Danny999

That the ticket!

Thanks Everyone, To fill in some gaps. I'm going to see her in January. You know the routine. It's an evidence trip, photos, rcts, etc.... Don't get me wrong, I can't wait to see her. We'll spend a week together in HK. We have a pretty good evidence package I think. Hundreds and hundreds of emails and msn logs going back to July 09. Plus she sent me three letters (USPS) back in Aug 09 that's great for estabishing a time line. From everyone's input, I think I will mention #1 as a friend for the purpose of the trip, but leave it vague. Leave it open for assumption. But I'm not going to try and make it out for more than it was. #1s name is on my two previous visa apps. Plus I only have ONE picture of Jing and me for that time period (kicking myself). But I will emphasize that I had to meet her after talking to her for so many months. Once again this forum comes to the rescue. I'm just getting started. I expect to file I-129F by the end of Jaunary as soon as I incorporate all the new evidence into our package. So, I'll have about one thousand more questions. Bear with me

I¡¯m wondering the best way to put together my ¡°How We Met¡± letter. I saw where Dan said to go all the way back to your divorce in one comment. That¡¯s not a problem. But I had another GF in China when I met my now Fianc¨¦. On my last trip to see my former GF is the first time my now Fianc¨¦ and I met in person. (Got that?) They were known as # 1 & # 2 in some previous post of mine. The numbers only represent the order in which I met them. So basically last January¡¯s trip was for #1 and me to finalize our paperwork. But I had grown to be good friends with #2 and I didn¡¯t want to travel all the way around the world without at least meeting her. So we arranged to meet at the HK airport when I arrived. I must admit she blew me away and I was very distracted after that. I went ahead and went through the motions with #1. Our relationship had been a rocky one. I never really trusted her. We traveled around and met her family but it just wasn¡¯t there. On top of this the daughter no longer wanted to come. That was the nail in the coffin. So we went our separate ways. So as in my previous post this year I met up with Jing for dinner when I was there. (I only have one picture from this meeting.) I don¡¯t want to write the whole story here, but I guess what I¡¯m asking is, in my letter, how much should I mention #1? I don¡¯t want it to sound like a soap opera. But I want to be honest also. If it wasn¡¯t for 1, I would have never met 2. The only reason I met my Fianc¨¦ is because I was having such a hard time with my GF. My GF was the only person in China that I knew so I had nothing to compare her with. So I joined a social network in SZ much like facebook. There I met Jing and made a lot of friends in June 09. I guess my whole point is the first time Jing & I met face to face; I was there to see someone else and how to incorporate that into my story. Does it sound bad? You know the ironic thing is when I first met Jing; she said that she thought it would be her and I that ultimately got married. And that was when I was engaged to someone else. I could¡¯ve saved a lot of time. Funny how things work out.

Wow, Dan I can't thank you enough. You are a wealth of information. I am eons behind you. I'd like to buy you a beer one day.

We are filing the I-129F in January. We have both been divorced and will have certified divorce decree's. Do we need CoM's also? I think maybe just she does. If so, do we file it with the I-129F, or save it for the interview? Thanks Everyone!

Thanks Dan, yes it was that ARN that was throwing me off.That's exactly what I needed to know.

Hey Folks, Just a little confused about the very bottom box labled "Applicant: print your name and Alien Registration Number in the box outlined by heavy border" We're are going to file a I-129F along with this form. Does this question pertain to me,her or neither? Thanks for any input Danny

How has the economy affected you? For the first time in 15 years I'm actually worried. Two years ago we employed as many as 150 carpenters. Now we're down to about 20 and may have to lay off some guys that have been here more than 10 years. I myself may be swinging a hammer again soon and I'm #2 in the company. It makes me wonder about the practicality of having a relationship with a girl in China. Not that there's ever been a practical bone in my body when it comes to women haha. Right now I'm in the conserve mode as to try and make it through the tough times that may be coming. Now I'm ok financially, but what about a year from now. Our company has been a machine. We never had to call anyone for work. Our phones never stopped ringing. I've had a river of paperwork coming across my desk foe 15 years now. Now I sit here and type to CFL. Your thoughts Ladies & Gentlemen?

No I have not been to HK and unfortunately I will be headed straight into SZ. Maybe next time.

Juijiang, Ruichang? As in the Jiangxi Province? That is where my wife is from. Be sure and visit Mt Lushan if you get the chance. Yes thanks, it is Jiangxi Province, and acutually Mt Lushan is what I meant. I got mixed up on the moutains we were talking about visiting.

