in the 2nd letter of intent as well. He only commented on how nice her ring looked and then asked for both passports and the 2nd letter of intent that I had notarized last week. After that, it was only some small chit chat and then away she ran with pink paper in hand. Woo Hoo! Now we will truly never be apart from each other. Thank you Candle for the incalculable and immeasurable assistance, support and knowledge this site provides. You guys (and gals) ROCK! Peachy and Melody

Ok, this is just a hypothetical question. I wouldn't really do it, but I was just curious why it wasn't discussed before. After I went to get my 2nd letter of intent notarized (on the same 5th floor) I noticed that the smaller room with bank windows (this is the American Citizens services side) where I was waiting for my number to be called was connected by a 15 foot glass hallway (where the bathrooms were) directly to the bigger bank style waiting area where the SO waits to get her interview. There were no doors separating these 2 areas and I had to walk over to the window 16 on the Big side just to pay the 30US to get the notarization. My question is why couldn't I go up to the 5th floor and hang out in the American Citizen services side whilst she is on her side? Not that I plan on doing this, but I was curious why it wasn't discussed before. I was waiting to get my notarization and was able to freely walk around between the 2 areas so I don't see what all the hoopla is, but maybe that section is more heavily guarded during the time when interviews are actually in process. I'm not sure because we went up there after lunch time and I did see about 20 people in the second line waiting to get in to the Big Room. Granted, I don't want to mess up her interview, but if she needed help with something urgent it would be nice to be there for her. Just a thought.

Monday mornin' bright and early for us. >>Yawn<<

Yup, we're in the spotlight on Monday...bright and early. Bring it on! We are both SO looking forward to ending this half of the journey so we can begin the new one in the US. Oh... and yes...it's farking HOT in Guangzhou. Peachy

Just an fyi... Went to the Guangzhou consulate just now to have the 2nd letter of intent notarized. The notarized first letter was already included with the original petition. The second letter is the one that I wrote close to our interview date which is effectively a "status update" of what has happened since the original petition. Here's the kicker: It cost money to have it notarized. $30US I asked if it was free and he said only if they ask for it on the blue slip, but since I was doing this before the interview it wasn't required so you have to pay. Also, I was going to have the 2005 tax papers and bank statements from 2006 notarized but he said those are no longer required to be notarized either. I am assuming (which I hate to do) that since they already have in the original K1 petition my: 2003 and 2004 tax papers 2005 bank statements employment letter verifying income that the updated/current ones since the time of the initial filing (12/31/2005) are not required (yet). We shall see... we shall see... Peachy Getting anxious and looking forward to the flight back to US.

David, You might want to update your FAQ list for P4/K1 to reflect what I see based on filling out the forms this weekend: http://candleforlove.com/FAQ/CFL_FAQ_P4_Final1.htm#Q1_17 1) Four (4) passport pictures (print name on back) my comment: Ok 2) Beneficiary Passport my comment: Ok 3) P4 Appointment letter (make copies; give them a copy if they will accept it) my comment: Ok 4) P3 collected docs from OF-167 (divorce, police, marriage, police certificates, etc -- make copies) my comment: What does this mean? I found no P3 OF-167 form. If you mean the notarized white books then I can understand that. Otherwise, I'm not sure what you're talking about here and it wasn't clear to me. 5) P4 (K1 list) (make copies) a. DS-156 in duplicate: 2 in English ; 2 in Chinese ; (sign); attached (2) passport photos of beneficiary to each (total of 4 pics) my comment: Ok b. DS-156K in duplicate: 2 in English ; 2 in Chinese ; (do not sign ; beneficiary will sign at consulate) my comment: Actually, the DS-156k is only 1 copy and it is in English only. c. DS-157 in duplicate: 2 in English ; 2 in Chinese ; (no signature needed; no signature block) my comment: Ok d. GNI-2 , Supplemental Form (do not sign ; beneficiary will sign at consulate) my comment: Ok e. GIV-24 , Family Composition Sheet (sign) my comment: Ok f. Medical docs from P4 (Instructions and worksheet) my comment: I see the medical worksheets to take to the medical check, but what "instructions" are you referring to? g. Certification of legal capacity and intent to marry (K1: do not sign; beneficiary will sign at consulate) my comment: Ok 6) DS-230, Part II (CR1 only) my comment: Not applicable to my K1 7) If any shot records on hand, bring (CR1/CR2) my comment: Not applicable to my K1 8) Have blank forms for P4 docs (in case something is wrong) my comment: Ok Oh...and if it doesn't get said enough, then let me say it again: You guys ROCK! I am SO THANKFUL for this site. Peachy

