Henry and Mei

Infopass is definitely the way to go from what I have always read. We applied later than 6 months, so I did not bother with AP, but you do not show your timeline and since we are in the pipeline together, here are my dates for you to compare. Filed 6/09. NOA date 6/13. RFE 6/27. Called and replied 7/10.Original biometrics 7/08 moved to 7/22. Transfered to CSC 7/27. Not sure about touches in this phase although I could see in Visa process. Read recommendations, but we went from transfered to CSC and then sat in Initial Review. Looked for comments or anything, but nothing that I could see until today. For EAD, they had to make a decision. Then a few days later I saw card in production. For AOS, straight to card in production. Hope you see something soon, since I have been tracking your case as well. Good luck, Henry

Before this ever became popular, I saw that someone had included it in their kitchen sink, front loaded petition. With all the things we submit to show bonafide, I submitted a resume for her and I. Did they look at it? Who knows. My advice send all that you can that shows bonafide. Knowing each others employment/work history cannot hurt IMHO.

There is a small community of about 40 Chinese that live here in Victoria and since I work for a Taiwanese plant, I know many of them. They also meet and have gatherings plus instruction at several of the meeting rooms at a Baptist church. Due to work, I have never attended. We all met on Saturday evening and it was great. Homemade mooncakes and all. I met my wife during this festival and it became one of my favorites. Started learning about her culture right away. Love this country and fought for it, but we just don't have the history, so forgive me if I am simply fascinated by it all...maybe in time it will fade, but I truly hope not..

Thanks soooo much Dan! So as I look at this most people are being approved in 1 to 1.5 months after their case is transfered. We are right at 43 days now so still within those time frames. But the people at USCIS must not be giving the right info as they say they're processing papers (family based)sent in from Feb 14th now. And in 28 days they indicated by the dates they gave me that they processed 37 days worth of papers. I guess I just shouldn't worry and wait, but it's sort of important that Rosie gets to Chengdu as soon as possible. We're just trying to make some plans. Thanks again!!! We are approved in 49 days, if that is any help. Waited for some 18 months to send in due to completing taxes and simply enjoying our lives together without worrying about another government process, since all the time and expense for the I-129. But glad to be moving onto the next step in the process. And although we would like to go back to China, we have too many irons in the fire. Hopefully in about a year or so.... Good Luck, Henry

And Ning, hey, I apologize for coming across so harsh. Everyone I have worked with in the nuclear field is very sharp, don't take short cuts and know what they are doing. At the industrial facility, I am working at now, it is common place to skip steps and cut corners. Drives me ....anyway, I have already seen my share of accidents and mechanical and product damage. And by no means was I talking about your wife, when mentioning 2nd wives. The Consulate now requests her resume in her petition and I was thinking out loud, one of the possible reasons, since you were wondering why they would want hers. Like I was saying the Consulate is looking for visa fraud. Another tool they can use. Of course, anyone can fudge a resume/petition, but if discovered the penalties are severe. So again, thinking out loud on why the Consulate now wants her resume. And I had a Top Secret Clearance in the military and when working at a nuclear facility with all the background checks, several of my teachers and friends told me that they were contacted. Those checks took months and I would think yours are done. Should not be a factor unless something like Carl suggests. And Carl is right this is a supportive group with a wealth of knowledge, my apology....hope you get a better result

thank you for your help, i do think the email gets auto reply or close to it. i will still write once a week. i may be wrong, but i think they still have a question period on mondays at GUZ, only general questions,not the petioners hour, it is posted on their website, i am also teaching rose some american things like i told her "whats done,is done", i think i will go over this month and see her, and it seems like the embassy is insolating the process from the outside,, but they will reach out for more info. so i will be ready in case they ask for more proof of relationship.i will also video tape us communcating together. i also want to see her again, and her son. That is great to hear. When I first started reading this forum in '07, the visa process seemed a lot less streamlined and almost hap hazard. You would hear of cases that seemed like easy Pinks, but turned into nightmares for whatever reason. And maybe the petitioners weren't as well prepared. But one of the main themes back then was how to console the fiancee/wife after a negative outcome at the interview. We as Americans get upset and emotional, but her reactions were often more devastating, difficult to understand and heal. So I was always so impressed when members flew as soon as they could to be with them. Hope by the time you arrive GUZ is giving you better news. Have a safe trip!

