thezippy

Made the wife an Infopass appointment to get an I-551 stamp in her passport. The agent refused to give her one. Said... "You have a passport, you have an expired 2 year green-card and you have your I-751 letter. You have no need for an I-551 stamp." So... that's all well and good, and I imagine that all the appropriate immigration folks on both sides have seen this situation enough times that THEY won't be an issue. But I still can't help but worry about when she goes to the airport in Wuhan to return home, and the Air China gate agent, who knows she's not allowed to board passengers without valid travel credentials, is handed a passport with an expired visa, an expired green card, and then a long formal letter written in a foreign language that's probably meaningless to hear... Color me concerned. Wife's just pissed at me now, saying I'm stirring up trouble, because the USCIS agent said she has everything she needs... Gonna be pissed when our travel gets screwed up and I have to schlep to the Consulate in GZ to get a freaking I-551 stamp THERE. (Travel in a couple of weeks)

Submitted paperwork back in April for my wife's conditional green card, which expired in July. Received the I-797 on 4/7/15. Received the I-797C (Biometrics appt form) on 4/24/15. She went to the appointment on 5/14/15 and did her biometrics. Since then... crickets. When I check status on USCIS it, oh so helpfully, informs: On April 7, 2015, we received your Form CRI-89, Petition to Remove Conditions of Permanent Resident Status Received, Receipt Number EAC1513251720, and sent you the receipt notice that describes how we will process your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your receipt notice by May 7, 2015, please call Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address. Should it, minimally, reflect that she's done biometrics? Wondering what's up. Related: She'll go to China for a visit in just over a month. I've read others here that've said to make an infopass appointment and have them put a stamp in her passport. Any advice on what to choose in making the infopass appointment? None of the choices align to that, and I don't want them to bounce her out for not having an appointment that aligns with the ask... Thanks, Charlie

Quickie follow up question for the group... The missus has been in the US just over 3 weeks now (hooray!!)... still no green card, though. Any thoughts on if I should be concerned it hasn't shown up yet? If so, who would I even call to check on it? I'm not super clear who the issuing authority is and who I'd takl to for a status... Thanks, Charlie

Started the process on 2/24 in Beijing. (See previous posts by yours truly). The missus had her interview on 5/29 in GZ and everything went smooth as could be. We showed up bright and early for the 7:15 appointment, arriving around 6ish. My only complaints about the entire process would be that the "lines" (there were supposed to be 3 for immigration visas) were pretty poorly organized, managed, and policed. It was pretty much chaos until you had your passport/appointment letter reviewed and went upstairs. Once upstairs, the wife was in and out in about 2 hours. She said it would have gone faster, but while waiting for fingerprints it took a really long time. Eventually they learned that, apparently, there was an old "peasant" woman who the staff were simply unable to fingerprint. She'd literally worked so hard all her life that her fingerprints were worn off. After trying a couple of machines, it sounds like the staff figured out the issue and moved her aside and did something else (unclear what) while processing the rest of the folks who did have fingerprints. I killed time in the expensive coffee shop outside of where you exit. Tip for folks doing that - drink as many cups as you can, since it'll average out to reasonable on a per cup basis, since refills are cheap. As an aside, we stayed with the Yangs. He was super nice (only met him) and the apartment we stayed in was fine. Nothing fancy, but honestly, if you've traveled around China beyond 1st tier cities, and especially if you've stayed with the inlaws, you've almost certainly stayed in more humble trappings. The place was relatively clean, the airconditioning worked (YES!) and its damn close to the embassy. Also, with the new system, we were in GZ less than 24 hours. Flew in late on the 28th, and flew out the evening of the 29th, same day as her interview. Passport with visa arrived in Wuhan (her hometown) at CITIC bank about 10 days later. She's schedule to fly stateside on the 29th to finally meet me (I flew back to the US after GZ). One lesson learned - when I flew back stateside, I brought a ton of her stuff with me. Thinking she'd used most of the immigration materials she'd need, I mistakenly brought the Xrays from her medical with me. Dumb mistake, as when the passport arrived in WH, it specifically noted you have to have those in hand when going thru immigration in the US. So I've had to fedex them back, to the tune of $180!!!! Expensive lesson learned. So we're really just about there - she'll be here in a week! Couple of final questions for you "old hands." How long after she arrives does it typically take to get the green card? (Assuming it comes by mail?) She's anxious to start looking for work already! And anyone know how long it usually takes to get a SSN Card from the time of application? Likewise, she's hot to get a driver's license and car, but we're told you need an SSN to apply for a license? And lastly, I think that once upon a time, when you immigrated, they asked you if you wanted to make any changes to your name (i.e. adopt a more western sounding name)? Is that an old wive's tale, or true? And if true, anyone know when they do it and how it works? Thanks so much for all the advice - this forum - and its members, have been a lifesaver. The missus and I have discussed that as soon as she gets her first paycheck, we're definitely making a donation. This board's an amazing resource for so many, and definitely saved us time, trouble, money and heartache. And, undoubtedly, we'll be back. Still have to go from conditional to permanent resident status in a couple of years... and know she'll eventually want to try to have her Mom come join us. Thanks again, Charlie

