Rob and WeiLing

I'm more of an introvert, so I kept pretty much to myself. It's especially bad when I'm nervous or anxious, so I gave other people a friendly smile, but mostly played sudoku on my ipod touch. When the waitress mentioned that I ate the Ïã¹Ï×Ó really well, she followed by asking if I could speak Chinese. I only said Ò»µãµã. She then repeated what she had said and I just did the ¶÷ affirmative grunt that the Chinese do. Thanks! There seem to be a lot of horror stories from the process, but I think most of the posters here at CFL eventually get a pink slip. The forum shows you only have 1 post, so welcome to CFL I spent a half day in the coffee shop, myself. Congratulations and good luck! I was in there for over 3 hours, which felt like half a day. Since I stood in the appointment line out front while my wife waited inside the air-conditioned building, I knew a lot of people that went in about the same time as her. When I saw these people coming down from the 5th floor, I started watching more intently...

As promised here, I'm posting my letter explaining the $0.00 income on my own I-864. The I-864 instructions read: To follow the directions, I attached the following signed letter (not notarized, just signed). I also attached copies of the documents specified within. I've underlined everything that I changed to maintain privacy and make the letter more generic. In my case, the letter fit perfectly onto one printed page. On the I-864, I did not check box 25, and I left all three tax year items blank. Also of note, since there was no specific option for students, I marked that I am employed (box 22a) as a Full-time Student. I listed Employer #1 as the American school and Employer #2 as the Chinese school. Hope this reference can help others in similar situations...

Are you talking about the birth certificate in this part? They said the could just do a translation of the Hukou (which she doesn't even have at the moment - had a to print a temporary one at the police station because she left it at home.) But they suggested it would be better to go get this note saying "____ was born on _____. Her father is _____. Her mother is _______." from anyone who can make it. So that's what we're trying to do today. Your story sounds a lot like mine: my girl has the wrong birthday on everything official, apparently. (about a month off depending on the year) Also, the note from the police station and "community center" was also hand-written, which I suggested we type-up and take back for a new stamp, which we did - only to find out that the Notary Office types these up and uses their own stamp anyway, rendering the originals unnecessary. (I'm hoping this is how it's supposed to be done...?) The note also did mention that she had never done drugs nor practiced "bad religion". So I guess that's what must be important in these small cities populated by 1+ million. Heh. Sorry for not being clear. Yes, I was talking about the "notarization of birth". Ours said exactly what you mentioned there: "____ was born in _____ on _____. Her father is _____. Her mother is ____." WeiLing's notarization of birth listed the small city, even though she was born at her grandmother's house out in the country-side. She's also the middle of three, but all are properly in the Hukou, and I still don't know how they got around that one-child policy. Anyway, if you've got (or are getting) that book, you should be just fine.

I went with WeiLing to the notary offices, both in Wuhan for our marriage license and in the city of her hometown (a "small" city of 1 million) for birth notarization and police record. Her family actually lives in a suburb, and she was born in the country, so the whole process was awkward. The police record that we took to get notarized was nothing more than a piece of notebook paper with a few scratchmarks on it. Her father called some friend in the suburb and got this (though I'm fairly certain it is authentic). I couldn't read the scrawled handwriting (and can't read most Chinese handwriting, for that matter), but it included some funny bits. For example, it went on about how she's never practiced Falun Gong. Most of it didn't get included in the white notarial booklet. I'm still kind of surprised at how lax the notary office in her hometown is: Anyone could've written that note, and they probably would've accepted it. Another fun bit of info is about her date of birth. Her date of birth is officially incorrect. Everywhere she's listed as a march baby. Actually, she was born in the 3rd lunar month (which landed in May on the solar Gregorian calendar). I think a lot of Chinese are this way, at least outside of the major cities. Anyway, since that's what the Chinese records say, we also stated this for her visa application. To get the booklet we just took her Hukou and ID card (Éí·ÝÖ¤) to the notary public. If they say they can't help you, talk to another clerk. When Chinese run into a roadblock, they often just go to another window and the problem gets solved one way or another.

