jimncherry

Thanks Roger and Hongxia, You helped us through this. Much appreciation...I can finally get some sleep tonight..... JimnCherry

WOW...YIPEE...YAHOO.... OK, here is how it went.... Rob and Nate, sorry Cherry was asked more questions...Cherry was so excited in telling me that she got "Pink" that she thought I said something else so here goes the interview process. As they waited that dreadful wait upstairs, she was finally called to window number 25 at 11:15 am. A beautiful caucasion woman with long blonde hair and large eyes (her description) introduce herself in Chinese and ask for her passport. Cherry handed it to her and she asked if Cherry spoke English. She said Yes and smiles. VO smiles back. VO's questions; 1. When and where did you meet your fiancee. 2. Which website? 3. When did you get a divorce? 4. Do you have any kids? 5. Does your fiancee have any kids? 6. Were you married before? 7. Why do you want to go to the US? (as she told VO she will be going over to get married to me and then go to school to understand useful english and work for fiancee's company. The VO then said that your English is very good. 8. Can I see some pictures? Wow, you went everywhere. 9. She then gave her a list of the "Kitchen sink". Thank you Handed her the pictures back and smiled and gave her the "Pink". Congratulations... Total time: 3 minutes. So here's the scoop on the VO that interviewed my La poa. When she described the lady to Mr Yang, he admired my La poa very much. He said that VO is a terrible lady and normally doesn't pass people. He hears too many people have problems with her. Mr Yang gave praise to her. Is this the famous VO we hear so much about. The lady with the bad news. There was approximately 200 people there, today. Must be summer season and lot's of students. She said people staying at Mr Yangs received "Pinks" today. There are ladies there at Mr Yangs that have been waiting since 29th of May to get their Visa's and passport at the Postal center. One did receive theirs today. 14 days.... So the wait goes on...My fiancee is going to wait it out until she has that visa stamp in her hands... By the way Nate, Cherry is staying at Mr Yangs tonight and is staying in the room that your Wenju was staying. More later....... Thank you CFL family and friends........My best wishes to the rest of you....Get that "Pink"...looks like they have loosened up with those "PINK". Go get the "PINK" Aicecream. It's your turn. JimnCherry

Gokouun o inorimasu. Good luck.

They are having extra security measures for the Olympics. This happens in any country that the Olympics are being held at. Because of terroist activities in other Olympics. Just to be safe, always carry your passport with you a all times.

