rogerinca

Sorry I missed this yesterday. CONGRATULATIONS !!!! Yes, excellent write up and overview of your experience.

You might have missed this thread from a couple of weeks back. I don't think it will ever get you an RFE, for bindings and tabs etc; however, I think it makes it easier for them to go through the file and they just like it better, when it is formatted in a way they are used to. http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=35550

This is not something that is new..... Here's a link from a full year ago, which contains some of the same frustrations. These things tend to go in cycles, for whatever reason. http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?...amp;hl=circling

Yes.

When the USCIS does the initial USC background check, I am sure this is one of the stat-runs that are implemented and looked at, e.g., the DOS/CIS entry/exit system record for the USC. Not only for the subject country, but also to see your overall international travel profile. All of this data, including one's NCIC rap sheet and other data base cross checks, are most likely on a data sheet within the entire package, when it arrives in GZ. If they wish and as needed, on a case by case basis, I am sure they can pull up a current update of any of the data bases, including the DOS passport entry/exit system, before the visa is approved/issued. It would be very easy for GUZ staff to cross reference what the petitioner states and what the record shows.

I can't get air, I am laughing so hard !!!

My wife and I discussed this recently and concluded "somehow they know" said to the tune of the Twilight Zone. I did several searches and, finally, came up with this from http://www.uscis.gov/files/testimony/10_03_01.pdf: "...Information and Technology Initiatives • Require carriers to submit Advance Passenger Information before boarding passengers (whether the passenger is heading to the United States or attempting to depart the United States) to prevent known terrorists, criminals, and inadmissible passengers from boarding..." So, they do know. This "Privacy" reporting is readily available on the web, as is lots more on Data Storage, Retrieval and Information Sharing [in fact, it is required under somebody's privacy act] for 'visa,' 'passport,' and a few other key names we are all involved with. This has been in play for quite some time now, and has been widely reported on. In fact, early on, some Euro countries were upset by this, but were told that they had to comply if they wanted their aircraft to enter US airspace. More than once, when returning to LAX, I have watched US Customs officers waiting for certain passengers at the entrance to the immigrations portals. Most of the time these have been middle eastern types and/or the last time I noticed this, it was three East Indian nationals...from their dress and physical appearance. Being observant, I watched as they were escorted by three armed officers to the windowed rooms adjacent to the immigration booths. I think this is an important tool that helps to keep us all safe. And if GUZ gets this info too, that is great !! I always wanted them to know I was in town, on each and every visit !!

CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!!!!!!!! This is great news !!! I guess you were one of those very lucky 20%, I seem to be reading about here lately !!?? Welcome back home to CA !!

At each of the three ACH's I attended, I first made sure that they knew I was there in Dodge City. Next I always had a question either about the process, or about my step-daughter etc. It was interesting that the VO at the window, on my last visit prior to the interview, appears by description and comments, to have been the same VO who handled the actual interview. He was a very polite and knowledgeable guy in his 30's, who went out of his way to reassure me, over a concern I had.

My daughter age 12, attended the interview with my wife. Although she stood next to my wife at the interview window, she was not asked a single question by the VO.

