Tiger320

Hey everyone. My SO has her permanent resident card for almost two years now. Last year we went to China without any problems because she has her Chinese passport. However, this time she will be flying into Hong Kong first because of the lower air fares. She will then go back to China a few days later. I was told from my friends and family that her permanent resident card (US green card) will allow her to stay in Hong Kong no problem. And her Chinese passport will allow her to return to China. Is this the case? If so, will it work when she has to return to Hong Kong again to go back to the US? I understand that usually she would need a visa to get into Hong Kong for the mainland Chinese. I just wanted to make sure if the permanent resident card is okay? I don't see how Hong Kong would "accept" the US green card for entry and exiting purposes... but I've been told that's how it goes. Can anyone confirm or shed some more light on this? Thanks. Edit/Update: Actually, I think my wife found the answer browsing through the HK government's immigration webpages. She mentioned something about as long as if the person is staying within 7 days of HK and has a valid airline ticket showing their travel destinations, they are free to go from HK to China and vice versa. So mods, if you could please, delete this thread if needed. My mistake.

Actually, I had another final (yes, last one hehe) question about varicella/chickenpox vaccination. My wife is unsure of she has either had varicella/chickenpox in the past as a child or either the vaccination. In either case, she needs to get another vaccination shot because we don't want to do the blood test (takes too long) to determine if she has immunity or not. We've tried to contact her parents and previous doctors to determine if she has had varicella/vaccination or not. It is my understanding that she may have NOT probably had chickenpox as a child and doing some research yields that in China, vaccinations for the chickenpox didn't come into public until 2003, so.. I guess she must have not had the vaccination either. My question then is, is there any such thing as maybe overvaccination? Like for theoretical example, if she *DID* indeed have had either: the disease itself [or] the vaccination, will a vaccination again cause any harm (I've heard of autism or something crazy for the slightly paranoid like us) or anything?? Or is it harmless to vaccinate again either way? This is probably more of a health question than an immigration/AOS question. I do apologize for the inconvenience. Thanks.

Well I just called several CS and made an appointment for them sometime later this week. They all said that we would need a series shot.. now would that delay the AOS? Could we only get the 1st series and will that work as far as signing the supplemental sheet? It was pretty pricy for the shots at the CS... about ~$300 (not sure if this was including maybe the "transfer fee")... I was wondering where I could find a list of local health or county department buildings that could probably do it for less and I could then take that record to the CS themselves. I guess the only way to check if my wife has had chickenpox vaccination is by a blood test cause she doesn't have any records except the ones that were in Chinese...? *sigh*

Ah, I see. Thanks for the links guys. How do I know for absolute sureness which vaccinations she will need? She has no history of anything that I can think of. She is unsure of what she has had in the past (i.e. she has never had chickenpox, but does not remember if she took had chickenpox vaccination either). Will either the local health clinic/civil surgeon have the necessary information to determine what she will need? And if so, which route is the better way to go? a health clinic vs civil surgeon? I also noticed some vaccinations like MMR or Tetanus possibly require more than 1 series which would take some time. If my wife's K-1 I-94 is only valid until mid of October (Due to extremely busy marriage schedule in my city), how will the medical vaccination supplements be done by then? Are we ultimately doomed? Either way, I will call around tomorrow or Monday to see if I can schedule in vaccinations as soon as possible. I want to send out the AOS and the only thing holding me back is the medical information. Thanks again, everyone.

Hi everyone. I am in the process of doing the AOS for my wife (K1). I have most of the paperwork ready and just a little shorthanded on the medical clearance/vaccination information. I am confused about what to do next as her situation is quite tricky. It is my understanding that if you don't have to undergo another physical if your physical is within a year when applying for AOS. She had her physical in April this year. So I believe the next step is to take the I-693 vaccination supplement to a civil surgeon and have them write it off, correct? Now my wife did not get any vaccination shots in China, so she does not have the yellow booklet. During the physical, she was told she did not need anything at "that" time, which I guess I should have told her to get the shots anyway as it is definately cheaper in China than in USA. The medical exam information as well as vaccination sheets that she was given after the approved visa interview was given to the immigration officer at POE, so she has no copy of it. The only type of vaccination document she has is a red type booklet (which is unfortunately still in China, but can be sent back here pretty fast) with vaccinations she took probably during childhood/infancy. I was wondering can the shots be done at the civil surgeon office or at another location as well? And without any vaccination supplement or documentation, will the doctors know what to give them or else possibility of being over-vaccinated (if there is such a thing)? I am confused on what to do next. Thanks!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! B)

