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Many thank you's sir. After we submit the docs, how long does it generally take them to respond with the next step/what is the next step? I know things might be somewhat abnormal because of corona, but the email just says something vague like "we will contact you with the next steps after you have submitted the materials."

Hello, I don't know if I am being thick or if the directions are unclear, but I am not sure what to do next. We filed our i-130 form at Guangzhou USCIS, got approved, were delayed processing because of corona, and were just sent an email with the next steps. It says we have to fill out DS-260, gather materials, and submit them through CITIC bank to the consulate. We now have the DS-260 confirmation form, the IVS cover letter, two passport photos, and a copy of the passport page, and have registered a location for document pick-up (home delivery). Is the location for document pick up just to get documents later? Or are they going to come to our house for us to send our next batch of documents? Or do I just go to the nearest CITIC bank? Do I have to make an appointment with a courier there? Any and all insight is appreciated.

Someone finally responded at Guangzhou and cited this link: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/suspension-of-routine-visa-services.html So they are basically not working on immigrant or non-immigrant visas right now it would seem? Before they just kept talking about presidential proclamations as the reason for not proceeding, despite as noted above them not seeming to apply to spousal visas. Are they blowing smoke to put people off? Anyone got any silver bullets for this or we just stuck until they decide to resume services?

So I've hit a wall here and any help would be appreciated. 1. My approval notice from Guangzhou USCIS did not have a receipt number. Is that normal? Because not having one has really screwed me in terms of finding out where my case is in the process and it seems like they're supposed to provide them 2. Every time I try to use the webform to talk to anyone, I get an email about the Feb 2nd proclamation. 3. I tried calling the Guangzhou USCIS phone menu but I can't reach a human being. I just get menus that repeat information from the website. Does anyone know how to contact a human being there? 4. I tried calling 1-800-375-5283 for the USCIS office stateside. The first woman was very helpful but said she couldn't help me yet because 90 days from the approval notice hadn't elapsed. I called after 90 days and the woman was terrible, refused to help me, and made me register on the USCIS site https://myaccount.uscis.gov/. I submitted a webform query using this website. They gave me a notice saying they called my Chinese number to reply and apparently didn't reach me and suggested I contact the phone line that made me register for the site. 5. I realize that Trump has banned immigration but it seems like this excludes spousal immigration. Is there a way to talk to a human being on the phone? Emails and web forms have gotten me no where and I believe my case is sitting somewhere because of the corona virus.

Ok, so actually according to the seemingly auto-generated emails I've been getting to my inquiries, the proclamation does apply to my wife in a broad sense: Thank you for your email. As of February 3, 2020, regular visa services at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and the U.S. Consulates General in Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenyang are suspended. Due to the ongoing situation relating to the novel coronavirus, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates have very limited staffing. Intending applicants should note that on Sunday, February 2, a Presidential Proclamation was issued that suspended entry for individuals who have been in China less than 14 days prior to their arrival in the U.S. More information about the Proclamation can be found on our website here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/Presidential-Proclamation-Coronavirus.html. Updates on the status of the proclamation will be posted on our website: https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/. Once the proclamation is lifted, please contact us regarding your case via our webform: https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/visas/immigrant-visas/contact-us/immigrant-visa-unit-question/. We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible, but we are unable to provide a specific date at this time. If during this period you have an urgent need to travel, and you believe you may qualify for an exemption under the proclamation, please submit your request via our webform: https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/visas/immigrant-visas/contact-us/immigrant-visa-unit-question/. It seems as if they're not processing anything until the proclamation is lifted? True or not true? Is this just an auto-message to keep people from bothering them?

That is awesome news, thank you very much for telling me that

Another topic in section kind of covered this, but I am still unsure and would love input from anyone who has gone through the process or is going the process. 1. I filed my wife's I-130 form at the Guangzhou USCIS Dec. 20th, 2019, and then got an Approval Notice Jan. 21,2020. 2. The approval notice said that it would be forwarded to the consular section at the Department of State. I contacted them and they said they haven't received paperwork from the Guangzhou USCIS yet. I copy and pasted their response below "Dear petitioner, Thank you for your email. Please note that we have yet to receive your case file from the USCIS of Guangzhou. As of February 3, 2020, regular visa services at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and the U.S. Consulates General in Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenyang are suspended. Due to the ongoing situation relating to the novel coronavirus, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates have very limited staffing. Intending applicants should note that on Sunday, February 2, a Presidential Proclamation was issued that suspended entry for individuals who have been in China less than 14 days prior to their arrival in the U.S. More information about the Proclamation can be found on our website here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/Presidential-Proclamation-Coronavirus.html. Updates on the status of the proclamation will be posted on our website: https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/. Once the proclamation is lifted, please contact us regarding your case via our webform: https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/visas/immigrant-visas/contact-us/immigrant-visa-unit-question/. Sincerely, Immigrant Visa Unit U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou" 3. So am I screwed until the presidential proclamation is lifted? Does anyone think that is going to happen soon? It seems like the US is a shit show right now. The Guangzhou USCIS site says things are going to be processed by the DOS? I am quite confused and would appreciate any insight.