rogerinca

Yes, and as I have posted previously, this is what I did for our I-130, I-129F, and most recently for our I-485 file for AOS. With comments to my wife by the VO at GUZ, and comments to me last week by the ISO, during our interview, the photos were well received by the DOS/USCIS folks. I printed the 8.5 X 11 photos on my home PC/printer on inexpensive Walmart photo paper, and used my computer based photo software to generate captions on the face of each photo, e.g., date, location, description of photo contents. I had a good mix of locations, events, and family/friends in the photos as well as my wife, daughter, and me.

I don't think it is a "no-no", but this may also depend on the regional center procedures and/or the ISO that you end up with. We really lucked out, our ISO was a Chinese woman fluent in Mandarin; and she also had no problem with me assisting in translating a few words/concepts which my wife did not understand readily in English. If you feel uncomfortable, then I would get the translator.

That may have been true in the past; however, the current experience, seems to be a week to ten days, from NOA-1 to letter of Biometric Appointment mailed. Ours was in hand, exactly one week, after the NOA-1 was postmarked. Most over at VJ, (April 2009 filers) are showing the same results. The fee increase, and productivity goals within USCIS seem to have changed the process significantly of late. Our NOA-1 to AOS interview(s) was 74 days.

If you do not have the Bio Appointment letter by Monday or Tuesday, you can call the number that is on the NOA-1. This is what I did and I did get a heads-up on my appointment date, a couple of days prior to receiving the notice in the mail. One thing, the intial agent you talk to will not have that info; you must be elevated to the next level (officer in CA) who has that data available to him/her. It took me two calls and smooth talk, to get elevated to the CA center.

awesome to hear about the ease of LAX Yes, that was my experience and that of my wife and daughter too. Very friendly, very helpful, and this was at more than just one window, as we were initially misdirected by a well intending non-US Customs security guard. A USCIS supervisor personally walked us to the correct line, and introduced us to the officer in the K-3 line, explained to him we had been given some bad info, and to help us out. The Hispanic officer who processed us, was very polite and very low-key. Every encounter we have had as a family, at GUZ, at the POE, and most recently at AOS, has been a very pleasant experience.

My wife and daughter and I had our AOS interviews today at the USCIS Regional Center in Sacramento. It went very smooth and just as it was in GUZ, we were treated very well. We arrived early and they took us about 10 minutes past our appointment time. Both wife and daughter had back to back time slots, and they took us all at the same time. A female Chinese/American IO, fluent in Mandarin, had our case files. Her office was large and comfortable. She swore all of us in, and then picked up the files from a box on her floor. She commented that my files were very large and very complete. She added that she liked all the photos. She offered to me that the files were pre-reviewed by other staff in her office, and that she also had time to review it this morning. She again said that the case file was very complete. She then said she had some standard questions to ask both wife and daughter (she offered that we must ask everyone the same questions) and went down a list of about 6 to 8 questions, e.g., member of CCP; ever been arrested/detained by the police; ever engage in prostitution; ever use or sell illegal drugs, etc, etc. She had both of them sign the pages with the questions and then asked for their passports. She entered data into the file, from the K-visas and then detached the Form I-94’s. She did not ask for the EAD cards, although I had them with me if she did. She said if we wished to travel to China, before the GC’s arrived, to get an Info-Pass appointment and get the visa page stamped which had the same effect as the GC in possession. She stated that it might be up to two months for the GC’s to arrive, as she had just this week, a notice that there are recent Green Card production backlogs/delays. I add again, we have been married well over two years, so these will be permanent, 10 year GC's. She entered a lot of data into her computer and then asked if there were any other questions. She was very professional but very cordial and friendly. She went back and forth between Mandarin and English when talking to my wife. She did not seem at all bothered when I assisted my wife with the translation of some of her questions/comments in English. She offered to me something I was not aware of previously. She said that if I adopted my step-daughter, before she was age 16 (now just turned 13) she could use my derivative status for US Citizenship. She only needed to be under my roof, so to speak, for a total of two years. They have been here for one year now, so well before her 16th birthday I will file the paperwork for adoption through my local Superior Court and then file for her US Citizenship by next summer. Such a deal!! She did not ask to see one single document, which I had with me, in an expandable file, nor any additional photos. Just as I had done with my visa filing, I think the fully front-loading of the case file, including the photos, was a big help with the processing and with the interview. Again, this AOS process went much faster than I had expected. (About 74 days, from NOA-1 postmark, to Interview date and GC production order)

If you note on his timeline, they already had their interview, for the conditional GC, back in June 2007. He filed for the ten year permanent card and that should be in the mail to him in a couple of weeks. Only one interview.