Prohibited and Restricted Items (05/08/2008) Absinthe (Alcohol) Automobiles Biologicals Ceramic Tableware Cultural Artifacts and Cultural Property (Art/Artifacts) Dog and Cat Fur Drug Paraphernalia Firearms Fish and Wildlife Food Products (Prepared) Fruits and Vegetables Game and Hunting Trophies Gold Meats, Livestock, and Poultry Medication Merchandise from Embargoed Countries Pets Plants and Seeds Soil Textiles and Clothing Trademarked and Copyrighted Articles CBP has been entrusted with enforcing some 400 laws for 40 other government agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These other agencies have a need to know what people bring into the United States, but they are not always at ports of entry, guarding our borders. CBP officers are always at ports of entry¡ªtheir primary mission is to safeguard America¡¯s borders. The products we need to prevent from entering the United States are those that would injure community health, public safety, American workers, children, or domestic plant and animal life, or those that would defeat our national political interests. Sometimes the products that cause injury, or have the potential to do so, may seem fairly innocent. But, as you will see from the material that follows, appearances can be deceiving. Before you leave for your trip abroad, you might want to talk to CBP about the items you plan to bring back to be sure they¡¯re not prohibited or restricted. Prohibited means the item is forbidden by law to enter the United States. Examples of prohibited items are dangerous toys, cars that don¡¯t protect their occupants in a crash, or illegal substances like absinthe and Rohypnol. Restricted means that special licenses or permits are required from a federal agency before the item is allowed to enter the United States. Examples of restricted items include firearms and certain fruits, vegetables, pets, and textiles. back to top Absinthe (Alcohol) CBP's responsibility to control the importation of distilled spirits, including absinthe, is subject to regulations of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) (See 19 CFR Part 11.7). TTB permits, subject to certain content and labeling (Certificate of Label Approval (COLA)) restrictions, the importation of distilled spirits being marketed as "absinthe." Commercial importations - Certain importations of distilled spirits called ¡°absinthe¡± containing a minimal amount of the ingredient thujone (the thujone level must be less than 10 parts per million) may be permitted, if the brands have been tested according to FDA standards and their labels approved by TTB. Commercial importers must produce both an Importer¡¯s Basic Permit and a Certificate of Label Approval (COLA) issued by TTB demonstrating label and thujone content approval. Any commercial importations of distilled spirits declared or believed to be absinthe which do not have a Certificate of Label Approval (COLA) approved by TTB cannot be imported, unless the entry is submission of a sample (presented with an Importer¡¯s Basic Permit) to the Beverage Alcohol Laboratory for testing and approval purposes. ( Department of the Treasury ) Returning Passengers should be aware that, in addition to compliance with the general rules governing importations of alcohol for personal use, passengers must comply with the following requirements for importing distilled spirits labeled as absinthe for personal use: Only the brands of absinthe that have received TTB approval will be permitted entry. Absinthe imported for personal use that bears an unapproved label will be denied entry. Travelers planning in advance to return with absinthe for personal use should consult TTB in order to determine which brands of absinthe have been tested and approved for importation. Questions regarding brands of absinthe approved for importation and the labeling and thujone limit requirements should be addressed to TTB at (202) 927-5000 or ttbquestions@ttb.treas.gov. Please note that TTB does not maintain a ¡°list¡± of approved absinthe labels; rather, the public can search the publicly available COLA registry. ( Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau ) For basic requirements regarding the importation of alcoholic beverages, see generally the Informed Compliance Publication titled "Classification and Entry Requirements of Alcoholic Beverages and Spirits." ( Classification and Entry Requirements of Alcoholic Beverages and Spirits (pdf - 144 KB.) ) back to top Automobiles Automobiles imported into the United States must meet the fuel-emission requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the safety, bumper, and theft-prevention standards of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Trying to import a car that doesn¡¯t meet all the requirements can be a frustrating experience for the following reasons. (See the CBP brochure, Importing a Car) Almost all cars, vans, sport utility vehicles, and so on that are bought in foreign countries must be modified to meet American standards. Passenger vehicles that are imported on the condition that they be modified must be exported or destroyed if they are not modified acceptably. Also under these circumstances, the vehicle could require a bond upon entry until the conditions for admission have been met. And even if the car does meet all federal standards, it might be subject to additional EPA requirements, depending on what countries it was driven in. You are strongly encouraged to contact EPA and DOT before importing a car. Information on importing vehicles can be obtained from visiting the Environmental Protection Agency web site at www.epa.gov ( Environmental Protection Agency ) , or by writing to Attn.: 6405J, Washington, DC 20460, or by telephone at (202) 564-9240 for EPA forms (202) 564-9660. You may also contact the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (NEF 32) NHTSA, Washington, DC 20590, by telephone at (800) 424-9393, or by visiting the DOT web site at www.nhtsa.dot.gov ( NHTSA ) . Copies of the brochure Importing or Exporting a Car can be obtained by writing to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, P.O. Box 7407, Washington, DC 20044; or visiting the CBP web site at www.cbp.gov. The EPA Automotive Imports Fact Manual can be obtained by writing to the Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC 20460; or by visiting www.epa.gov ( Environmental Protection Agency ) . Cars being brought into the United States temporarily (for less than one year) are exempt from these restrictions. It is illegal to bring a vehicle into the United States and sell it if it was not formally entered on a CBP Form 7501. back to top Biologicals You may need a U.S. Department of Agriculture permit to import biological specimens including bacterial cultures, culture medium, excretions, fungi, arthropods, mollusks, tissues of livestock, birds, plants, viruses, vectors for research, biological or pharmaceutical use. Permit requirements are located under ¡°Permits¡± on the USDA Website at www.aphis.usda.gov ( USDA ) . For some permits you may have to contact the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov ( Centers for Disease Control ) . back to top Ceramic Tableware Although ceramic tableware is not prohibited or restricted, you should know that such tableware made in foreign countries may contain dangerous levels of lead in the glaze, which can seep into foods and beverages. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that if you buy ceramic tableware abroad¡ªespecially in Mexico, China, Hong Kong, or India¡ªyou have it tested for lead release when you return, or use it for decorative purposes only. back to top Cultural Artifacts and Cultural Property (Art/Artifacts) Most countries have laws that protect their cultural property: art/artifacts/antiquities; archaeological and ethnological material are also terms that are used. Such laws include export controls and/or national ownership of cultural property. Even if purchased from a business in the country of origin or in another country, legal ownership of such artifacts may be in question if brought into the United States. Therefore, although they do not necessarily confer owner ship, you must have documents such as export permits and receipts when importing such items into the United States. While foreign laws may not be enforceable in the United States, they can cause certain U.S. laws to be invoked. For example, under the U.S. National Stolen Property Act, one cannot have legal title to art/artifacts/antiquities that were stolen¡ªno matter how many times such items may have changed hands. Articles of stolen cultural property from museums or from religious or secular public monuments originating in any of the countries party to the 1970 UNESCO Convention specifically may not be imported into the United States. U.S. law may also restrict the importation of specific categories of art/artifacts/antiquities. For example, U.S. laws restrict the importation of: 1) Any pre Columbian monumental and architectural sculpture and murals from Central and South American countries; 2) Native American artifacts from Canada; Mayan pre Columbian archaeological objects from Guatemala; pre Columbian archaeological objects from El Salvador and Peru; archaeological objects like terracotta statues) from Mali; Colonial period objects such as paintings and ritual objects from Peru; 3) Byzantine period ritual and ecclesiastic objects such as icons from Cyprus; and 4) Khmer stone archaeological sculpture from Cambodia. Importation of items such as those listed above is permitted only when an export permit issued by the country of origin, where such items were first found accompanies them. Purveyors of such items have been known to offer phony export certificates. As additional U.S. import restrictions may be imposed in response to requests from other countries, it is wise for prospective purchasers to visit the State Department cultural property web site. This web site also has images representative of the categories of cultural property for which there are specific U.S. import restrictions. Merchandise determined to be Iraqi cultural property or other items of archaeological, historical, cultural, rare scientific and religious importance illegally removed from the Iraq National Museum, the National Library and other locations in Iraq, since August 6, 1990, are also prohibited from importation. back to top Dog and Cat Fur It is illegal in the United States to import, export, distribute, transport, manufacture, or sell products containing dog or cat fur in the United States. As of November 9, 2000, the Dog and Cat Protection Act of 2000 calls for the seizure and forfeiture of each item containing dog or cat fur. The Act provides that any person who violates any provision may be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for each separate knowing and intentional violation, $5,000 for each separate gross negligent violation, or $3,000 for each separate negligent violation. back to top Drug Paraphernalia It is illegal to bring drug paraphernalia into the United States unless they have been prescribed for authentic medical conditions such as diabetes. CBP will seize any illegal drug paraphernalia. Law prohibits the importation, exportation, manufacture, sale, or transportation of drug paraphernalia. If you are convicted of any of these offenses, you will be subject to fines and imprisonment. back to top Firearms The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regulates and restricts firearms and ammunition; and approves all import transactions involving weapons and ammunition. If you want to import or export weapons or ammunition, you must do so through a licensed importer, dealer, or manufacturer. Also, if the National Firearms Act prohibits certain weapons, ammunition, or similar devices from coming into the country, you will not be able to import them unless the ATF provides you with written authorization to do so. You do not need an ATF permit if you can demonstrate that you are returning with the same firearms or ammunition that you took out of the United States. To prevent problems when returning, you should register your firearms and related equipment by taking them to any CBP office before you leave the United States. The CBP officer will register them on the same CBP Form-4457 used to register cameras or computers. (See the section on Register Items Before You Leave the United States). For further information about importing weapons, contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC 20226; or call (202) 927-8320; or visit www.atf.gov ( Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives ) . Many countries will not allow you to enter with a firearm even if you are only traveling through the country on the way to your final destination. If you plan to take your firearms or ammunition to another country, you should contact officials at that country¡¯s embassy to learn about its regulations. back to top Fish and Wildlife Certain fish and wildlife, and products made from them are subject to import and export restrictions, prohibitions, permits or certificates, and quarantine requirements. We recommend that you contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before you depart if you plan to import or export any of the following: Wild birds, land or marine mammals, reptiles, fish, shellfish, mollusks, or invertebrates. Any part or product of the above, such as skins, tusks, bone, feathers, or eggs. Products or articles manufactured from wildlife or fish. Endangered species of wildlife, and products made from them, generally may not be imported or exported. You will need a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to import virtually all types of ivory, unless it is from a warthog. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has so many restrictions and prohibitions on various kinds of ivory¡ªAsian elephant, African elephant, whale, rhinoceros, seal, pre-Endangered Species Act, post-CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), and many others¡ªthat they urge you to contact them before you even think of acquiring ivory in a foreign country. You may contact them at (800) 358-2104. You may import an object made of ivory if it is an antique. To be an antique the ivory must be at least 100 years old. You will need documentation that authenticates the age of the ivory. You may import other antiques containing wildlife parts with the same condition, but they must be accompanied by documentation proving they are at least 100 years old. Certain other requirements for antiques may apply. If you plan to buy such things as tortoiseshell jewelry, or articles made from whalebone, ivory, skins, or fur, contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Law Enforcement, P.O. Box 3247, Arlington, VA 22203-3247, or call (800) 358-2104 or visit www.fws.gov ( U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ) . Hunters can get information on the limitations for importing and exporting migratory game birds from this office as well. Ask for their pamphlet, Facts About Federal Wildlife Laws. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has designated specific ports of entry to handle fish and wildlife entries. If you plan to import anything discussed in this section, please contact CBP. CBP will tell you about designated ports and send you the brochure Pets and Wildlife, which describes the regulations CBP enforces for all agencies that oversee the importation of animals. Some states have fish and wildlife laws and regulations that are stricter than federal laws and regulations. If you are returning to such a state, be aware that the stricter state laws and regulations have priority. Similarly, the federal government does not allow you to import wild animals into the United States that were taken, killed, sold, possessed, or exported from another country if any of these acts violated foreign laws. back to top Food Products (Prepared) You may bring bakery items and certain cheeses into the United States. The APHIS web site features a Travelers Tips section and Game and Hunting Trophies section that offers extensive information about bringing food and other products into the country. Many prepared foods are admissible. However, almost anything containing meat products, such as bouillon, soup mixes, etc., is not admissible. As a general rule, condiments, vinegars, oils, packaged spices, honey, coffee and tea are admissible. Because rice can often harbor insects, it is best to avoid bringing it into the United States. Some imported foods are also subject to requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Prior Notice for Food Importation The Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (Bioterrorism Act or BTA), Public Law 107-188, established the requirement that food items, imported (or offered for import) for commercial use, including hand-carried quantities, be properly reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prior to arrival of those items in the United States. The FDA prior notification timeframes (by transport mode) are two hours by land, four hours by rail or air, eight hours by vessel and prior to the ¡°time of mailing¡± for international mail. Food that was made by an individual in his/her personal residence, or food purchased by an individual from a vendor that is sent by that individual as a personal gift (for non-business reasons) to someone in the United States is not subject to BTA requirements. However, food that is sent to an individual in the U.S. by a business is subject to special requirements of the Food and Drug Administration. For instance, if you go to a food shop in England and buy a gift basket, then take it to the post office or a courier service to send to a friend, the shipment is not subject to BTA requirements. But if you go to that same shop and ask them to send the gift basket for you, the shipment is subject to BTA requirements, and the vendor will have to file Prior Notice. Many travelers are finding that vendors will not ship food directly to U.S. residents because the reporting requirements can be time-consuming to complete. In general, failure to provide complete, timely and accurate prior notice for BTA regulated items, can result in refusal of admission of the merchandise, movement of the goods to an FDA registered facility (at importer expense) and/or civil monetary penalty liabilities for any party that was involved in the import transaction. For full details regarding the latest FDA BTA requirements, including those food items exempt from these requirements, access the FDA Website at www.fda.gov/oc/bioterrorism/bioact.html ( The Bioterrorism Act of 2002 ) . back to top Fruits and Vegetables Bringing fruits and vegetables can be complicated. For instance, consider the apple you bought in the foreign airport just before boarding and then did not eat? Whether or not CBP will allow the apple into the United States depends on where you got it and where you are going after you arrive in the United States. The same would be true for those magnificent Mediterranean tomatoes. Fresh fruits and vegetables can carry plant pests or diseases into the United States. One good example of problems imported fruits and vegetables can cause is the Mediterranean fruit fly outbreak during the 1980s, The outbreak cost the state of California and the Federal Government approximately $100 million to get rid of this pest. The cause of the outbreak was one traveler who brought home one contaminated piece of fruit. It is best not to bring fresh fruits or vegetables into the United States. However, if you plan to, contact either CBP or check the Travelers Information section on the USDA-APHIS web site ( APHIS ) for a general approved list on items that need a permit. back to top Game and Hunting Trophies If you plan to import game or a hunting trophy, please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before you leave at (800) 358-2104. Currently, 14 ports of entry are designated to handle game and trophies; other ports must get approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to clear your entry. Depending on the species you bring back, you might need a permit from the country where the animal was harvested. Regardless of the species, you are required to fill out a Fish and Wildlife Form 3-177, Declaration for Importation or Exportation. Trophies may also be subject to inspection by CBP for sanitary purposes. General guidelines for importing trophies can be found on APHIS Website under the APHIS Import Authorization System (IAS) ; ( Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service ) or by writing to USDA, APHIS, VS, NCIE Products Program, 4700 River Road, Unit 40, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231; or by calling 301.734.3277. Also, federal regulations do not allow the importation of any species into a state with fish or wildlife laws that are more restrictive than federal laws. If foreign laws were violated in the taking, sale, possession, or export to the United States of wild animals, those animals will not be allowed entry into the United States. Warning: There are many regulations, enforced by various agencies, governing the importation of animals and animal parts. Failure to comply with them could result in time-consuming delays in clearing your trophy through CBP. You should always call for guidance before you depart. back to top Gold Gold coins, medals, and bullion, formerly prohibited, may be brought into the United States. However, under regulations administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, such items originating in or brought from Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Serbia, and Sudan are prohibited entry. Copies of gold coins are prohibited if not properly marked by country of issuance. back to top Meats, Livestock, and Poultry The regulations governing meat and meat products are very strict. You may not import fresh, dried, or