Keep us posted! I have a million questions. Can I call? I am in Beijing. Interview results and description posted at http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=41904 If you'd like to call, send me a PM and I'll respond with my Chinese cell, but I think posting on the forums might be a better avenue. I'll be fairly busy these next few days, and can better sit and respond in-between taking care of other things.

I was one of the first one there, so I had a good seat to watch everyone round the corner. I just drank the (slightly) cheaper Dole Orange Juice... I didn't see any slightly obese young girl. My waitress was a middle-aged woman who spoke enough English. She did catch on that I could speak some Chinese, even though I hadn't said a word of it. Smart woman or just lucky guess... Thanks! Good luck! Just have your wife ask for the larger, middle-aged woman wearing glasses. I hope you see pink as well!

Thanks! I must've just assumed that every little book in China was red (aside from the yellow international vaccination record): marriage, passport, hukou, Mao phrasebook, my student ID.... WeiLing just told me something more about her interview. When the Chinese info-collector passed out interview cards, her number was "1066". From this number, she had a feeling she was going to get pink. You know, because 6 signifies things will go in your favor. Oh Chinese and their superstitions...

I can't speak for everyone with a quick and easy interview, but I've been counting my lucky stars all day (and will be for quite a while). I am thankful that despite your hardships you're still willing to share your experiences here. I'm sure your pink will be coming soon!

Thanks guys I almost forgot to mention that when WeiLing mentioned to the VO that she had my passport, the VO was interested in seeing it. I had clipped my ISIC (International Student Identity Card), my Chinese university student ID booklet, and my passport together for WeiLing. She said the VO spent the most time looking at my Chinese student ID. Should I mention that the student IDs here are little red books? Or is that stating the obvious, as China loves little red books...

I'll try to keep our story short and informative. WeiLing got a pink today, and we're very excited. We arrived at the front of the consulate building at about 7:05, and the lines were already huge. The "line" for immigrant visas was actually three-lines wide, and the guard passing out entry cards decided to start out by only giving cards to one of the lines. (This ultimately resulted in some people who arrived ~7:20 getting in before we did.) Once inside the building, I walked with her to the 4th floor guard post and then watched her give a smile and thumbs up as she ascended to the consulate. The rest of the story is hers, and I'm just translating and writing here... She said most of the staff that she dealt with were friendly. While waiting, a Chinese person collected her medical information and financial support forms and then passed it to a VO who later called her. The collector asked her if she's been outside of the country (China) before, which Wei Ling has (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand). She overheard another woman being questioned by this Chinese data-collector, "When was your divorce? ...(applicant answered unclearly)... But this says __(some date)__. Wait, how many times have you been married?!" WeiLing thinks this person got a white slip. Among the VOs, WeiLing said that some took a long time to review the information, while others were zipping through applicants: reviewing data and sending them away with a pink. One of the VOs who took a long time on each seemed rather young and almost never smiled. WeiLing's interviewer was a large, middle-aged white woman with glasses that was friendly and smiled often. The first question was in English, simply "Can you speak English?" WeiLing started to respond "Yes, I can--" and the woman started to ask another question. WeiLing finally got out "I can speak a little English." The rest of the interview was conducted in a mix of English and Chinese. I don't know the order of the following questions, but here's roughly what was asked: 1. Who petitioned for you? "My husband, Robert __(Last Name)__" - The VO smiled at hearing WeiLing say my name. 2. Who is your financial sponsor? "My husband's father, Fred" - WeiLing intentionally said my dad's name. The VO smiled and said "Yes, Fred." I should also note that my own I-864 lists $0.00 income all the way down, which is truthful. I have not filed income tax for 2009, so I included a letter explaining why I am exempt from filing (and I did not check the box stating that I filed). I think this letter may be a helpful reference to other young'uns here, so I'll post a copy of it a little later. 3. Did your husband's parents come to the wedding in China? Can I see the pictures? - We submitted 100+ pictures to Beijing, and WeiLing brought another 100+ (mostly different) with her to the interview. She had the foresight to sort the ones she brought and easily pulled pictures that included my parents. (The VO also asked who various people were, from my classmates to her parents, etc.) 4. What are your and your husbands plans after going to America? 5. When will your husband begin working? (I'm a full-time student currently.) 6. When was the first time you two met? 7. When did you two get married? 8. Who introduced you two? 9. What employment did you formerly hold? 10. How well does your husband speak Chinese? After that, the VO spoke in English and congratulated WeiLing on pink and told her where to go to register for mail-delivery of the visa. WeiLing didn't understand everything she said, but understood the idea. While leaving she said "You are very friendly. Have a nice day!" WeiLing told me that she was mindful to always look the VO in the eyes and maintain a smile even when the VO was looking our forms or the computer screen. I should mention that CFL provided a lot of information that was invaluable in preparing for this. I'm sure that without the help here, we wouldn't have been able to go from petitioning in Beijing to pink in Guangzhou in just 110 days like we have. Thanks a bunch, guys!

