Woodman

What were your answers to Questions # 19 and 22 on the I-130 for you step-son? (should have given his address abroad, and which consular post he will apply at, respectively) That is unusual that they would interview you (the petitioner). They seem to think that he is in the US. Why would they have that impression? You probably need to schedule an InfoPass appointment to straighten this out, and get it on the right track. Yes, he will need a medical, prior to his interview in Guangzhou. 1-130 Question 19 - I left this blank, because I was concerned that he would not be able to get mail at the address where he is living. My understanding from my wife is that most homes in her area of China do not get mail service. She didn't think the home he is at would get mail (he is being boarded with his school teacher, with his grandmother providing extra care on weekends. She doesn't get mail either). Perhaps this is why they sent up an appointment. I had this problem during my wife's application process. I wanted all coorespondance to go to me. Question 22 seemed to only apply if he was in the United States, so I left it blank. Infopass is pretty restrictive (on the website) on the conditions that you can make an appointment on. I picked "ongoing service issue" - hopefully they won't turn me away since I don't actually have a service ID on an issue 45 days old. But with your reply I have now made an appt. I hope I can get it straightened out. I'm thinking maybe I need to go pay some money to an immigration attorney and make sure there aren't any more mistakes. David and Ariana

I posted a while back about my new 8yr old son, but still need help. I applied for K-1 for my fiancee in Aug 2009, she got visa in July 2010, came here, we married in Nov 2010. We didn't bring her 8yr old son at the time for reasons that seemed good at the time. I got some bad advice and thought after marriage I had to apply for him using a Petition for alien relative I-130. But anyway, that's past - we got the letter today telling me I needed to go to an interview in San Francisco in a month (where we live) - good news! (It says I should bring the petitionee - but that is impossible, since he doesn't have a visa). But I have had a hard time getting a good description of the process, as it applies in this situation (application for a step son, wife here but son still out of the country). What will happen after this interview, assuming it goes well? (it seems to be for the purpose of proving the relationship is legitimate). Will he still have to go through another wait and then an interview in China, similar to what my wife did with her K-1? Or will they issue at this interview next month an approval that enables him to get his Visa and green card. Do I bring his passport, even though he is not here? Any help understanding how the process will go from now on would be appreciated. My wife is understandably longing to have her son here and we both need to get some idea of what is going to happen next. btw - when she got her physical in guangzhou, she also didn't know to bring him - so he hasn't had the approved physical. Does he need that as well? David and Ariana

I have what I think might be a somewhat unique question. After a 10 month wait, my now wife got her K-1 visa (easily) in Aug of 2010. We got married in Sept. She has an 8 yr old boy in China still. Partly because for reasons that seemed to make sense at the time we decided he should not come with her initially. But also because by mistake she did not take her son to Guangzhou to get a med exam at the critical time. At the time I didn't think it would be a problem, thinking that after we married he could still come within the 6 month window. We didn't realize that once we married the process had to start all over again. Anyway, so after marriage I applied to bring him here on a I-130 petition for alien relative. This was in November 2010. The USCIS web site cites a 5 month typical process time. It shows his petition is currently being reviewed - it is between 5 and 6 months. In this situation, a I-130 for an 8 yr old boy, son of my wife, how long should we expect to wait? Is the next step similar to the K-1 - a packet sent to him/me, submit additional documents, then interview in Guangzhou perhaps in 3 months? I'm hoping very much that it is not the 2yr delay that I hear is normal for a brother or other relative. David and Ariana

Thanks everyone for the advice. I'll respond to a few points that some of you made and ask a couple more questions. My saying I was unemployed isn't the full story. I did consulting work during the time, under my own company name. Since my goal was a secure job, I think of myself as unemployed, but I can describe it as the opposite easily. Before that one year, I worked for the same company for 17 years, was making more than 200k, and was a manager of 200 people. Now it is a smaller responsibility in some ways, but it is a smaller pond so I am higher up. Not as much money, plus after the divorce I had comparatively little left in reserve. But I think I can put a good picture forward about support. Taking my child is out of the question at this point. I share 50% custody with my ex wife, and relations are not good with the ex. I'm sure she woudl not let her come (there is school anyway). Thats why its hard for me to get away - I need to get the ex to take my daughter, and while she will, it will be...difficult. A couple of you mentioned wedding photos, evidence of meeting the family. Thats my biggest question in my mind. Like I said, it was a wedding in the eyes of her family, but a betrothal in reality (not a legal marriage) and thus I went for a fiancee visa, not a marriage. I got the message (perhaps it was wrong) that the wait was less for a fiancee visa. If we were to get legally married now, would it start the process over again?? Also, I have been trying to decide about whether I give the photos of the wedding. They show us together, happy, with all her family. But we are wearing red, and I think that makes it obvious that is a chinese wedding ceremony. I can edit out the husband and wife references, and I really am inclined to just present it truthfully, just emphasizing that it was not a legal marriage. I am afraid if I caution her to hide it, she will feel uncomfortable and may make mistakes. Perhaps I will try to make another short visit. You are very persuasive. She is NOT well off, and I could see how an outsider might assume she was after a better life in america. Nothing could be farther than the truth - in fact I think I need to caution her about not being too honest about her feelings about living in America. She is very afraid she will miss her mother and family so much that she will have to return. And she has never shown any interest in america, or what things are like here - she would much rather I come live in China. In fact, that is one reason why I think we should hold off marrying until she is here for awhile. If she is very unhappy, I want her to have that option, to go home. But I don't think she will (and she doesn't either). She very much wants to be with me (and I with her). David and Na