Great news, everyone. My SO passed! Thanks to everyone here. It was quite a trip, but it felt good knowing the whole process went smoothly and very fast! She said the VO was very kind and asked a few simple questions. I couldn't have done without the vast knowledge and friendly people here at CFL and over at VJ. The support and information are life savers. Thanks much to all and best wishes to everyone! -David

Ah, thank you. Both of us will in life insurance as we have some, but are you saying that he doesn't have to "show the evidence," but still list it if he has it? Or just not write anything at all as long as his income is sufficient? Thanks again.

Both my father (co-sponsor) and I are filling out the I-134. The most confusing part for BOTH of us has to be question #7. We just aren't sure exactly what they want. I guess the general question is... do we have to provide evidence for EVERY slot we fill in? Like our family has bought life insurance, so both of us will fill in the amount--must we also provide a copy of our life insurance policy? It seems kind of strange... but this goes a long as well with the others.... real estate/mortgage/etc... do we have to have some sort of documentation showing those too? I, myself, don't have any, but my father certainly does. I do understand that we have to show the official, called "usual" required items like bank statements & tax returns. Thanks.

Hmm, alright. Does anyone know if medical procedures (like exam types, placement, etc) differ for different reasons, like different visas (Fiance/marriage vs worker/school) or entry purposes? Or is it a standard procedure for the same: immigration to America? I think it would probably be fairly the same for all. Pretty much anyone who comes to America for whatever has to do the same type of requirement? Or maybe there are some subtle differences.

Oh I see. How so are things in China diff. in USA? In the USA, if a female patient has to see a male doctor, then the presence of another female in the room is required. Not so in China. Oh, okay. I did not know that. I just thought it was just "preference" in the USA. But, I assume maybe all the docs in China are all professional and the physical exam probably is very quick, easy, and painless. Hope my fiancee will be comfortable with whatever she has. I think the doc varies from place to place too. And don't forget how fast they have to be. They are veryyyyyy busy. I am sure your SO will be fine No need to worry my friend. Yep. From others' experiences, it seems the "whole" process takes quite a long time, up to several hours; probably because of switching to different stations and waiting, but I think one spends very little *actual* time at the different (if there are) stations, heh.

Oh I see. How so are things in China diff. in USA? In the USA, if a female patient has to see a male doctor, then the presence of another female in the room is required. Not so in China. Oh, okay. I did not know that. I just thought it was just "preference" in the USA. But, I assume maybe all the docs in China are all professional and the physical exam probably is very quick, easy, and painless. Hope my fiancee will be comfortable with whatever she has. I think the doc varies from place to place too.

Oh I see. How so are things in China diff. in USA?

Ah, so it seems different parts are split into different departments and doctors (I presume also)... which only seems to make it probably much more stressful and confusing. I originally thought it was with one doctor... Hmm, I wonder if the docs do the full (where you take off your clothes?) physical too.

My fiancee was wondering about the medical interview in China. What exactly do they check at the medical interview? How long does it usually take? (not the waiting itself, but the actual exam) Also, any special requests for doctors (or maybe they already set them?) Like if you are female, do you get a female doctor and if you're male, vice versa? I think sometimes different hospital and even countries have different rules and procedures, and maybe do or do not allow such special requests? What are your guys experiences? Thanks!

