j&v

The visas arrived today from GZ. They were placed in EMS on Tuesday evening the end of the 2nd business day following interviews. They were delivered to our home in Shanghai around noon today. We are really happy to have thme in hand. We are thankful to have found this website because the experiences that people shared were so helpful throughout the process. Thatnks to everyone and if there is anyone we can help based upon our experiences we would be happy to share them.

We are making this post because we did not see many related to step children. We just wanted to share our experience in case it helps others. We have not been posting but have been reading many, many, posts for the last few months and want to thank all of you for all the information that you shared. The posted information was not just helpful but reassured us that we had done all that we could do as we approached today’s interviews. All went well and we to say thank you to all. By the way, now there is just a blue sheet (no) and a white (yes) one – NO Pink. The cumulative time from I-130 to interview date (DCF Beijing) was 5.5 months. As some posters have suggested (Kyle for sure), front load that I-130 application. We did DCF through Beijing and, except for the documents they wanted us to hand in at the Consulate here in Guangzhou, the VO was looking at that I-130 file. Even though all the pictures were poor quality due to pdf and paper copies, when offered a look at the originals the VO simply said he did not need them. The VO seemed to be trying to verify whether or not the paper record matched the reality. Each time, my wife offered a document, VO said “I do not need to see it, I trust you.” That was however followed by a series of questions related to some details about the topic (see the house questions below – when my wife offered the contract see the exchange below). Both Wife and Step-Son spoke English throughout. Questions to Wife: Is your marriage registered in Shanghai? Was wedding in a church? How long have you been married? When was your husband divorced? When were you divorced? You only have one child? How many children does your husband have? What is his job? Where do you live? Why are you going to the US? Where will you live? Where in xxx will you live? My wife mentioned that we bought a house then: How much did you pay for the house? How much was the down payment? Question to Step-Son (12 years old): What is your name? Which grade are you in? VO shows him my passport and asks him “Who is this? Are you excited to go to the USA? What’s your favorite movie? Where did you learn your English? There was one minor snag – VO missed our step-son’s biological father’s declaration that it was OK for him to emigrate. It was in the file nut he missed it. My wife had a second original in her stack of files (message always carry a set of everything with you). That was all he needed to see and it was over. By the way, some posters have mentioned being early – good advice. The earlier you get there on day one, the earlier you will be done with the fingerprints and on your way. The second day seems a bit more random but early is better if nothing else than to avoid some of the normal confusion. So now we just wait for the visas in the mail which they say that they will place with the China Post in 2-3 days. In closing, we are very grateful for all the help that all you posters have given us. Thanks,

After waiting 2+ weeks after receiving notice that our petition was approved, we sent emails to GUZ requesting status. They told us that the names were in the system for wife and step son and P3 was mailed. We gave it a wekk to get here and then wrote back. Explained the situation and they emailed us the case numbers on 28 Nov. We filed DS230's and OF 169's etc with GUZ via EMS on 29 Nov. We received EMS from GUZ with P3 sent from GUZ on 28 Nov. I think the message is that their mail room is slow so may be email is a better way to keep the process moving. We are now waiting for P4. Joe

Good News! I 130 petition approval letters for wife and step son arrived Nov 5. They were dated 26 Oct and the Beijing postmark indicates they were mailed Nov 1. The Oct 26 date is is exactly 2 calendar months from the date of petition. Letter was postmarked Nov 1 from Beijing. Will update when get the P3 from Guangzhou. Joe

Beachey, Thanks for that update. Glad to hear that those 3 couples received them at three months. That is precisely what the USCIS told me in an email response to my inquiry. I guess I will have to wait a few more weeks. As you pointed out this is a fairly significant lengthening of the pendency time. I have not seen or heard any reason for this lengthening. Thanks, Joe

Keep us posted as to when those other guys here - a bit anxious here. Will let you know when we do hear. Thanks, Joe

Hi Beachey, First time poster here - I filed I-130 on August 31 with USCIS Beijing and have not heard anything yet. I know they received as I queried them by email. I will post as soon as I do. Joe