When I first started looking at this site I was thinking the interview was just something we needed to prepare properly for - but otherwise it would be straightforward, considering the strength and documentation of our relationship. Now as I read more, I am getting more and more concerned about the capriciousness of the decision sometimes. I'd like to describe our relationship and history - and ask those who have experience to tell me - what parts of this I should be concerned about for the "bonifide relationship" and if there is anything that I can do about it. I legally separated from my ex wife in Nov 2007, and started dating almost immediately (in California, legal separation is considered the end of the relationship). I did a lot of domestic internet dating, but finally decided to look outside the country - mainly because I wanted to be married, and wanted to access women who were serious about marriage. I met Na on line in Feb 2009. Within a few days, we were emailing daily (I have all the emails and am thinking I'll provide them ALL for the interview.) We felt that we were in love by month or so, but I know you really can't predict how that will survive a physical meeting. (Meanwhile, finally, after a year and a half process with lawyers, my divorce became final in April.) So knowing that a physical meeting was the next step, I went to meet her in May, and we spent most of a week together. A month after I came home, we confirmed with each other that we wanted to be married. Her very traditional family insisted that we marry soon - they were worried I was not true. I told Na I would, but it could not be a legal marriage, for the visa purposes. We both agreed it would be, in our mind, a betrothal ceremony. I traveled to Hunan in August and we went through a simple informal ceremony and dinner with her family. I bought her a diamond ring of several thousand dollars. By the way, I am 49 and she is 35. I have a 10 yr old daughter, she has a 6 yr old son. Her decision to look for an american husband was because she felt americans were more honest (her ex had cheated on her) and would accept her child more easily. Much, much later, she admitted to me however that she had hoped that I would move to China, as she really did not want to go to the United States (I think the propoganda about the evil US is strong!). But she knows with my child and career, I can't leave and, wanting to be with me, agreed that her future lies in the US. I am absolutely convinced of her sincerity about having no interest in coming to the US, other than the fact that I am her. Around July we started video chatting, when she first got an internet line (which I paid for). She lost her job with a layoff (later found she was selected in part because they knew she was planning to come to the US). I since gave her some money from time to time, though I had to force it on her. She was very embarrassed to ask. Now she has a job again. While we are not legally married, we call each other husband and wife in our emails. I am concerned a little about this confusing the consulate officer - I hope the statement that we are husband and wife in our hearts and in our belief in our future together explains it. Her English is improving all the time (it was almost non-existent when we first met - but she is very good with translation tools). We used to video chat daily, but with her job now it is more like twice a week. I have all the history of course, and was going to dump it to a file and provide it. As time went by, the log became more and more one sided, since she can speak to me in English reasonably well, but has trouble understanding me sometimes, so I confirm what I say in writing often. My 10 year old daughter sometimes joins in our chats, and looks forward to Na coming. I have also chatted with her son a little, but he actually lives in a neighboring city with Na's sister and mother, as she cannot care for him with her job( and it is a better school). We are absolutely committed to each other, and miss each other terribly. Video chat helps - but is not the same. I haven't visited since, not because of the money, but the difficulty in dealing with my child's care in my absence for any trip more than a few days. I started the K-1 process in August, immediately after I returned from our betrothal. We got UCIS approval in November and yesterday got the P-3. My plan is, once she gets her visa she will come without her son, so as to give her time to adapt without being the sole caregiver of a boy who doesn't speak english, and so as to not interupt his school. He will follow in a few months, timed to his school year if possible. I will go alone and get him, if I cannot get travel papers for Na to go with me. From reading, I see that a couple difficult points are that our relationship was only 6 months old when we betrothed and currently is 13 months. We have a 15 year age difference (though she is a 35 year old mother and divorcee). The betrothal ceremony and our calling each other husband and wife might be a problem. Does the fact that we both have children help or hurt? I wonder if I should have my daughter write a letter about her knowing Na and have it notarized? I am a successful senior manager in a corporation, though I was unemployed for a year - just started my new position this week. So it will take a month to accumulate paystubs, though I am sure my pay will demonstrate my ability to support. Without really saying how much money I have in the bank - its enough to live on in the SF Bay area for a year (if I didn't have an income), and is invested and getting a good return. So what should I be concerned about, and what can I do to prepare?