canned meats or meat products from most foreign countries into the United States. Also, you may not import food products that have been prepared with meat. The regulations on importing meat and meat products change frequently because they are based on disease outbreaks in different areas of the world. APHIS, which regulates meats and meat products as well as fruits and vegetables, invites you to contact them for more information on importing meats. You may write to USDA-APHIS Veterinary Services National Center for Import/Export (NCIE), 4700 River Road, Unit 40, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231; or call (301) 734-7830. back to top Medication Rule of thumb: When you go abroad, take the medicines you will need, no more, no less. Narcotics and certain other drugs with a high potential for abuse¡ªRohypnol, GHB, and Fen-Phen, to name a few ¡ª may not be brought into the United States, and there are severe penalties for trying to do so. If you need medicines that contain potentially addictive drugs or narcotics (e.g., some cough medicines, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, antidepressants, or stimulants), do the following: Declare all drugs, medicinals, and similar products to the appropriate CBP official. Carry such substances in their original containers. Carry only the quantity of such substances that a person with that condition (e.g., chronic pain) would normally carry for his/her personal use. Carry a prescription or written statement from your physician that the substances are being used under a doctor's supervision and that they are necessary for your physical well being while traveling. U.S. residents entering the United States at international land borders, who are carrying a validly obtained controlled substance (other than narcotics such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or LSD), are subject to certain additional requirements. If a U.S. resident wants to bring in a controlled substance (other than narcotics such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or LSD) but does not have a prescription for the substance issued by a U.S.-licensed practitioner (e.g., physician, dentist, etc.) who is registered with, and authorized by, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to prescribe the medication, the individual may not import more than 50 dosage units of the medication into the United States. If the U.S. resident has a prescription for the controlled substance issued by a DEA registrant, more than 50 dosage units may be imported by that person, provided all other legal requirements are met. Please note that only medications that can be legally prescribed in the United States may be imported for personal use. Be aware that possession of certain substances may also violate state laws. As a general rule, the FDA does not allow the importation of prescription drugs that were purchased outside the United States. Please see their Website for information about the enforcement policy for personal use quantities. Warning: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prohibits the importation, by mail or in person, of fraudulent prescription and nonprescription drugs and medical devices. These include unorthodox ¡°cures¡± for such medical conditions as cancer, AIDS, arthritis, or multiple sclerosis. Although such drugs or devices may be legal elsewhere, if the FDA has not approved them for use in the United States, they may not legally enter the country and will be confiscated, even if they were obtained under a foreign physician¡¯s prescription. For specifics about importing controlled substances, call (202) 307-9932. For additional information about traveling with medication, contact your nearest FDA office or write to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Division of Import Operations and Policy, Room 12-8 (HFC-170), 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857. back to top Merchandise from Embargoed Countries Generally, you may not bring in any goods from the following (if not followed by an asterisk or where specified that the embargo only applies to diamonds): Cuba, Iran*, Iraq*, Serbia and Montenegro*, North Korea*, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Liberia and Sierra Leone (diamonds only) and Sudan. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of Treasury enforces this ban. *The embargo on Iranian goods has been revised to allow the importation of food stuffs intended for human consumption, carpets and other textile floor coverings. Please check with your local port for further details. * Only certain Iraqi cultural property or other items of archaeological, historical/cultural, rare scientific and religious importance illegally removed from the Iraq National Museum, the National Library and other locations in Iraq is prohibited. *There is a general lifting of the embargo on Serbia and Montenegro (exception relates to certain ¡°Specially Designated Nationals¡± and ¡°Blocked Persons¡± involving transactions prior to January 19, 2000. For more information visit OFAC web site at http://www.treas.gov/offices/eotffc/ofac/ ( Office of Foreign Assets Control ) . *The importation of merchandise from North Korea requires a letter of approval issued by the OFAC. You may, however, may bring in information and informational materials¡ªbooks, magazines, films, posters, photographs, microfilms, tapes, CDs, records, works of art, etc. Blank tapes and blank CDs are not informational materials. If you want to import merchandise from any of these countries, you will first need a specific license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control. Such licenses are rarely granted. There are strictly enforced restrictions on travel to these countries. Therefore, before making plans to visit any of the countries on this list, you should write to the Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the Treasury, Washington, DC 20220, or visit their web site at www.treas.gov/ofac ( Office of Foreign Assets Control ) . back to top Pets If you plan to take your pet abroad or import one on your return, please get a copy of the CBP brochure Pets and Wildlife. You should also check with state, county, and local authorities to learn if their restrictions and prohibitions on pets are stricter than federal requirements. Importing animals is closely regulated for public health reasons and also for the well being of the animals. There are restrictions and prohibitions on bringing many species into the United States. Cats must be free of evidence of diseases communicable to humans when they are examined at the port of entry. If the cat does not seem to be in good health, the owner may have to pay for an additional examination by a licensed veterinarian. As a rule, both cats and dogs must be free of fleas and ticks, and have a health certificate that was issued by the country of residence. Dogs must also be free of evidence of diseases that could be communicable to humans. Puppies must be confined at a place of the owner¡¯s choosing, which can be a private residence, until they are three months old and then they must be vaccinated against rabies. The puppy will then have to stay in confinement for another 30 days following the vaccination. Dogs older than three months must get a rabies vaccination at least 30 days