As I am near the end of this process myself, I have been doing a lot of study in this regard and have garnered a lot of info from others at the VJ site, who are in the AOS stage of the process. Moreover, I had a conversation in this regard with an acquaintance who is an immigration attorney in San Francisco. Be it K-1, or K-3, you will have an interview at some time before the ten year permanent Green Card is issued. There is always an exception to every rule/case, but for the most part this is the way it is, based both on what I have read at VJ and a conversation over this specific topic with the attorney in the Bay Area. If you are K-1, or a K-3 married less than two years, you may have the AOS interview at the two year conditional GC stage, or they may pick you up later, when you go for the ten year permanent card. It is difficult to discern if this is due to how the case looks to them, i.e., no red flags, or what, as to the decision to do the interview at the front, or wait until going for the permanent GC? With respect to those of us who married in China (K-3) and have filed after the second marriage anniversary, this is the only shot they get at us, so to speak, and there will be an interview if the conditional card is moot and the ten year card is in order. This is the way it is in our case (married 30 months), and my wife, daughter and I, will go for our interview in the next week. As to being transferred to the CSC, most over at VJ look forward to this, because in (most) cases, it means no initial interview at the two year GC stage. I have, however, seen a [few] cases at VJ, wherein the parties are transferred to the CSC and then transferred back again, from California to the MBC and then assigned to the local regional office for adjudication and the interview. Again, there is a ton of info available at VJ, because the universe of members going through the AOS process is so much greater, at any given time. Moreover, it appears that the AOS process is moving very quickly for most individuals at this time, this includes the EAD, AP, and GC, portions of the AOS process. Recently, most RFE's have been over current year tax return not included, or other missing docs, signatures, and a few over issues regarding the medical exam, or form I-864, etc. Looking at your timeline, my best guess is that you will be processed for the conditional GC at the CSC and you will not have an interview at this time. Best wishes !!

And some here, think the good folks at GUZ don't read what is posted herein. Think again.

I have made this specific trip twice; once in '07 and again late in '08. At that time there was not a NS flight direct to SEA from CAN. I had to take Nippon Air from CAN to NRT (Tokyo) and then the nonstop from NRT to SEA on Northwest. See below for similar link: http://res.nwa.com/search/flight.nw?_flowE...sponse%40dd3d1b I have always used my Chinese/American travel agent in Monterey Park, CA for each of my flights to/from the PRC. (626)-280-2198 .......... 9 to 5 PDT.

WHOA.... I need to talk to you!!! I am scared to death. My second marriage ended 1.5 months prior to Yan and mine wedding. She is 16 years younger and we knew each other for only 7 months. But we have many first meeting and 2nd visit wedding photos, no 'external issues' and good finances. Although she can speak little english I send her to school. I didn't do all the file stuff you mention, but I sure appreciate the candor on your part regarding your relationship. B) If you have no "external" issues and good finances, I do not think the other issues will come to play. I know a few here in the past two years, who had as many as four previous marriages and one with two previous foreign national marriages. They all sailed right on through. I also know several here, who did not marry their 'own age', and have a 15 to 23 year spread between their age and that of their wife. I also think that even at 7 months, you have a deeper relationship than some here, who file after the first meeting, and most of them have no issues with DOS or USCIS. The key, IMO, is the personal background of both parties, strongly coupled with the financials of the USC. There is so much fraud, more than is ever reported in the news, with respect to the USC being paid off, to bring the foreign national to the USA. So of course, the financials play a big part of that equation. I had at least three or four issues, which could have been red flags up the pole, but they were not. I think this was because both mine and my wife's backgrounds were very clean, and I had more than adequate income, to eliminate any 'profile' of one who was playing the system. Relax and good luck!

