Kyle

I was just getting ready to mention something like this.

That's pretty slick thinkin' Robert! Congratulations err uhh yeah. Line the streets w/ mattresses ya'll. Hui is on da loose!

Please do and I'll have my fingers crossed for you. Larry P. S. Randy my wife had never been out of China. It was her first trip. I don't understand their thinking either. It seems as though they reach their quota for the day that they are going to allow and from there on everyone else is denied. Just seems that way to me. I have read some, in my opinion, mighty unrealistic denials. Larry, my wife was in the same boat. Prior to her first B-2, she never left China. In fact, she got her passport for the purpose of applying for a B-2.

I suspect those who aren't successful in obtaining a visa, post their stories on websites such as this one more often than those who are. I'm simply trying to give KAM some hope. Back to the OP's original question "Is it a dealbreaker to say that you will be traveling with your USA boyfriend if they ask? Even if you 100% have no intentions of marrying during your travels?" No, I don't think it is. Jingjing referred to me as her boyfriend. All went well. Are there people who get denied. Sure, I suspect there are. I don't think it's a blanket "no" however.

No star allignment for my wife. I did have a brother who worked, at that time, for a congresswoman, but that didn't have a whole lot of pull. I had a return ticket already scheduled to return w/ Jingjing's proposed return to China date (no I didn't buy her ticket beforehand). My wife did not come from money but had a modest amount of RMB stored away (I can't remember what it was - maybe something like 50,000) which she froze at Citic Bank), and a work document stating that she signed a new employment contract w/ her school, following her return to China. I also had a renewed contract with my then employer. I guess I don't understand all of the drama and nay saying that comes when somoene posts a thread about getting a B-2 for a girlfriend (which BTW, I don't think that term is a deal breaker). Cover your bases and show that she will definately return to China and I think you'll be fine. There was a story listed on the Embassy website a year back about how the US was trying to make the opporunity for B-2 visas more widely available to Chinese citizens. Anway, that's just my thought on the matter. Other's will have their own take on it - which is good.

I officially withdraw this rant. I spoke with a very helpful NVC operator this morning and I went over the DS-230 that I had sent and noticed a very small typo that I didn't catch prior to sending it. This is obviously MY FAULT. The only person I'm angry at is myself for not being more thorough than I was. Oh well, onward and upward! Glad this has been resolved

Yup, they're not worried about boyfriend/girlfriend status. Focus on making sure they know she's coming back to China and you should be fine

That is fracking awesome!

Probably right, however, I wonder if it is possible to provide too much information. In other words, opening up a can of worms that shouldn't be opened.

I'm not certain how important these eor letters actually are. I think they are much more important if you or your spouse had a previous marriage that didn't work out. For first timers though - I don't think they're really important/necessary. If you think about it ahead of time and can front load it, then "why not" However, I wouldn't waste (jmo) the money to get them notarized at the consulate the day prior to interview.

I just don't know about all of this. I don't think you can find a blanket custom that fits all of China. While mentalities concerning marriage/duty might be more consistent throughout China, actions will ultimately vary depending on region and local tradition. I think a lot of time people say "You don't understand Chinese custom" which more accurately translates "You don't understand how I was raised to do it" The latter meaning will obviously vary from region-to-region.

Good luck, Yu (although none should be needed). I agree w/ Carl's comment above

One problem w/ buying it in China is not being certain if it's legit or not.

Wow. I hope that is the longest stretch for you. Hopefully here on out, things will continue to progress quickly and without issue. Good luck!

when my wife first applied for her visitor visa, the interviewer asked her questions about her ties to China (specifically work) as well as questions concerning her relationship to me. Now, I tend to think that the VO was trying to see if her first visit to the States fell under a K-1 situation. I remember my father provided as one of her supporting documents an itenerary/invitation letter (written by my father - at the time, I was in China w/ her). The itenerary was a proposed list of "to do's" or activities that would happen while Jingjing was Stateside. Now, one thing that is different than your situation is that you are directly related to the applicant. Jingjing was not related to the person inviting her. Take all of this for what it's worth

+1

Personally, I have a feeling heads are going to roll. This is going to be a crappy year for us here in KC. The Chiefs have an increasingly difficult schedule. I'm not overly optimistic

No kidding, Dan. I am in the process of relocating. I cannot bear the shame

Ours was nice as well. Jingjing was surprised that I remembered.

I saw this. It took me a second to figure out what the horses were doing. The opening segements of yesterday's NFL games were a nice tribute

Have you checked w/ your local community colleges? I know that several colleges, where we're at, offer free ESL courses

@ Boringwaiting - You can download it here: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-134.pdf Instructions http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-134instr.pdf

Dang, Randy - Those pictures make me a little homesick. I'm jealous of you. Maybe one day, I can return. I need to learn contentment. . . .

It looks like Google gets a one year extention in China - This just in http://searchenginewatch.com/article/2107979/Googles-China-ICP-License-Gets-1-Year-Extension Thank you, Randy and Dan for your feedback. It is much appreciated. Randy, how's life over yonder??? I miss it

Just curious, are you guys across the pond still having issues accessing google? In particular, I'm wondering if anyone can give me insight to whether or not Picasa web albums are working w/o a proxy in China.