before they come to the United States and must be accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination certificate if coming from a country that is not rabies-free. This certificate should identify the dog, show the date of vaccination, the date it expires (there are one-year and three-year vaccinations), and be signed by a licensed veterinarian. If the certificate does not have an expiration date, CBP will accept it as long as the dog was vaccinated 12 months or less before coming to the United States. Dogs coming from rabies free countries do not have to be vaccinated. Birds may be imported as pets as long as you comply with APHIS and U.S. Fish and Wildlife requirements. These requirements may include quarantining the birds at one of the three APHIS' Animal Import Centers at your expense. You must make advance reservations at the quarantine facility. If you intend to import a bird, call APHIS¡¯ National Center for Import and Export at (301) 734-8364 for more information. In any case, birds may only be imported through ports of entry where a USDA port veterinarian is on duty; and you must make arrangements in advance to have the bird examined by a USDA port veterinarian at the first U.S. port of entry. There is a minimum user fee for this service of $23.00 based on an hourly rate of $76/hour. For more information, contact the USDA, APHIS, Veterinary Services, National Center for Import and Export (NCIE), 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737; call (301) 734-8364; or visit the APHIS web site at www.aphis.usda.gov/travel/pets.html ( APHIS Travel Web (Pets) ) . Other common pets such as rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs may be imported if they are in good health. The importation of reptiles and invertebrates is restricted, please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for additional guidance. Most species of snails are not admissible. Contact APHIS for additional information. back to top Plants and Seeds Some plants, cuttings, seeds that are capable of propagation, unprocessed plant products, and certain endangered species are allowed into the United States but require import permits; some are prohibited entirely. Threatened or endangered species that are permitted must have export permits from the country of origin. Every single plant or plant product including handicraft items made with straw, must be declared to the CBP officer and must be presented for CBP inspection, no matter how free of pests it appears to be. For information write to USDA-APHIS-PPQ, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737; call (301) 734-8645; or visit the APHIS web site at ( APHIS Plant Import ) . back to top Soil Soil is considered the loose surface material of the earth in which plants, trees, and scrubs grow. In most cases, the soil consists of disintegrated rock with an admixture of organic material and soluble salts. Soil is prohibited entry unless accompanied by an import permit. Soil must be declared and the permit must be verified. back to top Textiles and Clothing In general, there is no limit to how much fabric and clothing you can bring back as long as it is for your personal use or as gifts. If you have exceeded your personal exemption, you may have to pay duty on the items Unaccompanied personal shipments (packages that are mailed or shipped), however, may be subject to limitations on amount. On January 1, 2005, quotas for all countries that are part of the World Trade Organization (WTO) will be eliminated. There are still some countries, like Vietnam, that are not part of the WTO that have quotas in place for commercial shipments. These countries may require an additional document called a ¡°visa¡± accompany the shipment. China could have limits on particular garments called ¡°safeguards.¡± It is recommended that you contact a CBP import specialist in your area or at the port where you plan to import to determine what countries are subject to quotas and what products from China are subject to safeguards. There may be additional documentation required for textiles from other countries such as the African countries that require a visa to be placed on a commercial invoice in order to get duty-free treatment. There may also be a certificate of eligibility document requirement to get duty-free treatment under many of the free trade agreements that are negotiated between the United States and the foreign government. These are not admissibility documents, but allow you to import your garments duty-free, provided certain conditions are met. back to top Trademarked and Copyrighted Articles CBP enforces laws relating to the protection of trademarks and copyrights. Articles that infringe a federally registered trademark or copyright or copyright protected by the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works are subject to detention and/or seizure. Infringing articles may consist of articles that use a protected right without the authorization of the trademark or copyright owner or articles that copy or simulate a protected right. Articles bearing marks that are counterfeit or inappropriately using a federally registered trademark are subject to seizure and forfeiture.The importation of articles intended for sale or public distribution bearing counterfeit marks may subject an individual to a civil fine if the registered trademark has also been recorded with CBP. Articles bearing marks that are confusingly similar to a CBP recorded registered trademark , and restricted gray market articles (goods bearing genuine marks not intended for U.S. importation for which CBP granted gray market protection) are subject to detention and seizure. However, travelers arriving in the United States may be permitted an exemption and allowed to import one article of each type, which must accompany the person, bearing a counterfeit, confusingly similar or restricted gray market trademark, provided that the article is for personal use and is not for sale. This exemption may be granted not more than once every 30 days. The arriving passenger may retain one article of each type accompanying the person. For example, an arriving person who has three purses, whether each bears a different infringing trademark, or whether all three bear the same infringing trademark, is permitted only one purse. If the article imported under the personal exemption provision is sold within one year after the date of importation, the article or its value is subject to forfeiture. In regard to copyright infringement, articles that are determined by CBP to be clearly piratical of a protected copyright, i.e., unauthorized articles that are substantially similar to a material protected by a copyright, are subject to seizure. A personal use exemption for articles, similar to that described above also applies to copyrighted articles for the personal, non-commercial use of the importer and are not for sale or distribution. You may bring back genuine trademarked and copyrighted articles (subject to duties). Products subject to copyright protection most commonly imported include software on CD-ROMs, sound recordings, toys, stuffed animals, clothing with cartoon characters, videotapes, DVDs, music CDs, and books. Products subject to trademark protection most commonly imported include handbags and accessories, and clothing.

