China Dave

Great, thanks for the info.

Hi everyone, My wife recently got her OK from Guangzhou and we're heading back at Christmas to process the big package and get her green card. (We won't be outside the U.S. for more than 6 months) My question is about filing for U.S. Citizenship (the N-400). I'm a church worker, and when I looked at the information, it said that there was no residency requirement for citizenship. We just need to have the green card and file the form. However, on the form, it doesn't have any option for church workers. I also can't find any sort of supplemental form that applies. Is there anyone else in this position who can answer some questions about how to file the N-400 correctly? I'd hate to file (and spend $675) and then find out something was wrong. Thanks, Dave

We've got quite a bit in the bank, but I suppose I could get a co-sponsor if that would help. We wouldn't be able to move back permanently right away anyway. My contract at the school continues until the end of the school year. We were hoping to go back at Christmas for a visit, then back again in the summer. Since I'm a church worker, the three years of residency is waived when we start the passport process, but we'll still continue to be in the States every 6 months.

Hi everyone, my wife just got the interview date for Guangzhou. Unfortunately, I am on a school trip the same week. (I'm a teacher) Another teacher I talked to said that he went with his wife to the interview. Is that what is expected? Will they give her trouble if I am not there with her? Background info: We've been married since 2002 and both live in Shanghai right now. We applied back when first married, but were denied. Now that we've been married almost 8 years, have two kids, bought a house in the States, have more money in the bank, have been filing taxes together all these years, etc. we are trying again. Also, I'm a teacher at an international school, but also a church worker. (Sort of a mission posting, but also contracted by the school) We do intend to move back to the States at some point, but not until all her visa/passport stuff is sorted out. Do we tell the Guangzhou people that getting her green card is a stepping stone toward getting a U.S. passport? Thanks in advance for any help. I'm a bit nervous about this due to the first denial, but our situation is much different now than it was back then, so I'm really hoping there won't be trouble. My wife speaks fluent English and can hopefully answer all the questions. My main concern is that she doesn't catch someone on a bad day or get someone with an attitude. It has happened before when trying to get travel visas. (Oh, she's been to the States half a dozen times too. I hope that helps) Anyway, I'm rambling. I look forward to hearing from someone who knows what is going on. :-)