The idea is to present any evidence on issues that might cause the dreaded NOID (white slip) with the petition so that the USCIS is fully aware of the evidence when it approves the petition and removes the authority of the consulate to adjudicate the evidence in the case that USCIS has previously reviewed. So now that GUZ refuses to look at relationship evidence it appears the only way to force the issue is to prove the bona fides of the relationship with the petition as well as any of the standard issues that trigger a review by GUZ is to force the evidence into the case with the petition. Marc offers a list of known items where front loading would apply from the petitioners side, the list for the beneficiary would be similar, but one thing that I haven't seen done yet would be a great candidate for this process is CCP membership. While providing a large amount of evidence with a petition has the ability to delay the approval process by USCIS while they review the evidence the extra month or two in processing seems to be much more productive than being forced to re-file a new petition after a white slip. One word of caution though, any time evidence is being provided with a petition it needs to be assembled and organized in an orderly and coherent manner to make it easy to review each of the items you wish to address. A cover letter should have a brief statement as to each bundle of evidence that is provided, yes use the ARCO fasteners to organize it. Anything a petitioner can do to make it easier for the USCIS to review what you have provided is a plus. If someone just dumps hundreds of pages of evidence loosely with a petition the petitioner deservse the treatment they will receive by USCIS, which may include a lengthy review as they draw straws to see who must try to understand the filing. Before the change in methods by GUZ I was recommending keeping the petition as simple as possible and only touching all the bases, unfortunately changes in GUZ make that no longer a good idea. No shit. I have a long memory and remember being mocked by some here, nearly two years ago, for being a strong advocate for front-loading. I reached my conclusions, based on the following factors: The clear direction in the USCIS webpage instructions for case file preparation, which speaks to this very point. Anecdotal information from carefully reading postings from those who had successfully completed their interview and had proactively front-loaded their case files. Then, what really convinced me was when the proof of bona fide relationship info was added to the format requirements for the I-130 package. The majority feeling then (and I had some very sharply worded posts/comments directed at my position in that regard) was that if you did not keep it simple and only give ‘em only what they ask for, you were, in essence, a moron. The feeling also was that it was the kitchen sink approach at interview time, i.e., have your spouse lug 50 pounds of paper up to the interview area, in case the VO asked for something at interview time. I went against all this advice and followed my gut instincts, as my own intellect coupled with my many years of professional experience, and training/education had taught me. In our case, I fully front loaded and explained [everything] in both our I-129F and I-130 files which were submitted to the USCIS. My wife carried two very slim folders with her to the interview; one with photos, that had been taken since the time of our original filing date and one with my financial documents. The VO only asked for the financials and took a cursory look at them, asked two softball questions, and complimented Lao Po on her English, and on the work put into the case files. This process is always in a state of flux, and those who can sense the change in the winds, so to speak, and not get locked into the preverbal… this is the way we have always done it… can then realize a greater chance of success. CFL was really great in this regard, because I was able to read and assess each and every one of the post-interview debriefing posts, which kept me up to speed on what was happening on the front lines, in near real-time. And yes, it made me shake my head many times, when I was a newbie here, when those in the ‘know’, with their sometimes condescending attitudes would come crashing down on you if you did not pay homage to the current wisdom of those with the high post counts and/or moderator status… because they always knew how it ‘really’ was. Today, however, there is a new wind blowing. A change has come. Hey, I turn age 60 next month, so WTF.

No - the lady I spoke to said the ACS and Visa center were two separate areas and not connected. I found this odd to say the least. The girl seemed to be new or not very experienced. I do believe it helped though. Yes, this is true, they are two separate areas with separate roles and each ACH/Visa Interview and ASC sections, with its own set of security windows. However, the Consular employees can walk back and forth between the two areas. I visited both the ACH and the ASC a few times each, and on my last two visits to ACS, I watched them do this from the ACS window as they checked the status of our visas and retrieved doc's from the other side of the office. They were always very friendly and helpful on each of my visits. In fact, the man who was at my last ACH visit in November, was the same gentleman who interviewed my wife, the following June. As our interview was on a Monday, I missed attending the ACH just prior to interview day.

Mega Congratulations !!!! You must be one of those very lucky 20% who now get the PINK Slip !? I note with interest, your FIVE visits to your woman.....I am sure the good folks at GUZ, noted that too !! Best wishes !!!

Congratulations !! I have basically done the same in my wife and daughter's AOS package, I wrote a letter explaining everything and attached the cite's for the changes in law and protocol which impacted us at the time they had their meds completed. Obviously, you had a solid AOS package to begin with, based on your experience here !! Best Wishes !!