Nate, I bought one of those comfort select beds so that we can select the level of comforts. I personally had to go buy a mattress pad at IKEA in Shanghai so that I could sleep. I remember as a kid I use to sleep on the floor but now I need some comfort. I can vouch for the Comfort Select beds though.

Hey Rob, Glad that she is where she needs to be...home in your arms. Keep us posted in the mile high city. How does she like all the beautiful snow? Have some fun and then get back to telling us more stories. Will miss reading your post. Anyway.....Home Sweet Home. Looking forward to our results on the 12th. Jim n Cherry

CONGRATULATIONS..... now the pressure is off and the both of you can enjoy a new life together....Welcome to U.S.

Rog, Congratulations!!!!!!!!!! Wow, another well prepared CFL family. I wish you and your new family the very best in the US. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Hopefully one day we can all have a re-union for all those CFL people who filed in 2007. We went through alot this past year and having all you out there supporting us have really helped. I would like to host the first re-union here in Portland Oregon, what do you all say to that. I would really like to see you all in person. Jim n Cherry

EOR is your evolution of your relationship. How you met to now. LOI is your intent to marry jimncherry

Well.....I still have this last one to do, plus some miscellaneous stuff to add, so stay tuned. There's a very funny addition to the "why do you love an old(er) man" question that I'll get to in a day or so. :) Congratulations and welcome to the U.S.

tsap seui, I feel for you and your new family. Let me know if you need some help later in the construction field as I have alot of contacts in that arena in Beijing and Shanghai. My partner has just got a contract with a Japanese firm which is investing on a 250 home project. He had also volunteered his time on building new roads since the quake. Giving us more political clout later. I am also planning on purchasing another home when I go back in late July, early August. Yes, flipping houses are a great investment right now in China, just be careful as to who you are dealing with first. There is a scam there too. I purchased a home last year and have already tripled my money. Received a tip about a rail system going in close to the new development area in which I purchased a home. It has skyrocketed since the announcement was made recently..It is who you know. Maybe on my next business trip, we can meet up and take you and your family out to dinner. Treat you to a VIP dining.....Great happiness to you and your new family. Yes, I am planning to retire in Shanghai in the near future. Keep in touch with us.....Jim

Nate, I emailed you back. Gave you my fiancee name and number for your fiancee to call. My fiancee told me that you can get things done in 2-3 days. It is a matter of how you do it and who you know. We were able to get all of ours done in 1 day since all her certificates were expired also. Persistence and alot of patience. They work slow. Aloha my friend, Jim