Congratulations !! This is really great news; and it was exactly a year ago today, China time, that my wife, daughter and I, went through this event. I, too, had a couple of marriages, and my previous divorce final date, vs. my new marriage date, was exactly one month. Moreover, I am some twenty years older than my wife. I still maintain, that it is more about the backgrounds of the individuals involved, than about the VO one gets. I further still maintain, that much of the process/outcome is etched in stone, while still within the USCIS system, in the US, with respect to the USC. If you have the finances to adequately support her, you pay your taxes, you are not behind in child support, you do not have any IMBRA issues, you used ACCO clips on a top-hole punched/hinged file, and....as long as [she] is not in the DOS or PRC systems, in some negative manner; then most likely, you will be successful. IMO. Again, best wishes !!

Congratulations on reaching this important step !!! Sounds like your file/circumstances 'looked' real good to them !! Best wishes !!!

I recall at least three members, over the past two years, who had four to five marriages, some of them to foreign nationals, and each received pink at interview time. One, is still semi-active, the other two have not posted in many months. One of these members was at one of the ACH's I attended. I remember he confided in me that he was worried. He received pink the next day, and is doing fine. The others, I just remember from their posts, and/or PM's. As many have stated before, each case is unique. Some issues are triggers for some people and not for others. Just like age differences and divorce being final date, vs. marriage date, etc.

Yes, I always carry my passport when I go out. I seem to remember reading somewhere that foreigners are supposed to always carry their passports when in China (or maybe it was that US citizens should always carry them when abroad). I have a nice leather case for it, so it doesn't get beat up in my pocket. I have done the same on every trip to the PRC. I have a special holder for it under my outer shirt. I always worried about having something happen while out and about, or being delayed returning to the hotel, or the hotel burning down, etc; therefore, I never, ever, left it behind, in the room. Also have color copies of PP and Visa, stashed in my luggage.

I think that's common - Guangzhou is very close to Hong Kong, so the packages usually pass through Hong Kong. They still have to "clear Chinese customs" - that would be some trick to get the Chinese to so suddenly cooperate - perhaps GUZ just isn't using them for a warehouse any more? Agree.

CONGRATULATIONS !!! Yes, I requested the "young tall white guy" for my wife's interview. Joke.

Like I said earlier, I'm related to Brigham. The primary issue, however, is the guidelines prohibit badmouthing religions; if not, it could be added very easily. Although I'm agnostic or atheist, I do respect those who profess their religion and adhere to its principles. A Mormon principle is to take care of your self, your family and other members - kinda like Chinese. If more people followed their principle of self-reliance this country would be in a much better place. I'm old enough to recall that Jack Kennedy wasn't a suitable candidate because he was a Catholic and the Pope would actually run the country. It doesn't matter what religion the ambassador is. Let's just hope he has a moral compass. Don, I agree with you 100%. In fact, I was going to use the Jack Kennedy cite, as an example, but figured most here are too young to recall all that was in the media at that time in 1959/60/61, so it would not resonate.

Jon Huntsman? From Utah?? Former Mormon missionary in China??? This has got to be the funniest stuff I've heard in a looooong time! <snip> If a moderator does not do their job on this 'member's' post; then I will feel free to respond, in the only way I think is appropriate. I'm sorry that you feel some religions aren't a historical farce. For those who are from the area where a certain religion was formed and are familiar with the real history (not to mention NY State felony conviction records), the truth has not been muddled with marketing. Nothing like continued hate speech, from a very stealthy 'member'. What does this man's religion have to do with his qualifications for the job? You just had to get another 'shot' in. Why are you here?

Jon Huntsman? From Utah?? Former Mormon missionary in China??? This has got to be the funniest stuff I've heard in a looooong time! <snip> If a moderator does not do their job on this 'member's' post; then I will feel free to respond, in the only way I think is appropriate. I left 'Mormon' but removed the snide comment. After all, I'm related to Brigham. Thank you Sir !! I am not a zealot, nor overly sensitive; however, I am [close] to that specific Church and also to many family members and friends who also share that faith. I just felt to single out and bash a specific religion, on this board, was a little over the top.

Jon Huntsman? From Utah?? Former Mormon missionary in China??? This has got to be the funniest stuff I've heard in a looooong time! <snip> If a moderator does not do their job on this 'member's' post; then I will feel free to respond, in the only way I think is appropriate.

