keelec

hi Patrick, K1 visa is a perfect visa, it gives a choice to both sides. besides even marry in China still means nothing, the marriage can protect nothing 1. the guy still can dump the wife who is in China and without get into any trouble, he even doesn't need to go to divorce process in the States. 2. the wife(husband) still can have affair if they want to. so where is the adventage of marriage visa? I don't see it. I used to like the idea of a K1 visa. Bring the fiancee to the USA, spend a few months together, and see whether the couple is compatible in the USA, rather than just meeting in a romantic vacation. If it was a 3 or 4 month wait for the visa, this would be true. However, if it takes a year and a half (or more) to get the visa, one has invested so much in the process that it is hard to just give it up easily and start over from the beginning. ---- Clifford -----

Ok, so for a few English and Italian idioms... Have you ever told your wife to "Break a Leg"??? Did you get a puzzled look? That is just sour grapes (from an old Aesop's fable) Never Cry Wolf Your name is Mud (Did that come from Dr. Mudd???) Now, a very local expression (Oregon/Washington): What in the Sam Hill are you doing? Now there are two things that every young boy must learn: Never whittle towards yourself, nor pee against the wind. One of my favorite Italian idioms is: "In Boca al lupo" (Into a wolf's mouth)..... It is their saying for "Good Luck" "Fica" (fig).... The Italians attach a special significance to the fig leaf because of what it had once hidden in biblical times.... I will let Se Lang ponder that one. B) ---- Clifford -----

Tony, You are just full of hot air today!!!

Carl, Great story. I am very glad that you got the visa on Friday, and didn't have to wait another 2 weeks. I hope Bing is able to accompany you back home, but I can understand that leaving can be a bit hectic. And, of course, she can still load you down with a couple of extra suitcases. Best Wishes, ----- Clifford ------

Frank, Have a wonderful trip. Relax a bit.... I am sure you will have a lot of fun, and the interview will go smoothly. ----- Clifford ------

As far as the previous delays, you can browse the bowels of the Candle and get some additional information. Don, Mick, PJ, Owen, and a host of others would have first hand knowledge of it. Everything I can tell you is a summary of what I've heard. I believe that in August 2002, the US decided to tighten up visa procedures in reaction to the 9/11/2001 events. Hmmm, it took them a whole year to figure that out. Anyway, they abruptly stopped issuing visas in both China and Russia (and perhaps other countries) as they struggled to come up with new procedures for issuing visas. They finished all of the scheduled interviews, sending each of the applicants home with a "white slip" rather than a visa. Everyone was told that the delay would be short, but days and weeks rolled into months as very little information was forthcoming from anybody. The FBI Namecheck was extended to all applicants and everyone had to await the results of the namecheck no matter where they were in the process. Perhaps even the FBI was overwhelmed as the number of routine namechecks multiplied very quickly. Eventually with the diligent efforts of many individuals the visas started being issued again. But, GZ was buried in the backlog of 6 months of visa applications being put on hold, and at first there appeared to be no rhyme nor reason for the order that the visas were being issued. People who had to endure those extraordinary delays dubbed themselves the "Black Hole" group. I believe that the typical overall wait was about 18 months. But, for several months, there were no promises of future movement of the visas, and they just had to wait and wait and wait. ---------- Since then, other lengthy delays have been felt by the applicants. Last fall, the waits for the P3 packet ranged from 3 to 4 months. GZ made a big push to catch up, but apparently forgot those who were already "in process", so many individuals who had already waited over 3 months for their P3 packet continued to wait another month after GZ started issuing them to other applicants in about 2 weeks. Thus, frustrations mounted again. Robhon was the "leader" of that group of applicants who dubbed themselves the "pit crew".... My application also found itself stuck at about the same time, but at a different embassy. Unfortunately, mine has remained stuck as I have observed many others getting their visas. ----- Clifford -----

I would still say to hold on a few days before making any rash decisions and we find out what the USA has planned with the call center and the K visas. The Candle site was born nearly two years ago when GZ and Moscow stopped issuing visas for a period of nearly 6 months. Those who had interviews scheduled were given white slips and told to come back later...... sometime..... Yet, they were not called back to pick up the visas for nearly 6 months. The effects of those delays were felt for nearly a year later as the consulates attempted to catch up with huge backlogs of their work. I have serious doubts that any amount of political games in GZ would bring them to do the same thing again. Of course, they still answer to whatever Washington DC throws at them. As I understand it, the Consulate has a pretty full interview schedule for at least the next 2-3 months. Even if they stopped scheduling new interviews for nearly a month, the biggest effect is that some individuals would lack the time to hop on a plane to be with their honey for the interview. I would suggest waiting 2 weeks until the dust settles and all holidays are history. Then send out a query to everyone on the candle and 001 to try to find anybody that has gotten a newly scheduled P4/Interview for GZ. If, by May 15, nobody has gotten a newly scheduled P4/interview, then it would be time to start hitting up our congressmen, senators, and DOS. If you have a little patience now, I am sure you will even get some of the "oldtimers" who have been through a terrible and frustrating wait in the not too distant past to champion for your new cause. Of course, you may point out that my application is already stuck, and awaiting an eventual interview in another country so I have very little at stake for this. ----- Clifford -----