The missus has her interview tomorrow - keep your fingers crossed for us!! Question... I'm assuming that I'm not allowed to go with her beyond document do off... is that correct? Assuming yes, any advice on how to kill the nerve wracking hours while I wait? Is there a Starbucks or anything nearby? Thanks

Wife's appointment is on the 27th. Feel like we're in pretty good shape and have everything just about lined up, but in reading back through all the threads here to ensure we've crossed our t's and dotted our i's i noticed something... It seems like the vast majority of people have co-sponsors on the I-864. Is that an unofficial requirement or something? I'm now living stateside (DCF'd but since then have taken a job back in the US), fully employed and make a salary that far exceeds poverty guidelines. Based on my tax returns and current salary (pay stubs + letter of employment as proof), I can adequately support her without issue. As such, I had no plan of getting any sort of co-sponsor. But again, after reading through everything, I'm wondering if that's somethign I should reconsider. Any thoughts or advice on this? Thanks, Charlie

Related question - if I submit transcripts, do I still need supporting W2s?

7:30am report on the 30th. No mention of any other dates/times.

Received our P4 email today. They scheduled the Missus for an interview in GZ on 4/30. Great in theory, but a few hiccups that've generated an all new set of questions... - She's currently stateside visiting me, and had planned to stay through 5.12. Even if we dropped everything and rushed to get her back to China within the next couple of days, she'd have to be there and on the ground no later than Monday in order to get a medical exam completed 2 weeks in advance of the interview date (as required per the packet)... So, question: Is it permissible to request a different appointment date? I'm assuming I'd use the GZ embassy contact form (they didn't link us up at all with USTravelDocs for the appointment itself), explain the situation and ask for something at the end of May. (Appointments are always on Mondays, right?) On a related note, I was intrigued they'd schedule something for 4/30. I'm assuming everything will be closed 5/1 through the balance of the week... seems like a bad week to do the interview no matter what (and travel to/from GZ would be a nightmare)...? - Assuming we can get it rescheduled, she'll plan to do the medical exam in BJ when flying back from the US. I've read other reports from folks who've done the medical in BJ, so I'm assuming there's no downside to doing so. Just wanted to make sure I"m not missing anything. Side note: I feel like in other posts I've seen folks talk about getting the medical in GZ, the day before their interview... but the packet we got states in bold letters that the medical has to be done at least 2 weeks in advance... that new? - I'm pretty fuzzy on what happens AFTER the interview, particularly with the new system. Assuming all goes well with the interview, do they keep her passport and then send it with visa to one of the blessed CITIC locations? I know no two cases are alike, but does anyone have a sense of how long that takes usually (she's not CCP). I'm trying to get a sense of how long we have to actually be in GZ (particularly since I'm now stateside and will be flying back for all this). It almost seems like you do the medical in advance, go to GZ, have the interview, and boom, are outta there to go home and wait for them to contact you and send something to CITIC (assuming everything goes well)... but I'm just clueless if that's actually how it'll roll. As usual, appreciate the advice and experiences of others... this site's a blessing!

It was sent via EMS. I've always been nervous about them sending anything via China Post...

My wife just received her P3 packet on Monday. There was no mention of the new procedures, the new website or any other changes that I could tell from previous posts I've seen on the P3 packet. Maybe it'll rear its head when they receive the package we sent back per their instructions...?