We fly to GUZ tomorrow and interview on Tuesday. Everything is ready, but I still keep checking. I'm hoping the VO keeps the July 4th relaxed holiday spirit going for us and the rest of you in July!

http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/iv_faqs.html#B7 DCF has one less fee, the "I-864" fee collected by NVC if doing stateside processing. Yeah, I caught that FAQ entry on the site, but still wasn't sure since both list $355. So to be sure: the USCIS fee is $355, the IV Processing Fee is $355 and then IV Processing Surcharge is $45, for a total of $755? I wonder why they both list $355, but IV tacks on a surcharge. You think we'll be able to go in the day before to pay, since her interview is scheduled for 7:15am? Anyway, thanks for the quick response.

As we're preparing for WeiLing's interview early next month, one thing has been on my mind. When do we pay the fees? I've read that K-1/3 visas pay at specific banks, but the packet for me indicates that the applicant should have the cash handy. For the affidavit of marriageability from GUZ, I just paid (US card) at the window they told me to walk to. In BJ's CIS it was similar--walk over to another window and pay with plastic. From the English section of OF-171: What I paid in Beijing was $355, and I've been keeping the receipt. The receipt lists that I've paid "DHS I-130 Petition $355." Is this the same as the IV Processing Fee listed at http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/fees.html ? If so, will we have to make up the $45 surchage difference? With the information here on CFL, I've been pretty comfortable with everything so far. I just don't want to get taken off-guard by this fee.

Impossible. You've already outgrown it. I'm in a similar boat as reliable. I don't file income tax because I'm still a student (the income of scholarships gets eaten by tuition). What they're looking for is that she will join a household that's stable at or above 125% poverty line. If your dad's income matches that, I don't see why the verification of non-filing shouldn't be sufficient.

Wei Ling is scheduled for July 6, which gives us just over a month. Another that I met while filing the DCF said his wife's date is July 21st. Being that we filed within an hour of each other, my guess is that his case is more complicated (bringing an adopted daughter along with his wife), so GUZ may need a longer time to review materials, etc. I'd agree with this: Lie to the company, not to the US Gov't. What makes the business trip more important than the opportunity to move to the US earlier? Asking for a reschedule might send the wrong message. (Of course, that's a pessimistic view; it might do no harm at all.)

Haha, I agree... Thousands of the same questions, and as far as I've understood, nobody can really answer the "how to handle the wait" but everybody does. But anyway, can you add a quick link to the P3 ~ Interviews forum from the links & Resources... Or somehow make it more apparent that we acknowledge Links & Resources is outdated and not really updated/used much anymore?

I'm not adding any information (YET ). I'm stating that there are many multiple versions of the same basic information, and there's no consistent way to find it. Go to the Links and Resources forum, and the information is 2 years old. Go to the "P3 ~ Interviews" forum and get the most recent information....

But I remember stumbling across a more recent copy. It took me about 15 minutes to find it, and that was just because virtual directory listing is enabled on the webserver http://candleforlove.com/FAQ/Timelines/New...L_Timeline1.htm (updated mid-2009) I seem to remember that the above link is "beta" or ... something (not quite clear). I'm glad the various resources are dated, but is there any chance we can have a link to newer data?

