Kyle

The mail system in China isn't so great. While living here, I've had several packages not make it to me, while others were already opened when I picked them up. If there is anyway you can send it with tracking (registered letter), we've found it to be a reliable choice. Yes, definitely, put the address in English and Chinese (Hanzi, not pinyin) on the package. Also, make sure you write in big letters "Air Mail" because you don't want your package taking the slow boat across the pond.

The last time, Jingjing and I visited America, I took her to a Wal-Mart parking lot (after hours) and let her drive around. I told her to imagine that the white parking lines were people, and that she should try to avoid them. If the lines were actual people, around 10 or 12 would have been seriously injured or killed. Congrats to your wife!

http://www.hg.org/articles/article_456.html http://www1.china.org.cn/english/LivinginChina/185004.htm

It's been a two way street. I've helped her learn how to communicate her feelings, and she's helped me be more pro-active in displaying actions of love. I've become more patient - and she's learned how to cook (kind of). It's been an adventure, thus far.

That's funny. Have a safe and enjoyable trip. Likewise, I'd be interested in knowing who you used to get such a cheap ticket Just close your eyes, eat it, and hope for the best - perhaps, just try not to ask too many questions. Also, never, and I mean never, look in a Chinese restaurant's kitchen (at least in Wuhan).

Whatever you purchase, make sure it's made in America - at least not made in China or Taiwan (if you're coming from America). I've given several gifts during my time in China, and the recipient always looked to see where it was made. As far as what to get him, ask your SO what his interests are. If it was me, yeah, I'd probably bring a gift for the brother as well. Gifts I've used in the past have been Stamps - the guy was a stamp collector fountain pens nice cigarette/cigar lighters Alcohol leather briefcase

Congratulations!

I would agree with this. Most people who are looking for companionship could easily avoid the pitfalls listed above by letting the relationship evolve over a longer period of time. Time is a good litmus test to determine whether or not the bond is legitimate.

I wanted to include my parents' visits to China, to lend support to both Jingjing and I. That's good. I'll definitely make that change. Thanks for the feedback, David.

That's a good idea. I'll make those changes. My wife for the past five years has worked at Wuhan New Oriental school (an English prep school), so her English aptitude is quite high. We did touch on this on the G325A, but I think you're right in suggesting that I emphasize it, once again in the EOR. Interesting point. All of these trips obviously can be traced by examining her passport, plus we have pictures (which we've already frontloaded) that also document each trip. Having all of this, do you feel that we should omit the travel details? It was not a planned introduction. Bennie, is a American businessman, who has done a lot of consulting in China. Although he has a very savvy business mind, he cannot speak a lick of Chinese, so Jingjing often helps him out by translating for him, when he's on business in China. He's sort of like a surrogate grandfather to her. Bennie has also been a friend of my family for quite some time. He was the one who presented the opportunity for me to first come to China. The only reason I mentioned his name, is because he was in some of the pictures that we submitted. Perhaps you're correct, as now, I'm not certain if it is relevant or not. Perhaps, the pictures and captions should just speak for themselves. I guess Jingjing could always, explain more if needed during her interview, as I know she would be prepared to do so. Thank you David, Henry, and Mei!

After reading all of your posts, I decided to write up an EOR, and let you guys give me your opinions. I realize there may be some grammatical errors, but I'm more interested in what you guys think of the content. I'll iron out the grammatical stuff later. Thanks for your feedback: To whom it may concern: In August of 2004, I arrived in Wuhan, to teach English at Huazhong University of Science and Technology. During the October holiday (2004), some friends and I went on the Three Gorges boat tour. This is where I first met my wife, Pan Jingjing. Jingjing was introduced to me by a mutual friend (Bennie Mullins). Shortly after the conclusion of the October holiday (2004), Jingjing and I began to date. In May 2005, my parents visited China. This was the first time, my mother and father met Jingjing. During this time, my parents also took the opportunity to meet Jingjing¡¯s parents. At the conclusion of the 2004 ¨C 2005, school year, I signed a contract with Di Da university of geosciences (Wuhan JUL 2005 ¨C JUL 2007). In June 2006, Jingjing and I got engaged. We decided it would be wise for Jingjing to meet my extended family and experience American culture before we got married. In JUL ¨C AUG 2006, Jingjing and I visited America; this was Jingjing¡¯s first visit to the United States. After returning from America, Jingjing and I filed all of the necessary documents to get married. In Sept 2006, we received our marriage certificates. We did not move in together, until after our wedding ceremony in OCT 2006. My parents and my brother came to China to attend both our Christian and Chinese ceremonies. This was also the second time my parents met Jingjing¡¯s parents. After our wedding, Jingjing moved into my apartment in OCT 2006. After completing my teaching agreement at Di Da university (JUL 2007), Jingjing and I returned to America to see friends and family who were unable to attend our wedding. This was the second time, Jingjing visited America (Summer 2007). After returning from America, I began to study Chinese full-time at Central China Normal University (Fall 2007 ¨C present). Although I may have some employment opportunities by being able to speak Chinese, my motivation for learning the language is being able to speak with Jingjing¡¯s parents, without using a translator. During the 2009, winter vacation, Jingjing and I once again, traveled to America, to visit my parents. The trip was brief, because I needed to return to China for school. This was Jingjing¡¯s third trip to America. In all, Jingjing and I have been in a relationship for five years. During this time, I have grown close not only to my wife, but with her family. Likewise, Jingjing has been lovingly accepting by my family as well. Thank you,