Actually, another question... The OF-169 asks for a Case Number. Nothing we're recieved so far (the NOA2 and this P3) has included a Case Number. Leave blank or am I missing something? Xie xie, Charlie

Received the P3 packet today via snailmail - never got an email. Documentation seems the same as its always been - no reference to the new USTravelDocs system - everything points to the "old" site and old approach. Not sure if that's because we're in the "old" cases that'll be handled the old way, or if it'll be referenced when we hear back in the P4...

Ok. So I'm not sure I ever got an NOA1, then..? What I received from DHS in Beijing said "The visa petition you filed has been approved." It then says that the immigrant who I petitioned on behalf of will be contacted by the GZ embassy. So... was that the NOA2 that I received? Assuming yes, any thoughts on how long before I should receive the P3? Its been a month. I'm hoping they'll email, since China Post doesn't seem to be working out so hot (never got the NOA document by snail mail, only the email)... Appreciate your help in clarifying... Thanks, Charlie

A couple of additional dumb questions (they won't be the last, I'm sure, so apologies in advance): I've looked around, but is there a glossary/timeline somewhere? I'm unclear on the difference between NOA and NOA2... because everyone's case is kinda different, I'm having a hard time finding a good posting that's a comp... I received the notice that our petition had been approved and sent to GZ. That = NOA1, I assume. (For the record, never got the snail mailed copy... just email... Embassy says no biggie, so I'm not especially worried) Waiting for whatever comes next from GZ. The NOA says to allow 2 months... been 1 month and nothing yet. I know its a YMMV thing, but any thoughts on common wait time between NOA1 and whatever comes next? Thanks, Charlie

Thanks. One more questions (yeah, I know... I'm getting ahead of myself, since they haven't even sent NOA2 and the FOrm 169 yet, but I'm excited and looking online and in these forums)... Where the 169 says to bring Marital Status certificates - specifically divorce certificates - does it mean HERS, or MINE? i.e. when she goes, is she supposed to bring copies of my divorce from a previous marriage? Thanks,

Was surprised to wake up this morning to an email from USCIS in Beijing with our NOA attached. It's only been 7 working days since I submitted the I-130 in Beijing!! Anyhow... now my head's spinning, and I have a few immediate questions I'm hoping this group can help with, since I wasn't expecting to hear from them for at least a month. - I'm now stateside and my wife's back in her hometown (Wuhan). Ideally, we'd like to change the address they mail correspondence to (to Wuhan). Any decent way to do that? Can I just message the GZ consulate via the online form? - I'm a little confused on who goes to the interview in GZ once its finally scheduled. Is it immigrant (my wife) only, or am I allowed/supposed to go? I thought I'd previously read that only the immigrant goes... - I keep reading about co-sponsors for affadavits of support. I've just moved back stateside and have a good paying job, well above poverty level. From looking at the I-864, I shouldn't need any kind of co-sponsor, or even need to provide bank info beyond proof of employment and income. That sound about right? - I "front loaded" my I-130 packet with tons of stuff. Do we need to take that to GZ with us, or will they have it all? Thanks, Charlie

So my appointment is this Thursday. Just wanted to do a quick check with the old pros on this list. Here's what I've got: Everything in a big clear binder, with a TOC and each section tabbed to make it easy to get to. Form I-130Form G325A – myself (petitioner)Form G325A – Chinese spouseForm G1145Copies of Passport and Chinese Visa – MeCopies of Passport – SpouseNotorial Translation of Red Books ("White book")Copies of divorce documents (my previous marriage)Explanation of Evolution of Relationship Letter written by myself, explaining how we met, moved in together 5 years ago, etc. Affidavits in support of knowledge of relationship and marriage - six of them, all from US citizensDocuments in support of travel taken together - copies of airline tickets, matching visas for overseas travel, etc (5 years worth)Documents Identifying spouse as beneficiary of financial holdings (i.e. 401k and life insurance policies). Sample correspondence from during course of relationship (roughly 50 emails over past 5 years on a variety of subjects, everything from when we were apart to discussion of things like my son's schooling to invites from friends to parties or the like... essentially was trying to demonstrate how we're a typical relationship)Photos demonstrating ongoing relationship and marriage (roughly 50 photos over past 5 years - holiday travel, with one another's families, some wedding photos, etc)When I go I'll take the originals of our passports and red books. Anything else ya'll would recommend or suggest? Anything I'm missing? I don't have any great documentation like joint lease or utility bills or anything like that because my company paid my rent and utilities. Also - the I-130 checklist from the BJ office noted that all translated documents should have the following statement from the translator: "I hereby certify that I am fluent and competent in both English and Chinese and that I have translated teh attached document from Chinese into English. The translation is true and correct to the best of my knowledge." Signature & ID number. Our "white book" notorial translation of the red books doesn't have that exact phrase, though it does state it to be a true and accurate copy. When we called the translation office, they assured me that what they gave us is exactly what the embassy wants and what they've done zillions of times... but just wanted to see if y'all have any experience/thoughts on that. Appreciate any further advice or tips before heading in this week. Thanks,