Why wouldn't you go? Many travel half way around the world to go there at great expense. You only have to travel a short distance to show your support. I second this question. Why wouldn't you go, or even for a second consider not going when you are right here in China already? I 'third' this question. You are already in-country !? The USC petitioner, close by in the coffee shop, and your USA passport in her little hand, will have a lot more impact, than her "mom" waiting in the coffee shop. IMO. I wouldn't have missed this event for anything !!!

I have a few questions foregive me for being nieve in this process. By front loading do you mean submitting your evedince like phone records emails chat logs ect with your visa application or do you submitt it at a different time? I thought all that stuff was supposed to be taken to the interview or do you do both? I wrote a letter after my denial rebutting the consular findings I will be sending that with my petition. The other is im not sure what these mean COnOff ACS ACH I assume COnOff is the person doing the interviewing or an interview person and the ACS and ACH is the place where they go for the interview the consulate. I'm trying to think what we could have notorized before the interview day. Read this post in the Ellis' Island thread. http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?...st&p=492032 It is the most convincing argument I have read to date in favor of front loading petitions. Something in the past I've been skeptical of but now am reconsidering my position. Well, it wasn't ME that might turn you around, but I'm glad yer thinking to turn around on front-loading. Warmest Regards... one needs to be responsive to the times... In Carl's time, front loading wasn't needed; In my time, english wasn't needed; Now, both appear to be a benefit I realized the significance of front-loading very early on....two years ago, as I recall. First, it was when I read the USCIS filing instruction: Submit as complete a packet as possible so the case can be adjudicated from what you submit. Submit a complete packet of information for each petition or application. Next, when USCIS/DOS started requiring the new info/section to be included with the I-130: bona fides of marriage/relationship This significant change in the wind, was in early 2007, as I recall. Finally, we started getting a lot of anecdotal information, from the post interview feedback reports. Many of the easy interviews were coupled with front-loaded files. I also remember (very vividly) in early to mid to late 2007 and on into a part of 2008, some very negative feedback to my comments/opinions in this regard. This was from both some more senior members and some of the mod's. At the time, I was still fairly new, and had not yet reached the interview stage, so I just started to keep my mouth shut. However, I followed my 'instincts' and submitted not only a fully front-loaded I-130 but also the same bona fides evidence and front loading in my I-129F file. As it turned out, my wife and daughter's interview was very quick and easy by most standards. As I reported before, the VO commented favorably to my wife on the preparation of our case files. I have approached the filing of the AOS files in the same manner. This is a dyanamic process, and if you are watchful, you may be able to detect the changes as they occur and react to them accordingly. Now I am a more senior member; therefore, I am less likely now, to just keep my mouth shut.

If you look at my very recent AOS timeline, you will see, just as others have stated, you will receive your Bio Appointment letter within a week. Note: It will be at a facility wherein all they do is biometrics, it is not staffed with VIO¡¯s same as where you will go for an interview. We arrived over an hour early, but they said it was OK to come on in and get going with the process, so we were finished 30 mins before our actual appointment time. The entire process for my wife and daughter was about 25 mins. Note: Normally the appointment is scheduled about three to four weeks in advance; however, I have since learned, over at VJ, that once you have the letter in hand, many make contact with their respective local bio office, and are told they can drop by in advance of the date on the appointment letter. Many, at VJ, have reported shaving two weeks or more off of their processing time, by accomplishing this. I found out about this aspect, a week after completing our bio exam, but wish I had known about this earlier. Don¡¯t worry if your data is not showing up in your USCIS online portfolio. Many have reported varied results with what data is viewable and what is not. This has no bearing on what is happening with your file. The process appears to be moving smoothly at this time, based on all I see with the more 'global' picture over at VJ.

Don't toot too hard until it's all over with, but yes, that's terrific! Good luck at the interview and I'm sure we'll know. No "toots" in this thread Randy; however, it is exciting, having been at this for so long now !! I am just a little stunned at how fast this went, looking at the VJ stats !! I even thought there might have been an RFE over the medical exams and vacc's as my wife and daughter were in the transition period of the new rules and as we all know, sometimes they can get confused. I was not expecting this, and was not even checking the mail frequently, of late.