Auggie

Hi, It's been awhile since we've been on this wonderful site and you folks have always given us great advise and now I need some more. My wifes passport will expires in May and I need to know what we need to do to renew it. We live in Montana and we need to know if we can renew by mail or have to go to the consulate? Also, any other help would be greatly appreciated. Auggie & Lancy

Hi, My wife will be traveling to China soon. I'm wondering about the tickets, do we order the tickets in her married name (on Green Card) or her Chinese name (on her Passport)? Thanks, Auggie & Lancy

I have a question about my son. We plan on going to China in June and my two boys are wanting to go with us. But my one boy had an MIP (minor in possesion) and I'm wondering if this is going to prevent him from getting a Passport or Visa or being rejected to enter China? Auggie and Lancy

Well, I filed my income tax and we tried to use my stepdaughters Green card number and it was rejected. I called the IRS and they told me I could do 3 things: 1 get an ITIN number. 2 Get a SS card. 3 file without her and amend her later. What do you folks think? We're going to go to SS department tomorrow to get a card for her. But if you have any advise we'd greatly appreciate your help. Auggie & Lancy

Hi folks, It's been awhile since I have given an update. The last time I wrote I think my stepdaughter was having a difficult time adjusting to school and making friends. But I also wrote that she was doing better. Well it's been a few months and things seem to be getting better all the time. My step daughter has been sellected to join the national honor society which is quite an honor. She has made a few more friends but no to many and in some ways I think that's a good thing (you know how American are?). My wife is doing pretty good too, she's volunteered some time at a senior citizen center and has made some friends, she's quite a lady and I'm a very fortunate man. We've been practicing for my wifes drivers license and she's been trying, but it's going to take awhile. I realized this when she ran into my garage door. But you know I love her and I'll keep repairing my garage door over and over again, don't you just love those crazy asian drivers??? Well folks, it's been nice giving an update and I promise I'll keep in touch. Auggie & Lancy

I love to start a thread but I'm not to sure how to get started?

I know it's been awhile since I've given any updates. Yilan (my stepdaughter) is doing a lot better now. I always felt that time and patients would help, and it did. But, she still misses China and so does her mom. We plan on going back once a year if possible. She is doing a lot better in school now, her last report card she was at a 2.0 GPA and now she is at a 3.5 GPA. I'm very proud of her We talk a lot about school, friends, activities and cultural differences and we have met more chinese people in our area. Lancy (my wife) has started some volunteer work at a retirement center, she'll also be taking her test for a driving permit. But we'll wait until spring before she takes her driving test (too icy up her in Montana). So, life has been good and continues to get better, I know we'll have our ups and downs but together there is nothing we can't overcome! We got a great Christmas gift yesterday, we recieved our notice that thier Green Cards have been approved and they should get the actual card in 3 weeks. As we looked at timelines we were not expecting anything until April, wow only a little over 2 months! Awesome surprise!!!! Well, we'll keep you folks posted how things are going with our little family. We also want to thank everyone for all the help and support. So, we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year!!! Auggie, Lancy and Yilan

Thanks everyone for your comments. Looking at the Montana DMV regulations we have to have either a unexpired I-94 or a I-551. I will try to see if The EAD will be sufficient, but it looks like we'll have to wait until Lancy gets her AOS. Gives us a little more time to practice driving. I have another question. We were talking to a phillipino lady and her husband and they said that many employers will let you work if you have your SSN, while waiting for your AOS. I told her that I interpit the law as stating that if you are working without a green card you are working illegally. Am I correct or did I miss something? Auggie & Lancy

We went down to the DMV for Lancy to take her written drivers test and hopefully to get a learners permit, but when we got there I found out that because her I-94 was expired she wasn't elligible to take the test, no proof of her being here legally. I was told that she needs a valid I-94 or a I-551 form. Does anyone know what we can do or do we have to wait for the green card before she can drive? I'll try to figure out what the I-551 form is and see if I can possibly get one of those. Thanks, Auggie & Lancy

We have sent for our AOS, AP and EAD on 10/13/09. I was wondering if there is any way of tracking the process? I know that our package has reached it's destination, but that's it. I know patient is a virtue. Could someone link me up to some timelines? Thanks Auggie & Lancy

Just a little update, we've been working on my stepdaughters loniness and school issues. In fact we did meet another foriegn exchange student from China in her high school and he has been over our house several times and he's been going through similar feelings and in some ways I think it may be harder for him, at least my stepdaughter has her mom here. This boy seems to feel more comfortable here at our house and it helps out our situation too. As far as doing things with my stepdaughter and wife we've been playing tennis, bowling, cards and yesterday me and my stepdaughter baked a cake (that was new for both of us). This evening we will have the foriegn exchange students host family over for supper. So, things have been going better, but by no way are we out of the woods. So thanks for all your support and keep praying for us. Auggie & Lancy

Thanks for the support, we live in rural Montana. There aren't to many Chinese people in our town. This was one of the major things we've discussed with each other before we married, was the adjustments that we will both have to make when they moved to the US. I know it is hard for my stepdaughter at this time, I'm trying to find tutors and support groups and the school is working with us the best they can. Her english is fair, but there is a communication problem. She is reluctant to ask questions because she doesn't want to lose face. Very different than american kids. She does have passing grades in all but one class and that class is PE. She is not very athletic. So, she feels like a failure even though the teachers give her special support and even with the special support she doesn't want to be treated special. This is what we want more than anything is for her to stay. She is an awesome kid and I love her with all my heart. I feel time is what is needed, time to adjust, time to adjust to her loneliness (if that's possible). I feel she is like all 16 year old kids, american or chinese, a very difficult age. Keep us in your prayers. Auggie & Lancy

I am about to send my wife and step daughters AOS, AP & EAD in. Their K1/K2 visa's expires tomorrow (10/13). My step daughter is having a very difficult time in school and she's also very lonely, she wants to go back to China. I want her to stay here but I also want her to be happy. If she goes back to China will there be a problem because her visa has expired or do I need to get her travel permit 1st? I am hoping that she will stay and time will help us work through this. Any advise will truly be appreciated. Auggie & Lancy

Thanks again for all your help. Right now were having issues with my step daughters immunization records for school. We're hoping to get some records from China but not having much luck. Have you had any experience with this? Auggie & Lancy

Thanks for all the help, I can't express how thankful we are. but I have more questions. My wife and daughter went through a extensive medical examination in China before coming over here. Now we need to go to a Civil Surgeon here in the US. Will they have to have another physical exam here or will they just need to be immunized? All your help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Auggie & Lancy