From what you are telling us, you should be fine. But none of us can see your petition and none of us sees what GUZ sees. And they are constantly evolving. I am sure the VOs have meetings every day/week on how to combat visa fraud. China is one if not the highest. Do a little research and you will know this. You are asking us for best guess. We all have different backgrounds, but we are trying to see a better picture to help with the guess -- when will you know. Not trying to be harsh, but you asked. For the I-134 (Fiancee -- Non-immigrant) the form only requires one year (if my memory serves me correct), the standard is lower than the Immigrant, so the I-864. And yes, technically speaking the I-864 gives you the option of one year. Do a little research for your wife's petition and you will find that we have to present 3 years or a reason why not. If you did, maybe you would have skipped the Blue phase and not be asking how long. But I can guarantee you that it is going to take longer than it would if you had done the research and sent the explanation to them originally. So who are you angry or frustrated with? It is common knowledge that they ask for all 3 years, you can decide not to and see how far it gets you. Granted to that you are not fighting it now, but questioning it. Like we are saying don't, it is part of the process. You sound like a smart guy, then do a little research. I would think it would have taken you little time to figure out that what you did not send -- THEY WANTED. None of us are shocked about your BLUE and what they requested. Typical GUZ. They have their reason. Now you have to wait for weeks or months...

thanks. i waited for 15 minutes from when i heard she got a blue slip, they responded with what i thought was a auto reply, i will wait next time and think it out, thanks for the advice ken and rose Since having my wife here, I have not kept up with the changes at GUZ like the removal of ACH. I have thoughts on why they did, but curious if they published PC reason with a spin like lack of funds - manpower, etc...or just simply posted the notification. I spent about an hour talking to the Vice Consul when I went to ACS and she came across as very professional and dedicated. In this same thread of keeping up with GUZ, I remember past members stating that the email response from GUZ seemed generic. So I was curious, if someone actually takes time to read and give a proper response especially with ACH going away and also including it in your file.

For my wife's case, they only require the tax return and resume, in the blue refusal sheet, CCP was crossed out, so I assume they want no information relating to CCP. I'm not sure why they request my wife's resume as she have no technical background, however them questioning my resume with I have a nuclear engineering background and work at a national lab in U.S. seems questionable, not that it matters since I'm already in U.S. Although GUZ does not technically need three years of tax returns for fiances, they do. And for a wife, it is part of the I-864 and is expected. I also have a nuclear engineering background from the Navy and nuclear engineering dept aboard subs and working at nuclear facilites, which I provided on my resume and no issue. Little confusing from reading your post on if she belonged to CCP. If she belonged, they would clearly want. If she did not belong, then of course, no issue. But I am wondering after reading of one members spousal difficulties is that her resume can help obviously define her. Not sure how they view a Chinese woman being a second wife and/or basically paid for gf and how that looks in the eyes of the Consulate. Although aware that many 2nd wives in the past received visas. I was more than concerned when meeting Chinese women online, what they did. Several women did not want me to really know and repeatedly dodge the question or kept me in the dark. Does it mean that they are looking for an American and a free ride to replace the married husband that is taking care of them? Sorry for thinking out loud, but I am sure it happens, but I do not remember reading anything about how the Consulate sees it and the bonafide. It has been mentioned before that they should not overly intrude into our relationships and protect us, but everyone has their opinion of GUZ and I truly wonder how many American men they have protected from fraud....so sorry for this, simply thinking out loud

Sounds like you have a good handle on things. If you want, let us know how GUZ responds to your email. And I write things and later read that I made a mistake like SSA when I meant SSN. And ACS when I meant ACH. We all make mistakes and I find it best when writing something really important to me, to let it rest a day and review before sending. So I hope your email explaining your situation is well received and you are seeing PINK and put the agency experience behind you. Good luck!

Glad to see that you have looked at this site before. I did the same thing. I started reading 2 years before I joined to ask questions. So you should be well prepared for this journey. I think a lot of us felt the economy crunch and can understand. And your case does not seem overly difficult except for not reviewing what the agency sent your fiance. Always great to see when a Chinese woman completely understands this process and all the paperwork, but most need our help. Sounds like you had the agency send her the documents and not you. I would hope the agency sent you copies and I would think you would have wanted to see first. So you may want your money back, still sounds like a situation to avoid. This process is more important than money. Many have been banned from ever applying again due to others mistakes. I am sure you have read. It is a big gamble to put such an important matter into 3rd party hands especially when you sound more than capable. Regardless, I thought I heard of ACS going away. But it looks like they try to handle emails quickly and you can apply as OTHER. Best of luck and I hope there is no other major problems with your petition submission. And like so many of us have done and is mentioned so many times is that your petition should be organized in folders and dividers in way that both you and she understands. My friends and I used Cherry Blossoms to find our wives. They had a service to help with the visa process. My friend paid. They requested the material and reviewed and then sent back to my friend for submission. Seems the logical way to do this...