HELLO, I am very see you today . I tell you, if you want have a private room, the price is 300RMB/night in the fair (From 15 Oct. to 03 NOV.) I am sorry that I am so late to reply to you. Mr. Yang was waiting for us at the bus stop. He and his wife made us feel very welcome during our stay, and I'd recommend TianYu to anyone else going to Guangzhou.

My apologies. The movie I talked of has had a decent amount of discussion here in China. (Though I've only talked about it in English, so I'm not sure of it's Chinese name, or how it might be translated. I only know the official English title.) I thought it may have been an alternative translation of the film title. Do you know any other ways it might be viewed? I'd be interested in seeing that show...

WeiLing just talked to Mr. Yang, and we now have a room booked for this weekend. I'm just going to pick up a certificate of marriageability, so it'll be a quick trip. 180RMB/night for a single bed, public bathroom. I'm not so concerned with not having my own bathroom, and neither is WeiLing. Location, price, and other recommendations on this board made it pretty difficult to pass up. I'll post again when I've returned, to tell how it was.

There's just something about that article that doesn't seem right. I'm going to go out on a limb and side with the feds here, but before we go too far I also want to point out that it's a blog article and not standard press. Korpi is a car mechanic. Korpi said he bought the watches for his kids and grandkids. Seven of the eight watches were confiscated; he was allowed to keep the one he's wearing. Korpi never gave the one watch to any of his family; he kept it until it broke. Korpi consciously and actively avoided the Feds. Korpi didn't care about recovering the "gifts." Now where Korpi went wrong was in the number of knock-offs he was bringing back. What if I told you that I was bringing back 8 knock-off LV bags to give to my mother, grandmothers, aunts, cousins, friends, etc. Would you honestly believe me? What's to keep me from giving away 7 and selling one? What's to keep me from selling all 8? (Though, I acknowledge that he'd have to find buyers unfamiliar with true Rolexes.) Further, isn't it common sense to get different gifts for different people? I'd never get identical gifts for that many people, especially when they'd all know. It just doesn't add up for me. Then again, I'm not interested in fake status symbols anyway, I think they show the wrong kind of status.

Try the official English title "The Founding of a Republic", the film just released this Fall. The movie was made in preparation for this past 60th anniversary of the CCP. It's an interesting watch if you're unfamiliar with the history, but keep in mind that it's loaded with propaganda and took some liberties. For the sake of avoiding a political debate, I'll just leave it at that.

Mike, I want to say that you are one of the CFL members that I always look forward to reading. As whome? has said, it's a great and informative post. (And congrats on the coming kiddo ) I recently met with a professor's friend. This guy was real interesting and talked to me about his experience marrying, visa'ing, and living with his wife. They've been living together in the countryside in Texas for just under 2 years (he mentioned that he's having to file the 2-year paperwork very soon). The reason I mention him is that he related a similar experience. His words were something along the lines of: "When she's in Texas, she misses China. When we/she goes back to China for a visit, she tells me that she misses Texas." I think it's just one of those "grass is greener..." things. You sound like you've done an effective job on making Hawaii "Ms Jin"s second home. So now she's always missing the other. I'll wager that she will miss China as soon as you guys are home. Tell me if I lose. (I'll wait for your post saying "she asked today - when are we going home to China?") Anyway, have a blast while you're there!

Rehabilitate? It would be nice if people who abuse and are addicted to alcohol could be rehabilitated with strong results, but it just isn't happening. I suggest using public humiliation, like wearing pink clothing and picking up trash along highways and streets. I agree. The current system of rehabilitation is a joke, which is why I said true rehabilitation. There's no incentive to clean up, no punishment for repeat offenses, no follow-ups, etc. It's just "go to a class or two, do some 'service work', and you're free to go (drive drunk again)." But the current system is cheap, so why change it? Government spending is a Bad Thing, right?