Nick&Ran

My wife and I have an interesting twist to these stories I've read so far. We met in Graduate school here in the states which means that we both pretty much know what life in the US is like. I, as the US citizen a different perspective of course. After graduating we headed straight to Shanghai to start work there for two US multi-nationals, lived in a very nice (small) apartment high up in the air (smoke) and enjoyed China to the fullest. Over the year we lived in Shanghai we enjoyed everything we possibly could in that short time span. We toured almost every corner of China (thank goodness for three national holidays), ate about every type of food, met interesting international friends; in short it was hard/exciting and made both us and our careers grow. We came back to the US three days ago to live and work and although we're only an hour outside of NYC living on the coast its like the world stopped moving. We always knew we would come back to the US, knew what it was like however once you get back here it takes some serious adjustment! So, in the fact that we both lived in China for a year our situation is a bit different since we are both going through the culture shock (for me reverse culture shock ). I would say without question our careers and desires will move us back to Asia later on in life if even only for a few years. Living there for a year as a local would live (at least a relatively well paid IT local) certainly changed my outlook and allows me to better understand my wife now that we're both back in the US. As far as America being boring, I don't think so. In China you are constantly bombared with people, flashing lights, signs, chaos, entertainment and food. So in effect in China your environment provides constant stimulus and you'll often find yourself running into or unable to avoid an after work engagement or trip to the mall. If you're a easy going person then you'll probably perceive China to be very exciting or maybe even too much on some days. If you're a driven person then you'll fit in a place like Shanghai where everyone fights for resources every day. So the question is what exactly is boring? Is the US boring because you spend less time walking, doing remedial tasks which in the US are automatic or not needed, traveling by subway and bus for 1.5 hours to an from work? I think the strongest reason the US may be perceived as boring is that we aren't as prone to do things in large groups frequently, its more of a "get in my car, go to my home, type of place" rather than "lets get in the subway and lets go out type of place" China kind of takes you along for the ride and doesn't let you get bored. America offers you the chance to be bored or go make your life as exciting as you'd like it. For me I won't chose sides since I like aspects of both places, so I guess I prefer to live in the "World". Once you live in the US and in Asia everything in between is just a mix of either two (well maybe except Africa). So, I'm keeping my mind open and we'll do our best to enjoy all that my home country, America, has to offer!

Well, She did it! I have a preliminary report that goes something like this: Where did you guys meet? Why did you both come to China? Who do you work for (Beneficiary)? Who does your hubby work for? (VO knew my company) What will you do back in the states? Financial documents were given (me + co-sponsor) Photos were given Pink was given! I have to say that this was a very nervous night! Who do I have to thank for our success? YOU GUYS!

Awesome job guys!

YAY!

Awesome job!

I recently used DHL to send a 1lb+ package to Shanghai and it only took 3 days. I would certainly try to simply email or fax anything that doesn't need to be original, nothing faster than electrons to move paper around! You guys will do awesome. Nick

My wife will also be there on Dec. 17th to enjoy the festivities.

Congratulations sir, you'll have her back to the land of fresh air in no time.

Thanks, I thought we were all connected in the US with our advanced technology and such I'll get to work on my China police report and have peace of mind I don't need to call 3 different polices houses in the US! Best, NIck

Hello, Is it necessary for the beneficiary (Chinese) to get police reports from the US? My wife (beneficiary) was in the US for 4 years attending graduate school. I expect since they can do an FBI name check on her that she will only need police reports from her hometown (Hukou) here in China and not need to obtain any US police reports? Is that correct? We are currently living together here in Shanghai (have for 1 year) and were able to file directly with the Beijing consulate for CR1. Also for me the petitioner, I assume I'll need local Shanghai police certificates and certificates from all the places I've lived in the US as well? Best, Nick

padre, Yes we mailed our application in, when I paid the $190.00 I-130 fee here in Shanghai they gave me the address to mail the package to Beijing. (No. 3 XiuShuiBeiJie, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600 ) On the Beijing embassy website (http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/homeland_security.html) It says under the I-130 section: Immediate Relative Immigrant Petitions (Form I-130): U.S. Citizens with proof of residency in China and who are residing in the Beijing consular district may file the I-130 petition with the USCIS Beijing Office. U.S. Citizens with proof of residency in China and who are residing in the Beijing consular district, may also pay the USCIS filing fee at the American Consulates General in Shenyang, Shanghai, or Chengdu and then mail the application and fee receipt to the mailing address noted above under the "Mailing Address and Express Mail within China" heading. The Beijing Office may contact petitioners and /or applicants to request personal appearances for an interview or to request additional or missing documentation. It is therefore incumbent that applicants provide accurate contact information including their address in China, home phone number, cell phone numbers and e-mail addresses. In China immigrant visas are only issued at the American Consulate General in Guangzhou. Therefore, unless otherwise requested, all approved immediate relative petitions are forwarded to Guangzhou for further processing. Thats a great tip about writing the letters weekly, I'll send one and see if I get a reply in a week or so. I think too many could be annoying probably. Kind of like a kid asking his parents "ARE WE THERE YET?" Thanks for the #'s

xiaoheather, Sorry to hear about the lost passport, my wife and I just mailed the I-130 application to Beijing about a week ago now, paid the $190 here in Shanghai. Now it's time to wait wait wait. I expect to at least hear that they received the package in a week or so (besides the DHL delivery receipt). mandarinstudent, Since we filed so close together I'll keep you informed of who our application is going.

jbray, Cool, its good to know someone that's gone through the entire process if I need help. padre, Thats good to know about how long we should expect to wait for a reply, do you by chance have the # you called to ask? It would be helpful to know given the many numbers. If all goes well it should be about 6-9 months for us to go through the whole process. Best to you and your SO.

Hi, I just started DCF (Sent I-130 to Beijing), has anyone else recently started this process? I did a search and didn't come up with anything recent. Hope everyone is well! --- modified subtitle to encourage DCFers to post here as a running document of DCF issues.

Thanks a lot! This helps much. Yes fortunately we have both filed taxes for the past three years (she was a graduate student so she was also required to file tax returns). We both still have our drivers licenses as well. I don't think they'll be too happy with the #'s they see on our tax returns however since we were both students. I intend to use the offer letter my company will give me along with a very recent letter from my company showing my us salary. We inted to file DCF then midway I'll head back to the US and work for three months or more and send some pay stubs in. This site has been extremely helpful, I hope to learn and help others as I learn! best, Nick