1) She can give the VO your passport and tell him that you came to China to support her for the interview. The theory being that this helps a prove bona fide relationship (you could mail the passport to her and she could lie and say you were there so how much this helps seems debatable to me). 2) If she gets a blue slip you can at least try to discuss with someone in the IV section and understand why/what/how to resolve. 3) You show support to your loved one and help calm her especially if she is really nervous. I hadn't thought about me being able to be there to discuss with the officials if there is a problem. I'll have to think about it. It might be possible if we could fly home to Changsha in Hunan the next day, pack and say goodby - do it all in one trip. Adding 3 days to the trip is a lot different from going twice. Its so frustrating - between a new job and custody of my child, its really difficult to get away for more than a few days.

My thinking was that they only interviewed the beneficiary. Do they also interview me, the petitioner, if I am there? If so, then I will figure out how to be there.

Thanks everyone for the advice. Your post brings up a question. I wasn't planning on going with her to the interview. Much as I would like to, its difficult to get away for the trip for more than a few days, and I want to use that to help her pack and say goodbye once she has the visa. Other than giving her support, is there any reason the petitioner should be there? David and Na

On the weekend I made my first post on Candle for Love, concerned that we had not gotten our P3 after 3 months. Monday I got a fed Ex - it was the P3! Na never got hers. She was concerned about the security of her mail, and gave me the address of her former employer. She has a friend watching for mail, even though she does not work there anymore. (Lost her job when she let it out that she was betrothed to an american, and might soon leave). So I think the company may be refusing mail for her. Anyway I have a couple questions - should she go ahead and go to Guangzhou and get her medical exam, or should she wait for P4? And alternatively, can she just wait for the interview and schedule her medical exam for the day before - that would mean she could do it all in one trip to Guanzhou? (or is that risky?) I would like to share my timeline - where should I post it??

Thanks everyone - thats pretty much what I thought as well. I think I'll not include any photos, and just coach her to not bring it up, but if it somehow comes up, just describe it as an engagement party.

Yes I would think DOS will simply issue a replacement passport if provided sufficient evidence of ID. I don't think they will need proof of citizenship for a replacement passport. I believe DS-64 and DS-11 are all that are needed to be sent to DOS for a replacement passport. SEE: http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds64/ds64_845.html You would think that, as did I. But when I got one last year, I ran into that "Delayed Certificate of Birth" problem I described above. Here I am, a family that came here in the 1870s, all family members citizens from a long line of citizens, had a passport for 20 years (obtained then with my delayed certificate of birth) - and they wouldn't give me a replacement passport. Needed school records (no school keeps them that long) or hospital records (routinely destroyed after 10 years) or a baptism certificate (born a mormon, not baptised until age 8). I did have a "cert of blessing" - but it was lost also (turned out the ex wife was secretly holding it for ransom). They gave me a limited passport, and I wasn't able to get a full term one until I found the cert of blessing and gave two signed affidavits from mother and sister that said, yes, I was born. Good news - I did find my original Certificat of Blessing today, so if I should have to get a replacement, I should be able to, armed with it and the affidavits. So I'll try to retrieve it, and if I can't, get a replacement. Thanks everyone for your advice.

My fiancee Na and I submitted a I-129F in August 2009 and are waiting for our packet 3. I have a question concerning our marriage status. In August, to satisfy her family's concern for her safety and future, we went through an informal chinese wedding ceremony. Na and I agreed however that it would NOT be a legal marriage, and that in our minds it would be a ceremony of betrothal. We did not complete any legal documents or register it as a marriage. We will legally marry when we come to the USA. However I did buy her a ring, and we commonly refer to each other as husband and wife. For the interview, should we describe that we went through this ceremony but that it is not a legal marriage? It is, I think, strong evidence of our relationship. Or, would this information complicate our status in the eyes of the interviewer, and make them question whether we should be applying for a visa for a spouse, rather than a visa for a fiancee? While I would never advise my fiancee to lie, I can advise her to wear her ring as an engagement ring, and not describe this ceremony, unless of course she is asked a direct question. David and Na

I sent my G884 a month ago. But now I am very concerned since I realize they do not normally get originals. They may not even have retained my documents. Calling the NVC/UCIS is useless - the agents just have canned answers and didn't have one that helped me, other than to file a G884. Nothing about how long retrieval would take, or how I could get more information on its status. {Repaired quotes}

I had an unusual situation. I have a "Delayed Certificate of Birth" - because my parents couldn't decide on my name in the hospital, then forgot to finish the certificate until I needed it to go into school at age 4. A year ago I lost my passport and when I requested a replacement, the increased standards at the passport office caused them to reject me, giving me a temporary (1 year) passport, which I eventually got upgraded by sending my confirmation certificate and two affidavits to my citizenship (Ugghh!). But likewise when I send in the 129F, they denied my delayed birth certificate and requested additional information - they didn't specify copies so I sent the originals. So now I can't even get a replacement passport, because they have my confirmation certificate as well as my passport. I think I made a big mistake.

Thanks - now I feel better. I'll call them.