Trust me, I'll be sticky.

Headed for Shenzhen in the morning. Can't wait! It's been a long 9 months. Saturday night my Baby will be in my arms. We will head to Juijiang, Ruichang, Guangzhou and back to SZ. And maybe a few nights on Yellow Mountain. Then when I return, I file for her K-1. Then the waiting begins. Wish me luck!

This is what my attorney told me. Maybe he needs a copy for himself. I know many people do it themselves but when I first met her it was all a little overwhelming. Now I've learned the ropes a little,(especially from this site) I'm a lot more comfortable. But I really like him. He has been through the process himself. He is married to a foreigner and he is relatively cheap. Thanks

Yes, all of the forms are filled out. I should have mentioned that. All she has to do is sign everything. Thanks Warped

Seasons Greetings Everyone! I leave on the 1st. This is trip # 2. I've got all my doc's together for her to sign. 1. G325A (5 copies) 2. I-129F (2 copies) 3. Her Statement of Intent (2 copies) 4. Her information form We'll get her Passport with 2 extra photos for her visa. We're taking pics of us with her daughter and parents together. And pics of all of our travels. I'm saving all of my receipts, boarding passes ect... Building our evidence package. I'm really excited. I can't wait. I know we'll have a blast. I'm taking gifts. Some of what you all suggested (wine, dark chocolate, perfume etc..) What am I forgetting? Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

My wife got ripped off to the tune of about 2,000rmb doing this a couple years back. Another thing to keep in mind Danny is to keep your US bills is as good of condition as possible. Its not as bad as it used to be, but still some places can be picky and reject some bills for even the slightest markings or wrinkles. I have found that hotels are more lenient for me, but I am sure experiences of others vary. Yes I learned that last time. Only nice crisp $20 bills. If it had the slightest tear or very worn they would not accept them. I also heard to watch out for counterfeit. I'm not a paranoid person but I'm very vigilant. My GF would never let me deal with someone one the street when it comes to dealing with currency exchange. And I alway keep it in my front pockets. I study a lot. Thanks to people like y'all.

Just FYI if you're still interested - there is no actual line at the bank - you take a number, sit down, and wait until they call your number. It's fairly painless. For Bank of America customers, the China Construction Bank will give a 6.81 exchange rate with no fees, at their ATM's. Thanks Randy, That's good info because that is my GF's bank. And as frugal as she is thats more money in our pockets. On a $1000, that's a meal.

Kyle, I just said the same thing. My next computer will be a Mac. I'm sick and tired of all of the freakin updates and security loopholes.

Well, it looks like hotel it is. You can't beat it for conveniece and the rate wasn't that bad. Besides, I hate waiting in line. Thanks for the input everyone

Hey Folks, Where's best place to exchange USD for RMB? Last trip I used my hotel. The exchange rate was 6.7724 as opposed to 6.83 at the time. Any suggestions? Thanks Danny

Your over there and you have time to weigh in on my silly problems. God Bless you! I'll keep you in the prayers.

One more thing. Watch using credit cards for sending money. The interest is higher because it is considered a cash advance and they charge a fee to compound matters. Set it up to transfer from your bank account to hers.

Lou is right. For $4.99 you can send money with xoom straight to her bank account. With paypal she get charged $35 usd for transferring the money from her paypal account to her bank account. With xoom it goes straight into her account. She pays nothing. Like he said the first time is a pain but after that it take about 4 days to transfer $$$. Western Union gigs you and are a major pain. I had to get on the phone with them every time. Good Luck Danny

Thanks Bruce A few people have mentioned ginseng. Is the ginseng we have here better than what they have there? Hmmm? I'm going to have to ask a girl about the perfume. I don't have a clue. Thanks Danny

Hey Tim, Another good suggestion. Dark Chocolate. Who doesn't like chocolate? Maybe if we offer Iran some dark chocolate they might give up their nuke program. Sorry, just a thought. I'm in south Florida. I could probaly get my hands on pecans (pronounced, PEE-CANS) or walnuts. But will I be able to get something like nuts through? I'll start my trip in Shenzhen, and then head for Juijiang, then back to Guangzhou. Can't wait. Aint it cool? My dogs are shelties. They look like miniature collies. They're spoiled rotten. They boss me around. My chickens are spoiled too but at least they give me eggs. I just punched in Hainan on Google Earth. Wow, I bet thats beautiful. Your going to be cold too I see. Brrrr! I hope to broaden my horizons with every trip. Take Care Danny