There IS an EMS label you can print here in the US or China: http://www.usps.com/international/expressm...ternational.htm It is called Express Mail International in the US and available in many countries. Hi, our case is still in NVC for CR1/CR2 , I am hoping next week we can pay $400 for IV fee then go with DS-230. So, USPS is also OK and we need write down the visa applicant name and address in China on the Labels? Pls help me. I checked with EMS in China and was confirmed we can not pay inadvance but pending mail . So, what is purpose for this kind of label? Is GUZ so lazy they do not want to write the Chinese or maybe then can not. Thanks! Lucy This is too make sure that it gets sent to the right location.....and helps expediate the situation. jimncherry

Their Statements Statement on their relationship, each write a separate statement 6. Supporting Statements Statutory Declaration from Sponsors Mom and/or Dad Statutory Declaration from mutual friend Letter from Sponsors Daughter Letter from Sponsors friend Statutory Declaration from Sponsors friend Statement from any family member Statement from her parents agreeing to the marriage Statement from you pastor All to be certified by a notary

quote name='yemmie' date='May 10 2008, 02:27 AM' post='401448'] Question: We are getting ready for the big event in Guangzhou. I have gathered copies of tax returns, bank statements, etc. I'm not worried about my girl having access to these things, but should I black out part of account numbers, my SSN, etc so that other eyes can't see them? I'm thinking the Consulate staff can get that information if they really want it anyway so blacking it out would probably serve no useful purpose, but I'd really like to hear some other opinions on this issue. Thanks to all. Just remember everyone, this is the government. If they really want to use the information you provide, they can get it anyways. The government has our whole history. The information they ask is to verify that your SO is for real. All they want is verification and to match what they already have. Jimncherry

Nate, Did you keep your EMS tracking number. Track it and see when it was delivered and who signed for it. Call them and tell them that you sent them on ? and my tracking shows that ??? signed for it. Can you research this for me...but when you talk to them be nice. A thank you goes a long way with them. jimncherry

Regarding to putting a picture: Go to My controls then to avatar settings, download photo and send. Looking forward to seeing who we are chatting with. jimncherry

That parallels my thoughts and experience. Well said!!! Hey Peter, It's been a while since I seen you back on the site. By the way, Congratulations on your P4. Let's all go get that "Pink". jimncherry

CONGRATULATIONS.......

Nate, You should have got your P4 by now. We just got ours today. We tracked the ems yesterday so we were aware of it's arrival. I believe you sent in your P3 about the same time we did. Looks like Guz is moving along at a faster pace. jimncherry

K-1/K-2 Appointment Packet (¡°Packet 4¡±) Family Composition Sheet (GIV-24) Letter to K1/K2 Applicants Certification of Legal, Capacity and Intent to Marry Supplemental Form GNI-2 Nonimmigrant Fianc¨¦(e) Visa Application (DS-156K) Nonimmigrant Visa Appication (DS-156) (two sets) Nonimmigrant Visa Application for Applicants 16 Years and Older (DS-157) (two sets) Medical Examination Instructions (GIV-8) New Requirement for Nonimmigrant Visa Application Photos Medical Examination Forms (DS-2053, DS-3025, DS-3026, DS-3024) Appointment letter in Chinese Appointment Instructions for Immigrant Visa Applicants (OF-171) Application for Immigrant Visa And Alien Registration (DS-230 part II) Family Composition Sheet (GIV-24) Medical Examination Instructions (GIV-8) Important Notice to Immigrant Visa Applicants Concerning Vaccination Requirements Medical Examination Forms (DS-2053, DS-3025, DS-3026, DS-3024) Requirements for Immigrant Visa Application Photos (GIV-1)

I feel for you my cfl friend. I truly wish our cfl friends could help you somehow. Maybe, we should bombard them with letters and emails to show how much you care for your lil rabbit. You have helped us all with your knowledge, humor, stories, and kindness. You probably know more about the process than most of us in the CFL family. I hope you continue to stay with the CFL family. If I could do anything for you, let us know. I think so many of the cfl family would join in and help to. Continue the fight my friend. I wish you the best and hope that one wish we all want comes your way soon. When that happens, I want to be the first one to say "Congratulations..." jimncherry

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR PINK. MAY THE REST OF YOUR JOURNEY GO SMOOTHLY.....jimncherry

Your notory is correct. They do not notorize copies of your passport. I know because I am a notory for the State of Oregon. We notorize the document you are signing. jimncherry