Ah, okay. It's just that I always thought the majority of foreigners (which pretty muchs everyone not living in the US--so basically applicable to all applicants in a sense) was BCG-vaccinated and will thenshow positive results on a TB skin test. Perhaps not everyone does show it, then? I'm assuming that most of the people here going through the K1 visas and etc. did not have too much of a problem, eh? Maybe I'm just worrying for nothing. I'll keep my fingers crossed and pray for the best, heh. So I guess they do initial testing for that during the first medical interview, then from there... do they test anymore... say after AOS or anything else like that?

As there is already another thread about TB (sorry, excuse the repetition), I just wanted to elaborate and go into a little bit of what I'm asking for. I was reading several threads and researching the TB. This has prompted me to post my own question as I was confused upon reading several TB threads and also health checks. I'm still in the early stages of the K1 visa process. Just got my NOA1 and awaiting my NOA2 now. But I have been reading over the requirements for vaccinations and health records and a topic came to interest, the TB debacle. Now, there has been some people who have at the point been testing positive for TB through the skin testing. Now I'm no health scientist, but it seems there are two types (hypothetically) of TB. An "infection" which is an inactive state and is asymptomatic and an "infection" state which is the active state and symptoms are present. It is also apparant that some people can be infected and never show symptoms and still be healthly fine. Just some open Q's: -When is TB testing needed in the process? If at all? During the initial medical appointment in China? P.O.E.? AOS? If not, is it recommended then.. say for peace of mind or just knowing? I've heard people even refusing to get certain tests, perhaps because of conflict between several doctors and patients? -I think there were some threads for people who tested positive because their fiance(e)'s had receive a dose of the BCG vaccine as a child or their youth (since TB is kind of a problem in China?).. and this created some conflict in the later tests and results to come. Any comments or suggestions on this? I am unsure whether my fiance had been vaccinated even for TB as a child or not. My fiance doesn't know for absolute sure either. Any one with similar problems? -Any other info regarding required health checks, vaccinations, tests, etcI should watch out or be on alert for? Thanks!

I know that the engagement ring receipt was optional--however, the concern that I have is just that EVERYTHING must be submitted in English or else I'll get an RFE. I believe a month ago I asked if the optional ring receipt had to be in English or not and I think a response was that it didn't matter...however now as I think of it and ask some more people over at VJ (!), it seems to have contradicted to what I was thinking earlier... But anyways, I think everything that must be submitted to the USCIS must be in English (even though I think I have sufficient OTHER evidence of meeting in person)... so if that's right, I probably will get an RFE then... The question then becomes ... if USCIS gives me an RFE because I have submitted something in non-English or if USCIS disregards the "receipt" as evidence, but still continuing on with the other evidence that I submitted.

I just sent in my I-129F about 2-3 weeks ago and I received my first NOA last week. However, I am beginning to have a slight (almost abnormal if you would say) paranoia for the possibility of an RFE. I have been reading up over at VJ forums on some people with new RFE's being received for not providing the beneficiary's BC. I did not provide the beneficiary's BC either. I did not read anywhere in the instructions it was needed--however there have been quite a few reports of RFE's just because the USCIS wanted them for really...no reason. So pretty much I guess very case specific, but that makes me worried too. Another thing that is constantly hindering up on my paranoia is the possibility of getting a RFE because I don't have our engagement ring receipt translated into English. I bought the ring in China, so the copy is actually all in Chinese. I guess I was under the assumption that I didn't need to translate it because it wasn't an official document (such as a birth certificate, passport, or etc)... but if it is used as evidence for us two meeting in person, I guess it should have been translated then (makes sense), eh? Now these two things (& maybe others too if I become even more paranoid, hehe) make me worry that I might get a RFE... Any thoughts? O Woe is me. Thanks.

