[Starting to get worried]

Don't bother calling USCIS either, they will refer to the above chart and tell you to call 30 days after the filing date has passed the max processing time shown, to see about the hold-up.

 

dnoblett, I really don't understand what the chart header (processing timeframe) means when they post a date:

 

I-130 Petition for Alien Relative U.S. citizen filing for a spouse, parent, or child under 21 February 26, 2008

 

What does this mean (Processing Timeframe)?

 

Also, how do you know what the Max Processing Time date is?

 

 

Thanks for the help,

 

Haoran

[Starting to get worried]

Hi all,

 

I applied in June the conformation of the receipt of our package (June 13th) and received info from Vermont NOA1. It's been over 4 months.

 

I check the website weekly but no change, not seeing any info on NOA2.

 

Is this timeline out of line? Should I be worried and what can I do?

 

Thanks,

 

Haoran

[Married in China, need to bring bride to US]

Yeah, if you CAN DCF, do that, before you return to the US. It only took us 8.5 months...

 

I am not sure what all has changed in 2.5 years, but you have to have a residence permit (just tourist visa's aren't enough). Others can tell you what else you need to DCF.

 

 

Yeah, I need the residence permit. Right now I only have an F visa. I need to be working here to get the residence permit. I guess if everything fall through this time from the states side I can go back, get a job teaching English (which would give me the residence permit) and file again DCF style

[Evidence of a Bonifide Marriage]

Take what you have and get it organized. Add dates and names of those depicted in photos on the back of the photo. Not sure what kind of phone card you were using, but all the records I've seen from calling card companies, will provide the actual number you dialed. Try contacting the calling card company and requesting a record of your calls.

 

Tape receipts to a full 8 1/2-inch by 11-inch paper, with notations as to what they are for. I recommend not overwheming the reader with too many MSN chat records, but take a snapshot of one or two communications every week. Hopefully spread out over a period of several weeks or months.

 

What about a joint bank account with deposits coming from the US (for her interview part I guess?). While I'm here I can add her to my bank account or she add me to hers. Would this provide any weight?

[Evidence of a Bonifide Marriage]

 

Marriage documents are NOT proof of a bona fide relationship. Think about it. What the government is trying to do is prevent visa fraud where the American citizen and Chinese partner are creating the illusion of a relationship, in exchange for cash and in the end a green card and ticket to the USA. So, what they look for are on-going communicaiton via email, photos together after many visits. Telephone records of many telephone calls that show an on-going thing where you both talk to one another regulary.

 

If you indeed have a real bona fide relationship, getting this together should not be a problem. Still, even in the end, we've had members who have had problems. The more evidence you have, the better. But again, simply providing a certificate of marriage will NOT serve to prove a bona fide relationship.

 

 

Well, phone records are not an option. When I did call her from the states I used a phone card on my cell phone which just shows a local number dialed in the states. Photos too, we have few photos, just because we are not "photo people" I guess. But when we started reading the comments and proceedures on this site and others we started taking photos together. What I do have is a mountian of MSN Chatting records. She has her name on my phone and cable bill at my apartment too. Also, we just took our honeymoon trip to HangZhou last week and called for the records that we stayed there with my passport number and her Citizen number on the receipts. I hope this will be enough.

[Evidence of a Bonifide Marriage]

See definition below:

Gosh, we dated or knew each other one way or another for nearly 2 years before getting married. Living together before marriage was not an option as her family is traditional so we've only had about 6 weeks of living together now. I do have her name on Phone and Cable bills that are addressed to my apartment which shows me as the renter (in China). Would this be sufficiant? Of course we also have the Marriage Document issued by the Government of China. Would that be Evidence of a Bonifide Marriage?

TIA,


Note: Evidence of a Bonifide Marriage
The USCIS now requires that when filing an I-130 for a spouse that you include evidence of a bonifide marriage. They list examples of acceptable evidence as:
1. Documentation showing joint ownership or property; or
2. A lease showing joint tenancy of a common residence; or
3. Documentation showing co-mingling of financialresources; or
4. Birth certificate(s) of child(ren) born to you, thepetitioner, and your spouse together; or
5. Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by third parties havingpersonal knowledge of the bona fides of the maritalrelationship (Each affidavit must contain the full nameand address, date and place of birth of the person makingthe affidavit, his or her relationship to the petitioner of beneficiary, if any, and complete information and details explaining how the person acquired his or her knowledge of your marriage); or
6. Any other relevant documentation to establish that there is an ongoing marital union.

[Married in China, need to bring bride to US]

Start by spending time in the FAQ and read. When you have a specific question, be sure to ask. There is much to learn, so take the time to digest it. Better that you read first though.

 

DavidZ has done an excellent job laying this out. Click the links across the top. Read the menus and submenus.

 

http://www.candleforlove.com/FAQ/Timelines/Ne...Index_New2.html

 

Ok, Thanks ShaQuaNew!!

[Married in China, need to bring bride to US]

Hi all,

 

First, great site!! Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

I've been in China since last year 2006, Feb with a 3 month visit back to the US this year. I'm leaving Shanghai this week and need to start the preparation to bring my wife, who I married a little over a month ago, to the US.

 

Background: We met on the internet in 2005 and have saved all our MSN Chat history. I came to Shanghai last year and have spent nearly everyday together or have spoken on the phone and this year we married. I have a good foundation of Chinese (intermediate speaker) and my wife speaks English. My wife also has a son.

 

So, from my understanding, when I get to the US I should file a I-130 and let it go through to a CR-1. From here I'm confused. I've viewed timelines but still don't know the best way to go to get her here in the US asap and with a strong status (green card?).

 

Also, we want her son to come later so we can have time to get set up before he arrives. What's the best way to go here?

 

Also, while in China I did not work but have very good tax return information prior to going to China. Would that be acceptable?

 

Looking for any help or guidance.

 

Thanks again,

HR