Yes, You are probably right that I should evaluate possible immigration attorneys. I think I would qalify for John Roth's "Embassy Only" rates since my application technically has made it all the way to the Embassy..... But, $1,200 is still a bit steep for an internet lawyer. Plus, it is not capped at $1200, but could higher should he think that he should charge more for his services. I guess the advantage of going with a big internet firm is that they have the necessary contacts including some in Moscow. Of course, somehow I think the problem is in Washington DC, and not in Moscow. For now, I have several active contacts now and have a couple of new leads to follow. I will wait for some of those to pan out in the next couple of weeks as Irina and I continue to work on rebuilding our relationship. ----- Clifford -----

Darrell, I could ask for a transfer at work to the Boston office, and then it might be faster with a new 129F. Except, that most of the people that I have met in our Boston office are VERY RUDE. If you look at my timeline, it took me 8 months for the packet to get to Moscow, and it has now been stuck for 8 months. Of course, I wouldn't make the N/A mistake a second time. No, the thing that I have been wondering about is this "2-year rule" that everyone has been talking about with spouses. Something that it is very difficult for the INS to deny a visa to a couple that has been married for 2 years. If only we had gotten married when we met in the fall of 2002, then we would rapidly be approaching our 2 year anniversary. Of course, we also met in the Istanbul airport as we were heading off to Cairo. What if we had filed for a K3 in Cairo? Heck, rumors are that GZ is even quite "speedy" (relatively speaking, of course) We could head to China or HK to get married B) Of course, not knowing why our application is stuck somewhat precludes applying again in the USA as it could very well get stuck again. My company also has a big Toronto office.... Perhaps I should ask for a transfer up there, then try the Canadian visa process.

We'll see what it will be like once we get that far along in the process. I assume that Irina will want to go home at least once a year for a few years. I think that it would be good to accompany her on a few of the trips as I want to be as much a part of her life as I want her to be a part of mine. Perhaps being with her for 1-2 weeks, and letting her be alone with her family for 2-3 weeks or so. And, of course, I am hoping that Irina will tutor me with Russian when she gets here.... Then I will want to practice it a bit ----- Clifford ------

Frank, Thanks for the tip. I decided to look up a couple of immigration attorneys that were listed in the local phone book today. There might be benefits of working with someone with an office in DC, or at least associates in DC. But, I would also like to find someone that I can talk to face to face. Anyway, I left messages with 2 attorneys today, but I have yet to hear back from them. I hope they would be willing to take the case based on performance.... Results --> Pay...... No Results ---> No Payment. Earlier I was making a list of the government people I've talked to since my case became "stuck" in Moscow. I have now talked to: - 2 Congressional Aides - 2 Senators Aides - DOS multiple times - E-Mail to President of USA (ignored) - E-Mail to Democratic Candidate Kerry (ignored) - E-Mail to DOS (ignored) - Several E-Mails to Moscow - several calls to Sheri in (DOS Consular Affairs & Public Inquiries) - 3 or 4 calls to Moscow Embassy - 1 call to Moscow Call Center (what a waste that was). - Call to a couple of FBI Agencies to try to determine right contact. - Call to FBI answering Machine to leave my info - Call to someone in the FBI inquiries department (who said I needed to fax the question). - Fax to FBI Inquiries Department - This weekend I will be sending a note to the Missouri Governor. - Someone also suggested Linda Donahue.... Got a message back from her today, no help. - And, of course, all the contacts and calls made by the people that I've contacted (congressional and senate aides & DOS contact). Actually, I was putting the list together earlier to demonstrate the waste of energy dealing with the "exceptional" cases. Anyway, I realize that my case needs some serious help, but as I have been working my way up the Washington DC "food chain", I am a bit dubious that a lawyer would be able help, but I am willing to give it a try as long as they don't soak me for too much cash. Of course, sometimes lawyers are able to go straight to the "top", while the rest of us have to work our way up the ladder. ----- Clifford -----

We'll see how things go once Irina gets here. I am somewhat of a idealist, but I realize that we both will have some big adjustments to make when she arrives, and I will strive very hard to make her comfortable. As far as a trip "home" to Russia (or China). Should we plan on going together or seperately? Or, perhaps doing 1 leg of the trip seperately, and 1 leg together? Hmmm, if we are fortunate enough to get the visa by July or August.... 4 to 6 months later would put it mid-winter with 30 below weather in Russia. Perhaps she would rather wait until the spring to go home. ----- Clifford -----

Here is the official definition of the I-797. I think it is what GZ will give you once they approve your wife's application, but I am still waiting to get one myself.

Check what kind of visa the I-130 gets them (since there is not an equivalent I-129). For spouses, I believe that both I-130 (CR1?) and I-130 followed by I-129 (K3) both give multiple entry visas without the need for filing Advanced Parole. Don, or King might have better information. You could also either call BCIS, or consult an immigration attorney (the first visit is normally free). K1 and K3 visas normally must be used within 6 months. I would assume that your inlaw's visas will be similar. Assuming that both of your parents applied at the same time, your father in law might have to follow shortly after your mother in law.

