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It's hard to say. Some people have reported that the VO looked at all three years of tax information, some that the VO looked only at the last year. But in my case, the VO didn't ask for any financial information at all. It sounds like you shouldn't have a problem, but remember that if the VO wants to fail you they will look for any little reason to do so. If you really want to play it safe, you could get a co-sponsor.

Hi a&p. I had a similar situation. My income was borderline because I had been living in China and working for peanuts. I got a co-sponsor (my mother) who filled out two I-134, notarized. We didn't have an I-864 (but we were K1 so not sure if you need one). I also had two I-134 notarized, my tax transcripts for 2006 and for the years 2004 and 2005 I didn't file taxes because I hadn't made more than 80,000 US (the limit for overseas income). So, I wrote a letter explaining that and had that notarized. I also brought paystubs and a letter from my Chinese employer. Guess what they looked at?..... None of it. Didn't ask for ANY financial info. In general, bring everything in case they ask for it. Better to over-prepare.

Thanks for the information, but it still seems a little ambiguous. The international debit/credit card option seems like a good idea. What about this 5000 dollar limit that some people are talking about? Anyone bring in more than 5000 recently? What if she brought in 5000 and I brought 5000 as well. (Since I'm still in China right now). Would that work? There's good information in the links you guys provided, but it's all from a few years ago. Just wondering if anyone had a recent experience.

I've heard a couple options. One is bring the money in cash, but it's over 10,000 and it will have to be declared at customs. I read something that it might draw attention, but would they really have a problem considering my SO is obviously moving to the states? Another option is to wire the money. Anyone know about fees for wiring money?

My SO's family wants to send some money to the states with her. Anybody know the best way to get it converted and into the states without paying huge fees?

Shenzhen K-1 Mike and Lily Strange. Sorry to bring up the date. Hopefully, we can turn it into something positive.

Welcome to the site. Speaking from personal experience, the absolute first thing to do is click on that FAQ tab at the top and go to CFL faq's. All your questions are answered there. Also, be sure to assemble the kitchen sink of things to bring to the interview. If you find any conflicting information or just want to clarify something then post a question and you'll get loads of good advice and experience from the members. Good luck!

Feels good don't it? Enjoy!

Jing Quan Get your financial house in order. Have you got your tax transcripts for the last three years yet? Now is the time to get them. Also, fill out the I-134, but I would get it notarized after you receive the p3. Start collecting paystubs too and later (after p3) you can get a letter from your employer that says you are employed and in good standing. Just like everyone said, follow the kitchen sink list on this site and you should be good. Remember there are basically three categories of information they are looking at. The relationship, the finances, and all the misc. forms that need to be filled out. Besides that, help your SO practice English. Get the list of interview questions from this site and practice them. Make sure your SO is familiar with all the forms and terms. Make sure he/she knows what your job is and where you live, etc. Good luck!

The hukou is a little different than our birth certificates and SSN because some hukou's are more valuable than others. For example, a Beijing hukou allows you to work or go to school here which is generally better than doing those things in a smaller more remote place. If you weren't born in Beijing you need a job or school that will get you a hukou which can be difficult.

Fantastic. Nice job!

Yes, I agree 100 per cent. But, I live in a country that is not free. People are not allowed to speak their minds and many have gotten their lives destroyed by what we would consider healthy debate. Also, I have to consider the people around me when I decide to make controversial statements in writing. How will this effect them? That's part of the reason why I am coming home in the first place. For those who want to continue, I'll pick up where I left off in a few months.

Great job! Congratulations.

Sorry to hear that. Best of luck in the overcome. I had lived in BJ for about 5 years as well, but we went the K1 route. They also asked for pictures of my family, but luckily we had some. I'm sure you guys can overcome this, keep pressing on!

David Zixuan, I'm afraid this conversation would get too political for CFL. I have some examples that I would like to bring up of how China is not in fact isolationist, mostly having to do with certain "parts of the country" that well, let's just say march to the beat of a different drum. But this is not the place for all that. Plus, I really like your kitchen sinks so I wouldn't want to risk getting into a row with you. Hehe.

David ZiXuan, I'm not sure I agree with you there. China is very concerned with power. We've seen a dramatic rise in military expansion along with their economic expansion in the last 30 years. They have been working hard to build up their navy in particular for any conflicts that might occur in their own neighborhood. They have also been branching out, e.g. shooting down satellites. Many Chinese people will talk about how China is getting more powerful and that it will surpass the US in the near future. The Olympics this year in Beijing are, in fact, a showcase of China's power. That being said, there is nothing extraordinary about that. China is no different than any other country, we are all engaged in a power play.

Wow. Isn't this a really fast timeline for AOS? Only five months after she entered? That's fantastic.

Well, we've got our tickets booked for February 18th. I just noticed that 2008 is a leap year and that fits in pretty well with our schedule. Isn't that cool? We plan to get officially married on February 29th! Great, now we don't have to celebrate anniversaries every year. But seriously, at least I'll never forget the date.

The only problem with this article is that it doesn't mention a single problem China might face in its rise to power. China is already facing an environmental crisis of epic proportions. Coal fired power plants and the dramatic rise of automobiles are wreaking havoc on the environment. Some rivers and streams have already been polluted beyond repair. But the author never mentions anything that might derail the rise. Sure, there has been impressive growth in the last 30 years, but is that growth sustainable?

Good news from someone just starting out on the process.

Shenzhen K-1 It looks even better when it's your SO's picture on it.

Haven't had this problem. Mine speaks pretty fluent English but not after some hard work on both our parts. But, lack of confidence can manifest itself in lots of different ways. The only thing I could suggest is not to be too critical because that can lead to more loss of confidence. It's not that bad of a problem, and better than not saying it right the first time. Maybe you could just repeat the whole thing she said in the first place ala Charlie Brown talking to his teacher. "Wawa...wawawa.....wa.....wawa?" "What ma'am? Did I finish my homework? No, I didn't finish my homework ma'am...."

I met a guy down in GUZ who had a baby too. His SO had been blue slipped before. Told me she was a party member. Not sure what happened in the end.

In my humble opinion, It's important to stress to the Chinese that grades are not the be all and end all in the States. You can still succeed if you get C's. Hey, just look at our president! Haha. But seriously, grades are really important in China and practically the only thing that people consider for advancement so it's understandable that they get so upset if there is a smudge on their record.

Great! Study up, I heard the test is hard. Probably lots of Yanks couldn't even pass it. Good luck.