Kyle

I've kept my eye on this thread, and even started typing a response only to change my mind at the end because I'm uncertain how my specific situation would apply to yours). However, Dan mentioned a key word that affected Jingjing and I when we filed our IR-1 while living in China - domicile. 1. I used my folk's perm address while living in China b/c it's tough to find an apartment when you're 8000 miles away. GUZ is cool with this. 2. Things like voter registration cards, Driver's licenses, joint bank accounts, investment portfolios - all of these things count toward domicile. I specifically asked GUZ about the domicile issue and this is what the VO told me: http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=39544&view=findpost&p=526766 Basically, in a nut shell They do care about it.

Jingjing and I submitted her birth certificate and our marriage cert (white books) in Beijing and then again in Guangzhou. My wife submitted her police cert/medical only in Guangzhou. They took the white books both times. Beijing http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=39043&hl= Guangzhou http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=39544&view=findpost&p=536147 Most likely you'll need more white book birth certificates when you guys go to the States - if it were me, I'd probably get them before going to Guz. That being said, Guz had absolutely everything we submitted at the time of our Beijing I-130 petition. So, in theory, yes, you should be fine - if they didn't lose anything. At the very least, I'd bring photocopies of what you submitted in Beijing. For our taxes, we took photocopies of the past three years that we had. I do not think, at least this is what I've read, that Guz will require 2010 until April (or close to it). Maybe someone else can give more insight into this.

Absolutely, Tsap! I can't imagine all of the crap I mean waiting you've had to endure. If tests such as this promote patience, you must be the most patient man alive. I truly hope that all of this will soon be behind you. Hang in there buddy.

Just to echo Dan, who is spot on: http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=39219&view=findpost&p=528266

I've always been impressed with boston.com's big picture series. The pictures brought back a flood of memories for myself. Thanks for sharing!

My wife isn't a jealous person. In fact, she's quite confident. Although, I do fail at times, I try to make sure she always knows she's "it" to me. Jingjing would likely echo Carl's wife as well. I knew four years ago that I married over my head.

Just making sure, did you provide the following with your translation/notarization? https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0Adfw7vvSyrAuZGQ2OW52M3RfMHZkbXhuZ2Ni&hl=en&pli=1

I only had US documents notarized in the US which I then submitted in China. For all of our Chinese documents (birth cert, police cert, and marriage cert) we opted for the white books. Yes, they are expensive. I don't know why they wouldn't take your translations.

Isn't this a duplicate thread? http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=42273

We're in the middle of a 6-8" snowfall, here in KC. Fun fun fun!

Congrats!!

Did they have the authority to freeze it on their own? or did you offer, sign docs allowing it? Could it only be done at Citic? It would be a nice option for them to hold bail in exchange for a visa. Citic bank is the bank that the US embassy goes through. To use my wife's liquid assets as assets proving ties, they (the embassy) strongly suggested my wife's funds to be frozen prior to her interview. Citic printed out the equivilant of a bank statment showing the frozen status and the amount in her acct. Jingjing showed it to the visa officer at the time of her interview. Edit: Is it required? No, but if you want to use your liquid assets as ties, then for them to be taken seriously, they'll need to be frozen. The reason my wife chose to do this through Citic bank is again, that particular bank has a good working relationship with US Beijing. I do not believe that Citic Bank is the only bank to freeze assets for visa purposes. I'm fairly certian Merchant bank does this as well. Basically what I"m saying is that I do not feel one has to open up an acct at Citic just to do this. Check with your current bank abroad and see if they can accomodate this for you.

I think having a large amount of money is useful in getting a B-2 visa. When my wife received her B-2 visa, they froze her account (citic bank) during each visit. Her account was unfrozen after she returned to PRC.

http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=39544&view=findpost&p=526766 The PDF link the VO gave me is still active so you can download it if you want. I found it to be quite helpful.