I finally got through to them. The phone number perpetually goes to a full voicemail box, but they replied to my email after a few days. I've got an appointment for 2/21, the soonest available date. Thanks!

Yeah, that's actually the email address I originally emailed to and just got an autoreply. Tried faxing this afternoon, so hopefully that'll work... Thanks,

When I emailed the DHS email address - DHSBeijing.CIS@uscis.dhs.gov- , I got a standard form-letter reply telling me to read sites x, y, and z for more info but no response to my request for an appointment. I then tried calling the phone number posted on the site: (10) 85313111. It consistently goes to a voicemail box that's full, so I can't even leave a message. Anyone have a suggestion for how I can make a bloody appointment to turn in my I-130 forms? Not off to a very auspicious start here...

Thanks. And to make an appointment to submit the I-130 I just call/email them as indicated on http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/homeland_security.html#a5 ? Do you have a sense of if this is the kind of thing where it takes weeks to get an appointment, or if I email and say I'd like to come next Tuesday, that'll happen? Want to get a sense of what lead time I'm working with relative to requesting the appointment, getting all the paperwork together, and having it all turned in before I return stateside. Especially with CNY coming up... Thanks,

All, I'm another newbie to this situation needing some practical advice. I've considered retaining an immigration atty, but my concern is they'll always paint a worst-case scenario in order to encourage me to use their services. Quick background: Been living/working in China for 5 years. Met my wife about 5 years ago, have co-habitated for over 4, got engaged a year ago February, and married in December. In October of last year I was downsized by my company here in China. Have been looking for (good paying) work since, but found nothing so I'm planning to accept a position I've been offered back in the states (Georgia) and relocate. And I want my wife to go with me, of course!! She has previously travelled to the US 3 times on a B1 visa, which is currently valid and will remain so through June. So, I have a multitude of questions because of the variables. The biggies are: - From everything I've read, it looks like I should hurry up and submit the I-130 here in Beijing before I return to the US for work. My one concern is filing before I start the new job and showing up as unemployed for my current employment. Since the G-325A just asks for month/year I'm wondering if filing during the same month I'll start back in the US will do the trick. - Alternately, if that doesn't work, could I file in Beijing on a return visit. I'm planning to switch my Z visa to a Spousal visa (as the spouse of a Chinese national). While waiting for all this to settle, she'll have a place here in BJ and I'll be stateside, so I'll be running back and forth between both countries. - As many of you probably know, co-mingling finances or bills here is pretty difficult. Kinda no-such thing as a joint account, joint bills, etc. For the I-130 what is common documentation of joint residence/property/resources that others have successfully submitted or would recommend? We own an apartment in Wuhan, but its all in her name, of course, because of property ownership laws and the difficulty for a foreigner to get a mortgage here. - For afadavits is there any weighting of the types of folks I get them from? Are local business leaders or members of the American Chamber of commerce more valuable than friends or family? Landlady? (Also helps show joint residence I'm thinking?) - Any other advice on good "relevant documentation" to submit with the I-130 to establish ongoing marital union? - I've read others talk about documents of financial support, etc... is that to go with the I-130 or for the future interview in GZ? - Related to her having a B1 visa, a couple of folks have suggested that instead of doing the I-130 here, she go to the US on a legit business trip, but then we apply to have her visa status changed from the US with an I-130 and I-485. I'm a little concerned about this route pissing off Uncle Sam, though. Any thoughts or experience with this? - If we submit an I-130, will she lose her B1 visa and be unable to travel to the states for her work? And lastly, assuming we go the I-130 route, filing here before I leave, what's a realistic average time frame to expect from time we file till she can actually come to the US? Is there any avenue for her to come during the interim for visits/vacation, or will I always have to come back to China for us to actually see one another? Appreciate any advice, tips, etc... its all completely overwhelming, especially when combined with impending relocation, new job, etc. Charlie