You can't go, but some countries (meaning location - still US Consulate) do allow I believe and since I have been gone awhile I remember Randy W saying something about a new facility...and then you might hope better customer service like allowing the petitioner to join the beneficiary... And like has been mentioned in the past, Big Brother seems to know you are already there with your travel... BUT simply like those have gone before you have done, give her your passport to present. Give a notorized EOR from the Consulate...Heck, take a photo with today's newspaper on it with you to present to the VO... And it is said that it does not matter if you are there, but it certainly cannnot hurt... And a side note, since it sounds like you have already been to the dance, so may not apply to you, but petitioners need to use the timelines to your advantage. It has been mentioned several times that you can control when you interview by when you submit your P3. If I remember correctly, P4 to interview is very close to a month. And looking at my timeline without going back and doing the research is that mine is typical. 2 months from submitting P3 - interview. Good luck!

First, sorry to hear the news. Second, happy you found this site...but when??? And third, first rule of thumb with immigration lawyers and agencies, is THAT THEY CAN NEVER BE 100 PERCENT QUARANTEED ON GETTING HER A VISA. You sound older. You realize some of your case weaknesses...did you front load? Did you research? Got in some heated discussion before about this when I first was getting my wife her visa...BUT you are responsible for everything in your packet. EVERYTHING No one is perfect. But if you have been here a while you know that you cannot check things enough. With this added petition, what else was not checked in your packet/added/left out? If you did not fill in the blanks and your agency did, I hope you checked their work and have copies. Probably can't hurt to go talk to GUZ. And if I remember correctly, they can't specifically discuss your case (even though each VO is different, so you can try) and/or you cannot present them with new documents/info. But sounds like you want to try and explain things. Have you tried to email GUZ? What did your AGENCY tell you to do OR what are they doing to fix the problem? And GUZ I am sure is looking strongly about bonafide relationship. Again, front load, how did you address? I am sure she is worth it, but a flight to GUZ for not double checking? For me, tough call... And a Blue slip is not a White. Have they asked for anything from you or her? Blues can change to Pink. And I do not believe there is a specific time frame. I have been reading posts from this site for years and every case is different like the VOs and how they are handled. Right now, you may just need to be patient, but I think emailing GUZ is still a good option for you. I think you can even pay to call and talk to someone, but I never did, so maybe some can help you with this option too. But sincerely, Good luck!

Thanks soooo much Dan! So as I look at this most people are being approved in 1 to 1.5 months after their case is transfered. We are right at 43 days now so still within those time frames. But the people at USCIS must not be giving the right info as they say they're processing papers (family based)sent in from Feb 14th now. And in 28 days they indicated by the dates they gave me that they processed 37 days worth of papers. I guess I just shouldn't worry and wait, but it's sort of important that Rosie gets to Chengdu as soon as possible. We're just trying to make some plans. Thanks again!!! We are at 29 days, since notice date of transfer to CSC, so we will be keep you posted. Fortunate to not be in a rush, but I do check regularly.

AMEN!!! And I remember Lee giving me help along the way also. Thanks, Lee. Tsap you have come too far to stop giving us your golden nuggets and feelings for your lil rabbit. So toss us a bone from time to time. So good luck to you from one farm boy to one redneck hillbilly, and yes, I have hillbilly friends here that migrated to South Texas. But thrrr a changin on me, even movd da couch off the frent perch. Now I gotta pull old Betsy along dar curb if them young'ins urnt playin outside ta see if theyed b home

CONGRATULATIONS!!! A visa in hand is worth how many in the bush?

I filed jointly even before my wife was here, just had the refund direct deposited. They had no issues depositing it directly to my account even though it was technically to us both. I did the same thing for 2009 and 2010 -- direct deposit. But for 2009, I for the first time tried for a benefit that the government had added and I was fairly certain I would not qualify although going by the intent of the benefit I should. So 2010, straight in, but I had to wait a couple of weeks for 2009 and received a check with both of our names without the benefit. Which Okay, fine. Nothing ventured nothing gained. I was not being fraudulent, just did not obviously qualify. Go to one of my local credit unions and they would not take without her on the account. Went to another one and they simply needed her signature. My younger brother loves to fight the system, I prefer to work with or around it. And I filed Jointly noting her SSA was applied for. No issue

AWESOME. BESY OF LUCK!!!