One of the chief reason I've found for the insatiable desire to save money is due to them living most of their life without health insurance. They have seen the stories on tv and heard first hand of people that were refused care at hospitals since they didn't have the cash first. Granted, it's getting better, but the cautious mindset still exists. I've been covered by health insurance my entire life and I couldn't imagine living each day knowing that one relatively small health problem could completely devastate me financially. My SO has relayed to me countless stories of people from the village life that decided to die instead of put undue financial burden on their families. It drives me crazy sometimes to hear this (especially when I see 20 doctors working feverishly around a sick panda on tv), but I realize that's just the nature of the world we live in. Peachy /rant off

Thanks for shedding some light on that Randy. I think the DOS lady thought I was having a bad phone connection because I made her repeat it about 3 times. I kept saying "Are you sure August and NOT September?!?" I'm not going to look a gift horse in the mouth.... I'll take that date quite happily. Looking forward to getting back stateside.... I miss a real bed... I miss a big screen tv... I miss tivo... I miss driving my car... I miss not having to wear slippers inside the house I miss "central" A/C But most of all, I can't wait to see the US anew through her fresh eyes. She's just as excited as I am.

Must be a good day to call DOS. We haven't got the P4 yet, but they said it was mailed on July 11. I was definitely shocked with the early interview date she gave over the phone. I was expecting the last week of August or 1st week of September. Imagine our surprise: August 7th Interview date. Woo Hoo!!! Only 24 more days to spend in China till the interview. I've been here with her for 5 of the last 6 months and it has definitely been a learning experience full of interesting memories that will help me to understand how she will feel in the US. C'mon Visa here we come!!!

Here's the link we use: http://www2.183gz.com.cn/company/ems/ems_ptyf.php?from=home Granted, it's in chinese, but you can just put the tracking number (ours was formatted like EOXXXXXXXXXCN) in the white box in the top/left of the page where it says: ÊäÈëÓʼþºÅ²éѯ: and then just press the Enter key.

Just some tips for those with DSL or cable so you can maximize your available bandwidth. If you're trying to figure out the bandwidth you have available, you can always use this link to do a quick speed check: http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/ I'm living (and working remotely...eventhough my boss thinks I'm still in Texas...Shhhhh!) and the main problem I find sometimes is that the chinese govt controls on the internet cause the "ping" times to be quite high (around 250ms). High ping times will cause ANY VOIP (voice over IP) connection to be slow, sketchy or unbearable. It's obvious the chinese servers are checking each packet as it comes in and out of the country. Even with my vpn connection there are still some days the call quality gets iffy. You can check your ping time here among other thing (but you'll need to do the free registration): http://www.dslreports.com/beta/doctorping Just some things to think about.... Personally, before I moved here to live with her during the waiting-game we would just use the free voice chat function within MSN Messenger. Howerver, it looks like the new Live Messenger wants you to pay for doing that now. Go figure.

Yes, it takes a while. Yes, you will go crazier and crazier until you get that P3. Yes, it's enough to make you want to fly here and live in Guangzhou just to sit in front of the consulate hoping that will make it go faster.... Ooops wait a minute... we are already doing that.. Nope...no help... still farking slow.

Here's ours. Thanks again.

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.