natrigon

hey happy b-day!!!

Ahh, for fun I called DOS (cell phone, with speakerphone and no long distance charges). The recording said 15 hold time. I was on hold for 36 minutes and gave them the GUZ number. They confirmed they can not access the file untill after GZ receives. Louis

newman: Ahh, now I understand, thanks. We are also in a situation with the father having "paper" control. Funny the father does not see the daughter or pay any type of support but yet he has control. But you gave us great information that the father needs to sign off. Maybe I will ask her brother to make the father an offer he can't refuse, lol. dave: Wow, I still can't believe how wrong I was steered with the time frame. I really thought she would be here about now. At worst by the end of 2003. Aargh. Well again thanks for the info. Louis

Thanks to all for the info. newman: Did your wife/fiance come to the U.S. on the I129f? Was your child originaly listed on your I129f, or did you file later on her behalf? If your child was originaly listed on the I129f did the child receive a packet or did you need to start some sort of action at a later date? Either way I understand the concept, bring the child at the same time. If only I knew what the darn date was the entire process would be bearable. I think the main problem is not the time it takes but rather the inability for our esteemed government to produce a firm date. I think they should consider assigning an interview date, let's say one year after initial petition is received. Then they must simply focus and accomplish the task. You know like the rest of the working world must do for our jobs. Get the task and finish it correctly within a certain time frame... or lose your job. Louis

Yes, we did list her on the 129f. Just wondering because it does mention she can follow for up to one year but does not mention how she can follow. Louis

Jerry, How is that different from the NVC @ 603-334-0700 ? Are they one in the same or ? Louis Hey Pat, how you doing?

Mark, Not sure if you know but stop eating now!! By the time you get there you might be able to keep up with the children for 1 or 2 meals! By the way we chose the Chinese wedding "ceremony" concept. We will do the "official" ceremony here in the U.S. We are at 8+ months and our papers have yet to leave the NVC. I am not sure what's quicker or better, I thought she would be here already. Louis

Hi there, Just seeking some opinions on our situation. Our original intent was the K-1 visa becuase we were told it was was the quicker method. As a side benifit we also have the 90 day time after her arrival in which time we must marry. Previous (and obviously incorrect) information from the fine folks at the BCIS and several Atty's was that this complete process would take about 5-6 months. Now it has been 8+ months and our file is yet to leave the NVC. Here is my main concern. Mei's daughter will turn 17 in early March, 04. I think I understand two immagration facts: 1) Because we included her daughter on the original petition she will be granted an automatic (K-2 ?) and be able to travel to the U.S. along with Mei on her K-1 visa. Or she can follow at a later time not to exceed one year. 2) When Mei eventually arrives in the U.S. she can not leave the the U.S. until she is granted "XYZ" (some further document). So my question is: If Mei's child can follow after Mei's arrival in the U.S. how would she manage entry under Mei's documents? Of course the whole problem remains WHEN? If we know the date, we could prepare and all 3 of us leave together from China to the U.S. But by not knowing even what month it becomes entirely impossible for me to arrange. Any information and/or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks :-) Louis

Excellent, Excellent, Excellent!!

Mick, Yes, the tones are very difficult and I am sure I butcher them. That's great Li is fluent, do you find her English different than American-English? Eric&Yuhui, Good luck with the cooking!! Louis

Hey guys, In several posts I read about the 001 website or just a reference to 001. Can someone post the site address? Thanks, Louis P.S. Not at GZ yet, aarrgghh. UPDATE: JUST FOUND THE LINK, >> http://www.001.com.cn/forum/usa/index.html

As for me I met Mei by accident in Shenzhen. I was communicating with her sister for many months by email. There was a possible romantic connection between her sister and I but there was also a tangible age difference. On a business trip to HK I made plans to go into Shenzhen for a week and meet the sister. Unfortunately her work (maybe not wanting her to meet an American) sent her 6 hours north to work in a different store. The sister was very sad, felt obligatged and sent Mei (her older sister who spoke no English) to meet me with an older male co-worker who spoke excellent English. In the busy train station I was searching for two unknown Chinese people when my eyes came across Mei. She had a great... um "aura" for lack of a better term. The three of us met every day. We explored some business ideas I had. We saw the sights, went bowling and of course we ATE PLENTY OF FOOD. The three of us had a great time. Each night I really looked forward to the next day... with Mei. Difficult situation because after all I was there to meet her sister but I was very impressed with Mei's character, humor, intelligence and grace ( oh, did I mention she can really eat, haha). Finally the night before my departure the sister returned and we met. She was very sad not to be able to spend more time with me. My final day in Shenzhen we hung out but clearly she was not my type. She also agreed I was not her type and I left Shenzhen. Many weeks went by and I continued to think about Mei. One day I called the older English speaking friend. I told him I would like to get to know Mei. He was very suprised and told me that as far as her knew Mei had no desire to meet an American let alone maybe leave China. He suggested I email the sister and request her help. After 3 emails (and many more weeks) beating around the bush I finally (and directly) asked the sister to speak with Mei and relay my intent. To make a long story short eventually agreed to talk with me. We began communicating solely with emails which I translate with software into Chinese. Now 1 year later, she can speak English decently. My Mandarin speech is improving. We can talk on the phone for an hour or so almost every day without many language glitches. If we come across a topic with no previous language reference I spell out the word(s) and she enters into a electronic translator and we hammer through it. What a great process of developing a relationship, from the ground up. I have been over to China three more times and it just happened that we are a great match. We have similiar views on almost everything... war, work, love, food, music, religion... etc. Now when we talk she speaks English and I speak Mandarin... well mostly. We do use our special form of Engarin and/or Mandlish as well as some other language that has yet to be officially named only referenced by us ( and you others in the same position ) as the language of love. Until next time, Louis

Thanks to everybody for the warm welcome! I have been over to China 3 more times after meeting Mei. Last year I looked for work (in China) at several trade shows in Hong Kong. Still talking to a few companies but no firm offers. I am planning a visit in mid January of 2004 and we are looking forward to being together. There is one very good side effect to this long delay... we are both improving our language skills. Now when we talk I speak in Mandarin and she speaks in English (I do not speak well but Mei understands). Again thank you for all the warm welcomes. Till next time, Louis

Hi everyone, I just stumbled into this board tonight. I thought everything was going along as planned until the TSC had our file over 5 months. Now we just past week 9 at the NVC with no end in sight. You know what they say when I call... " no further info, just wait like everybody else " Tonight, thanks to you all, I learned much more and all I can say is " *&^@$#@*& ". Looks like GZ is a nightmare waiting for us ( when we ever get there ). If I knew all this before... well I would still get in line, I would just be able to make much better plans for our life together. until next time, Louis