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Showing results for tags 'I-130 Application'.
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Hi all. My first post here, but have learned a lot browsing the forums, so thought I'd share my experience submitting our I-130 in Guangzhou. A little background on us. I've been here in China 7 years, married for 6. After completing my current employment contract, my wife and I decided to go through the process and move to the USA. Here goes: Because I’m in Hangzhou, I decided to take the sleeper train to Guangzhou. I arrived at 7:30am and quickly jumped in a taxi to the USCIS, which only took about 20 minutes and cost 30rmb. There was a couple long lines outside the building for VISA services. I asked a guard where the USCIS was, and bypassed that line and took the escalators up to the 3rd floor only to find yet another line. Asked about it and was told to continue on up to the 4th floor. Got in a much shorter line there. The USCIS is indeed on the 4th floor, while the website says 5th. After waiting about 30 minutes, I made it through the security checkpoint and looked for where to go. I found that things weren’t labeled or signed, so I had to again ask. To the left in the office there are 3 rows of chairs against the wall. That’s the line. To my dismay, there were about 30 people already waiting, most older Chinese, and about half a dozen foreigners. At 8:30 the first person was called into the “interview room”. It took a LONG time for that person and I started to worry that I wouldn’t be able to put the app in. Most of the business the Chinese people had only took a couple minutes, so the line started moving. I was finally next person at 10:20. I was well prepared and had 2 plastic document holders ready to go. In the first was my entire I-130 application packet, and in the 2nd all of the supporting “original” documents. I put the application in the tray, and after she took it, put both of our passports and marriage books (red books) in the tray. The girl working there was very impressed with how organized everything was and commented to that effect about 10 times. She mentioned that many bring an envelope with loose documents, and it takes a long time to sort through everything. She started looking at my passport copies and I knew what she was looking for. I told her to look at the next item in the packet which was additional copies of my current and previous residence permits. Again she commented on how organized my packet was and mentioned she wished they were all as such. Haha. I was done in less than 10 minutes and sent to pay. I paid with cash (RMB), but they also except USD or credit cards. Once I paid, I went back and handed her the receipt (you just walk into the interview room without waiting), she stamped my copy and I was on my way. My advice: 1. Be PREPARED and organized. It took 10 mins for me while others up to 30mins. 2. Get there early. I was told that they continue to accept apps for those INSIDE the office before 10:30...but I wouldn't risk it. 3. Research everything you need so that you are PREPARED. Haha. I did see 2 applicants turned away. One didn't even have passport photos ready for the g325 forms.