Strictly with respect to the portion of your question over the shipping of items to the US, which you feel you will not be able to carry on the plane, either due to logistics or extra bag cost: When my wife and daughter and I departed the airport in Guangzhou on-route to LAX, we were maxed out on baggage, and had to leave a lot of their clothing articles behind in the care of my wife’s family. The charges for overweight and/or extra bags were obscene. Shortly after our arrival in California, my wife’s sister took the remaining shoes and clothes and packed them in two boxes, secured with strapping tape, each approx 1500g (33lbs.) and shipped them to us via China Post, from the local post office. They were marked personal items of clothing, value USD $60.00. The shipping cost for each cardboard box was 371.50 RMB (approx $55.00). There was no hassle with the PO and no problem with China Customs. We had the boxes delivered to our front door by the USPS approx six weeks, to the day, after they were left at the PO in Huadu Dist. Guangzhou. We felt this was the best deal possible and the six weeks went by very fast in the scheme of things. This was a big savings for us when I had first compared all the costs with Fed EX and UPS along with the airline. BTW, the boxes arrived in very good condition and had not been opened by either China or US Customs. Now wife and daughter have all of their winter clothes, boots and shoes, along with a few extra items added by her family. This was our direct experience.

Great news Jing !! I know this will let you rest easier It seems like it has been ages now, since we each started this process in early 2007. Best wishes to you both.

to Dylan and all, Please please and please, bring 3 years of tax return to GUZ for the interview, my SO recently got blue slip'ed since i only provided I-134 and 2007 tax return. So now, i got to request 2005 and 2006 and it will take to arrive and more time for my SO to mail them back to GUZ and even longer time for GUZ to schedule a second interview. Does anybody on this board know how long it usually takes for GUZ to schedule? I am sorry Dylan to hijack your thread. You didn't hijack this thread by any means. I appreciate any input. I ordered 3 years of tax transcripts when I called because I actually found that though the I-134 does not state it needs 3 years, the I-864 for AOS does state this, so it is needed no matter what. Kinda complex, why can't it just state everything clear across the paperwork to help people out? Anyways, at least you got a blue for a simple reason, you can right side this problem easy as pie! My tax transcripts were delivered very promptly recently. For the sake of being sure. Tax transcripts don't need to be notarized? Nor, does the new version of the I-134? Thanks What new I-134? The ones I printed I had notarized. The tax transcripts do not need notarization. The latest version is R-10-30-08; it is good until 05/31/10. If you had it notarized, it will not cause a problem.

On question #18: I entered N/A in the large box and did not check either the yes or no boxes. She is your spouse. On question #20: The answer will be Guangzhou and China.

I have understood for many, many, months now, that your "book" is not from the same publishing house as 'my' book.

haha yes, Got my green card in Jan! 2.5 months before our 2-yr anniversary. Oh well, we want to travel asap. B) Looks like you still time everything very well. Thanks Amy!! Yes, ‘the timing is right’ is one of my most used cliches. Congratulations on obtaining your Green Card !! I must have previously missed seeing that notice. I miss the near daily interaction we had here, nearly a year ago now, when we were both going through the final stages of the then long process. I always found you to be such an intelligent and also very humorous young woman. Please stay in touch with all of us !! Again, best wishes to you, Rog BTW, any GC, 2 year or 10 year, is a great GC !!!

I'm sorry, but I choked on my cup of tea, just now, while reading this !!!!! I feel this is so true, and I think this is more of a significant factor in success or failure, than some really understand.

Sorry, if this sounds stupid, but is the guide lines to writing a letter of evolution. If so were would i find such a guide line. Do you have to get it notorized? Thanks John This prior thread might help in answering your questions in this regard: http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?...oduction+letter

Waited for the two years of marriage mark; and then the 2008 Tax Return completion to include in the file. I hope all is well with you and yours !!??

That is very interesting !!! It also makes me wonder, if a 'hunch' I had, well over a year ago, was that GUZ [remained] tied/linked to the overall process even through AOS, due to their on the ground knowledge of ever changing events in the fraud arena ?? With respect to China, there may be much more deference to GUZ by the folks at USCIS, than many other countries of origin. This is indeed a very interesting bit of data/

Yes, that is great news Jay !! Every step, in each process, is always welcomed. Now, if you had just stepped up to the plate and married her in China, you wouldn't have to worry about getting them out on 'parole'.