Dave, do you not need birth certificates for both Petitioner & Beneficiary (with translation)? Also, make sure you print names on back of the passport photos. Mine were sent back because I forgot the names. As aye, Jim For the USC, you must submit proof of citizenship... A birth certificate or copy of passport can be submitted. (Most advise submitting all pages of the passport if you go that route ). For the beneficiary, no birth certificate is needed. It will be needed to bring to the medical exam, as a notarial translation. Good catch on the passport names on back... I thought about that, then shifted my thinking to whether to suggest to do it also with the general pictures, then thought about my method which was to tape them to a piece of paper.. by the time I dropped the thought, I also dropped the passport issue Ah, yep. I also put the names on the back of the passport photos (both mine and my SO). I forgot to ask one tiny small question. I read in another topic about translations must accompany everything. However, when I bought the engagement ring, I bought it in China (as a surprise to my SO), so the text is Chinese. Will this be okay? I'm assuming others have or had this problem in the past, and it should be okay then? Thanks again, guys.

Hmm... I see then. So now the question is to whether to send in the emails or not. Well, originally I just wanted them (USCIS) to have the emails just to show my interest and intent. But I understand that also it could be too much and possibly raise flags. The emails do show that my SO and I can communicate fine. I was thinking just sending in SOME of the emails now, and then later at the interview providing additional proof of ongoing relationship such as letters, phone bills, more emails, chat logs, etc. So now the question is to include the emails or not... Hmmm .... Certainly, I'm not try go dissuade you from submitting the emails.. There's so much variation and experiences that are successful... You should do what you think is best for your case. If I had my mind set on sending them, I'd want to convey somewhere, maybe in the cover letter to note that the emails were written in english by both parties, not translations.. That the beneficary can speak english, so you share a common language (maybe this can go in Q.18 supplement part Ah, yes. Excellent idea. I think I'll do that. David, you are a genius. Hehe. Thanks.

Hmm... I see then. So now the question is to whether to send in the emails or not. Well, originally I just wanted them (USCIS) to have the emails just to show my interest and intent. But I understand that also it could be too much and possibly raise flags. The emails do show that my SO and I can communicate fine. I was thinking just sending in SOME of the emails now, and then later at the interview providing additional proof of ongoing relationship such as letters, phone bills, more emails, chat logs, etc. So now the question is to include the emails or not... Hmmm ....

Hi everyone! I posted this on another forum, but I want to make sure and get more input before I send it out. I am ready to begin sending my original I-129F packet into the service center. I am planning to do so this upcoming Monday or Tuesday. I want to make sure I have everything, so can you make sure I have everything I need. My list in order (front to back) from what you see: I have made two copies of everything (one for me to keep and one to send to my fiance later) Payment Check for the Application Cover Letter I-129F Application I-129F Supplement: Part B, Question 18, Explanation of Meeting In Person G-325A Forms (Petitioner) -w/ passport photo (placed in a bag attached to sheet of paper, behind G-325A form) G-325A and passport style photo (Beneficiary) -w/ passport photo (placed in a bag attached to sheet of paper, behind G-325A form) Birth certificate (Petitioner) Letter certifying intent to marry (Petitioner & Beneficiary) Proof of having met in person in the past two years: All are copies, -Passport Stamps -Airline Itinerary -Airline Boarding Passes -Photographs (placed in a bag attached to sheet of paper) -Engagement Ring Receipt Proof of ongoing relationship -Couple of pages of Emails Being the extremely overally anal person that I am, I always feel like I¡¯m missing something. Anyways, I have some final questions. -How should I send this? What carrier (UPS, FedEx) and what package options? Should I also get a tracking receipt or a ¡°receive¡± receipt or anything? -Anything else I should do/check? Thanks!

To prove that both my SO and I met in person, how many do you think is enough? I have hand selected like about 10-13 really nice (hehe) photos. Do you think this is too much? Will too much be even worse ya think? I don't want to overwhelm the USCIS or anything.

It is my understanding that the USCIS requests Originals only if they are requesting for it, everything else is then just a copy. However, I was wondering about the I-129F & G-325A document forms themselves as well as the other forms that required signatures (letter of intent, I-129F Q18 supplement). I plan to make 2 photocopies of each (I-129F, G-325A petitioner, G-325A beneficiary, etc), then send in the ORIGINAL with the unphotocopied signatures on them. Everything else like passport stamps, birth certificates, etc are then copies. Is this the right way? Thanks.