Better yet, ask your friends - I'm sure one of them knows someone on the Sprint Employee Advantage plan. Unlimited everything minus hot spot access for 4G phones for 35.00/mo. Maybe one of them can hook you up. We were lucky enough to have something like that happen to us

on Sprint, for example with the Evo, you'll need to pay an extra 20.00 on top of the normal fee to activate the hot spot feature.

My wife and I filed jointly, however, interestingly enough our electronially filed return was rejected due to the IRS not updating their database with the SSA, thus, even though Jingjing was issued a Social Security number (weeks before our filing), the IRS didn't have it in their records. As a result, they tried to issue us a 100.00 late fee - I do mean tried, as I got on the phone and gently pointed out that it was their fault and not ours. They aknowleged the error and all was forgiven. Apparently, according to the IRS rep I spoke with, they update their database with SSA quarterly. EDIT: Jingjing and I returned to the US in March 2010.

Have a good trip!

uhh yeah, my wife came to America on a tourist visa before we were engaged. In fact, she has been to America three times on a B-2 visa. This is what I told another CFL member during one of our correspondence "I can only speak for Jingjing and I. My wife had a good job/substantial salary. That in itself was probably enough to alleviate any flight risk issues. In addition to that, I also enrolled with a language school for the fall term, showing that I too would be returning with Jingjing after her visit to the States. Finally, my brother who, at the time, worked for a high ranking US gov official in Washington, was able to get a generous letter written on Jingjing's behalf. All of these things combined helped my wife successfully get her B-2. After the first B-2, following attempts were easy." When applying for a B-2, one should avoid words like: marriage, fiancee, wedding, engaged, etc. Using the term "girlfriend" is fine.

Warden Message December 17, 2010 Taking Precautions at Beijing Bars and Nightclubs The U.S. Embassy has seen an increase in reports of violence against U.S. citizens at bars and nightclubs in Beijing. The most recent incidents began as disputes over small matters, such as spilled drinks or laughter that was taken as a gibe, and then developed into serious altercations resulting in injuries. In recent weeks, the U.S. Embassy received several reports about the unprovoked harassment of U.S. citizens, including two incidents that occurred at the Club Latte nightclub on the property of Worker?s Stadium near the Sanlitun bar district. In light of these incidents, the U.S. Embassy has advised U.S. government personnel to avoid going to Club Latte. You should take this information into consideration when making entertainment plans. In order to avoid becoming the victim of such an attack, please follow these safety tips: Pay attention to your surroundings. If you feel unsafe or believe that other bar/club patrons or staff wish you ill, leave. Don?t stick around on principle.When going to bars and clubs, go with other people. (The more, the merrier, the safer!)If you want to go to a new bar or club, learn about it first. English publications geared to the expatriate community may have information about recent criminal incidents.Carry a cell phone at all times.If you are the victim of a crime or you have been threatened, seek safety. Notify the nearest police station and call the U.S. Embassy at the emergency after-hours number given below. The U.S. Embassy can be reached 24 hours per day. During business hours, call 86-10-8531-4000 or email amcitbeijing@state.gov. For emergencies after hours or on weekends, call 86-10-8531-3000. The Embassy is located near the Line 10 LiangMaQiao subway stop at 55 An Jia Lou Road, Chaoyang District. The Embassy?s website is beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn. If you are residing or traveling in China we recommend that you enroll with the U.S. Embassy?s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at: https://travelregistration.state.gov. You should also regularly monitor the Department?s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov while living or travelling abroad.

eblock, I sent you a PM. Hope it helps

If it'll help you sleep better at night, take two copies and ask them which one they want. Let them decide

Changqing Dist. is fine.

I'd turn in all supporting evidence at the same time you turn in your I-130 petition. That's what we did. We included financial support docs, letters from family and friends, etc. There is no guarantee that later on you will have the opportunity for someone to look over new documentation so it's best to turn in everything at the beginning.

They only need one copy of the G325A- the info sheet you're talking about, is outdated. They only took one from each of us. One thing to note - be sure to bring original documents with you as well. They'll accept copies from you after seeing the originals. For example, your wife's passport will need to be shown before they accept her submitted bio page copy - Same is true for marriage certs, etc.