I suggest you take the time to read the pinned topic on Civil Surgeons...should answer your questions and point you in a better direction. Most of us have had the same run around. The CS listed by Randy W and I from Houston would do the shot record review and/or full medical with x-ray in less than an hour for less than $100. Only thing is if you have the skin test, which most likely she will, then you have to come back for him to check in less than a week.

Yep you've officially got yerself a genuine Chinese gal. Best of luck! Amen!!!

Already in the habit of learning as much about the Chinese culture and special events as possible. So thanks for the insight. Wished my wife a Happy Valentine's Day and she looked at me funny...Okay that isn't unusual but I already had my calendar marked. And proof positive by showing her this thread. So a lot of fun having a jump on her this year, but I am sure my moment of being correct will be short-lived. Time for mooncake.

A serious CONGRATULATIONS are in order. Remember having a few discussions before I came to the AOS side. Glad to be catching up with what I have missed and seeing your success. Well deserved!!! Spent a lot of years in the military. And I never get tired of the phrase...LET'S BRING THEM ALL HOME!!! So Congrats and bringing them HOME! Henry

Thanks, Bobby. We live 4 hours out of Houston, but wasted plently of time and money on CSs. If I had known of Randy W's CS, we would have been way ahead. Although his office has moved a short distance away, you can still reach him at the number listed. I send everyone there. Plus we like going to the Hong Kong markets. TZU C. WANG, M.D. 6348 CORPORATE DR. SUITE A HOUSTON, TX 77036 TEL: 713-988-2711 FAX: 713-988-3418 So wealth of knowledge and information here. Worked my butt off getting my wife her visa and then settled into married life. My work as an industrial electrician/engineer including several family businesses and ranches always keep me hopping. My biggest hold-up was getting my Dad and I together for several days to complete our '09 and '10 taxes. That is a challenge for us, but so happy to be done with that so I could send the I-485 in. If USCIS wants something, they will ask. Send what is specifically required. I sent the kitchen sink for her visa. The required for the AOS including only my Form 1040 for 2010, since my income level was triple of 2009.No RFE for visa, but one for I-693. Sure I did not need to send both sealed envelopes from the CSs and we think that they automatically sent an RE when they saw the expired Vaccination record. Since I was longer than I really wanted, considered sending I-130 and my friends have heard some going straight for the permanent residence and the 10-year card. Not sure how all that goes, but personally we are not in any hurry. Would be nice to skip the conditional part, but if we receive soon then that is Okay and we will be preparing everything now for the I-751 process. Simply, just enjoying life together. Thinking of starting a family and having her mom come here and join us. So after this process, we will be looking at more fees and paperwork.... So always try to be thorough and timely, but simply do the BEST you can and submit. If they request something more, simply respond quickly. Good luck!!!

How would you carry it if they decide to not interview? Send them the envelope, this would be the same as if you went to a US Civil surgeon to do an I-693, the doctore seals it in an envelope for you to attach to I-485 when adjusting status. Again send them the envelope, and keep the yellow book as vaccinations record. Note: it is a good idea to get the boosters done, or get tested for immunity (Titer tests) for peace of mind or in the event wish to take classes at the local college, the school will require this. OK, so I wasn't aware that we might not get interviewed. Fine, so I'll mail the sealed vaccination envelop with her I-485. Did someone else get a sealed "USCIS (Vaccination Form)" envelop or is it just us? And thanks for reminding me about the benefits of booster shots. It's just all the talk about "bad and ugly CS" that makes me want to avoid them Been away for awhile adjusting and enjoying married life for the first time and especially with a wonderful Chinese woman. Here is the skinny. Last year my wife was able to find better employment than I could. Did not want her to work early, but she had more opportunities in a career change. So we did the shot record review after a lot of hassles with Civil Surgeons. And Dan helped us get this topic started and pinned. Fortunately I got a good job soon after. So I waited until I had my income back up with work history to send I-485. In our application, I sent both records. Both sealed envelopes for shots and medical exam, since my wife's had expired. So last month, I received my first RE in the process for an expired medical. Simply called the USCIS and followed up with a letter and copy of exam explaining situation. Now our I-485 is in Cali. Way back in the process Bobby I remember reading that most K-1s do not interview to adjust status and if your app is sent to Cali that is a good thing for us in Texas meaning no interview. So keeping my fingers crossed. And if you are near the Houston area do not waste your time going anywhere but where Randy suggested in the beginning of this thread. See Dr. TZU Wang. Quick, inexpensive and thorough.