I was just looking at Eric's checklist. Part of it was AP (applies to K1, but not to K3 applicants). Maybe that was the confusion of forms..... I-130, I-131, I-134...???? I thought I remember reading that Vermont is speedy with the 129F & 130, but a bit slow with the AOS. If you plan on traveling (or returning to China) while you wait for AOS, you will need to file the AP, otherwise Jake will be unable to re-enter the USA and you would have to start the whole process over again. If you don't plan on leaving the USA until AOS, then there is no need for AP. ----- Clifford -----

I have heard that it is nearly impossible to get a visa that requires no immigration intent once one has already declared an immigration intent. There is also something about abandoning one application when a second one is filed. Maybe someone has real experience with this, but they may have to just wait it out. ----- Clifford ------

Sorry Kim, I haven't had the opportunity yet to file AOS. However, if Don reccomends against filing the I-130, I would hold off on it. Sending it in now costs you $130. Waiting costs you an extra $60 or so, but my bet would be with Don. ---- Clifford ------

Aw, Heck, And, I expected that Carl would be cramming for his final exam in Chinese this weeked Congratulations, and the two of you really deserve the visa. I am glad that it is finally over :redblob: ----- Clifford ------

Hello, I have no idea what the rules are for "Married to a US Citizen, but no US Visa". If you chose to try to try to get a visa to enter a European country, that would be the first thing for you to ask. I presume that it is easiest to look for "3rd World Nations" for touring. There are many Eastern nations that might accept you: Hong Kong ???, Thailand, Vietnam, India, and etc. You would have to ask. Perhaps the two of you could also get a visa to Australia and New Zealand, but that may be more difficult. Of course, in theory, all you have to do is convince them that you have absolutely no interest in immigrating. Proof of marriage and current K3 visa application may be sufficient. I assume you could also get a visa to Russia, and I think someone previously suggested that Cuba might also be possible. I would be curious about other South American countries. Cyprus is very popular among the Russians. I had my first date with Irina in Egypt. We were quite worried because everyone told us that we needed hotel reservations in advance and an organized tour, and enough CASH for a week's stay, and etc. When we got to customs, the only issue was that we each had to purchase a $10 postage stamp to put in our passports. Otherwise, there wasn't a single question or problem. Perhaps Blue and Red passports go well together. ----- Clifford -----

Patrick & Li, Congratulations on your 1 yr anniversary. (oh, and don't forget to update your signature lest we forget that you got your visa a few days before the anniversary :greenblob:) ---- Clifford -----

Robert, Here is another interesting article that I bumped into tonight. http://www.infoworld.com/cgi-bin/displayAr...3/t17-33.12.htm Apparently the USA passed a law restricting export of the 128 bit encryption algorithm source code in "Electronic Format"..... But, apparently they forgot to say anything about other data transmission formats. There is something about trade embargo countries (CUBA), it might be useful to look that up as it is possible that China would be listed somewhere, but I doubt it. As far as getting anybody in the medical community to listen to a mere medical transcriptionist..... Well, good luck. My experience with Doctors is that so many think they know everything.... But, in reality.... Well, some of them are good at a few things. If your software is Internet Explorer based, bring in the Microsoft notes. ----- Clifford ------

As I understand it, the new visa info center has been shut down for less than a week. I would say that it is premature to jump to any conclusions about the effects of the closure on K1-K4 applicants. I believe before this hit the news, there were rumors that GZ had fallen behind in their P4 visa processing and interviews.

As I understand it, the 128 bit encryption used to be restricted to use within the USA. However, essentially all of the restrictions were removed about 4 to 7 years ago. http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/1.../encryptnpr.asp http://www.microsoft.com/technet/Security/...s/crypload.mspx I believe that Internet Explorer 6 only comes in 128 bit encryption. I know that version 4 had both 40 and 128 bit versions. I am not sure what verison 5 & 5.5 is available with. You can get the IE encryption levels by choosing "Help - About Internet Explorer". I might have to difer back to Mike about Cisco Aeronet encryption, but I presume that isn't a big thing for your documents, and obviously most of the "off-brand" computer hardware is made in China anyway. ----- Clifford ------

Yes, Skip the Volvo... But, if the assets add up to $450K, then those alone would be equivilent to $90K in INS terms. That should be plenty to sponsor a half a dozen wives :D (you could go to Saudi :D ) Of course, if she is retired, she likely has stock dividends, Social Security, Retirement, and etc too. ---- Clifford ----- Oh, is the cosigner forms legally binding? Most people believe that it shows the ability to support the wife, but it is not a legally binding document requiring your mother to fork over $20K every year.

Interesting question. I think people always use what is easiest. In this case, compare: One Thousand Nine Hundred Fifty Four Nineteen Fifty Four Twenty Four???? (Kind of ambiguous) Twenty - Oh - Four.... Two Thousand Four - Oh - Four I assume that by the year 2021, they will use: Twenty Twenty One (or Two Thousand Twenty One). I doubt I will make it to 2104, but I have no doubt that it will be called: Twenty-One-Oh-Four rather than using Two Thousand One Hundred Four