That gave me a chuckle. Thanks for the post. Several good thoughts for us to think about. Jingjing and I appreciate you taking the time to reply.

Jingjing and I filed on the 26th of this month.

Cool! Since we're starting around the same time, perhaps we can keep in touch throughout the process. Good luck to you as well.

this is the proverbial, "camera-less picture" in words I think people should think of it this way: when you start the process, whatever you think that GUZ will possibly feel is an issue to raise at the interview... you may be best to consider to disclose it in the petition in a relevant, explanatory, and positive light. I used to call this a 'brownie point' approach but I like Randy's 'painting a picture'.. of course as long as you don't think we imply to bring cookies to the interview or offer to draw a portrait of the VO Thanks to all. I appreciate your feedback. It's nice to have a community of folks that understand our situation, and that are willing to lend a hand when needed. I understand what you guys are saying, and it makes sense. I'll be sure to keep all of this in mind.

I was speaking with an attorney that is helping us out with our DCF case. She said we should take copies of everything that we've submitted with us during the interview. My wife isn't planning on submitting it, but having it filed away, in case they ask for it.

Totally agree on this one! I realize that I need to show the visa officer proof. The fact that the burden lies with me, goes without saying. As far as a pretty picture is concerned, I'm not certain what you mean by that. On our application, we had to submit some passport style photos. I'm guessing though, you guys are referring to pictures of Jingjing and I with family, etc, right? As I mentioned earlier, Jingjing and I already submitted about 50 photos which the Beijing embassy took, when they accepted her I-130. We made copies, so I'm sure my wife will bring another book of pictures to her interview. iI did make copies of my past visas/residence permits (I've been living in China since AUG 2004), but the Beijing office didn't take them. They did however, take some letters written by my parents and older brother. I want to thank all of you for your replies; they were insightful. I'm going to follow your advice and write up an EOR letter, to take with us during my wife's interview. I'll also focus on finding more photos.

Since, neither my wife and I were married before, are you saying I do not need an EOR letter? My passport has my past visas/residence permits. Is this enough documentation, or, should I include other documents? When we submitted the I-130/G325A, we also submitted letters from my family as well as pictures of when my family visited China, as well as Jingjing's pictures when she visited America (three separate occasions). Thank you for replying so quickly. I would write one up and have it at the interview, but considering the overwhelming evidence of a solid marriage I highly doubt they will even request an EOR. One note, of greater concern is US Domicile, since you have been living in China, they will need evidence that you maintained US domicile, which is REQUIRED in-order for you to sponsor an immigrant. No domicile, NO I-864, no I-864, no Visa. More: http://travel.state.gov/pdf/I-864GenInfo-FAQ-Final.pdf Man, you're quick! My father is co-sponsoring us. His income exceeds the poverty level by more than 125%. I already have his (and mine) I-864,and I'm just waiting to hear from Guangzhou, letting me know when they want it. Although, I have tax returns for the past three years, teaching English doesn't bring me above the poverty level in the States. I'll heed your advice and bring an EOR letter. My wife has been looking at usa.bbs.net, and she mentioned that maybe I should write a letter outlining our plans once we reach America. Has anyone heard of this? I've yet to find any reference of this on CFL.

Since, neither my wife and I were married before, are you saying I do not need an EOR letter? My passport has my past visas/residence permits. Is this enough documentation, or, should I include other documents? When we submitted the I-130/G325A, we also submitted letters from my family as well as pictures of when my family visited China, as well as Jingjing's pictures when she visited America (three separate occasions). Thank you for replying so quickly.

Although I have returned to America to visit friends and family, I have been living and working in China since AUG 2004. During that time, I developed a relationship with Chinese native, and in Sept 2006, we were married. This past week, Jingjing and I went to Beijing to submit her I-130, which will be forwarded to Guangzhou. I have been reading a lot of posts saying that we should have a EOR letter, when we go to Guangzhou, for the interview. Although I do not know when the interview will take place, I have begun developing our EOR letter. Would anyone be willing to review what I have written? I admit, that I do not "know it all" and would probably benefit greatly by those who have already been though it. On a side note, this site rocks. There is a wealth of information here. Anyway, thanks for reading this. Kyle