Hello from Florida! Help me out!!!

[Bparks777]

Hello everyone, I am fairly new to the process to petition for Immigration. I have been cramming my brain with a million different websites presenting information on the K1 fiance process, all of which has been leaving me worried, and fearful.

 

Just to start I will explain my story so far. I am 22, 3 years ago I met a Chinese girl online, (we did not meet on a dating site). We met completely by accident, and it was LITERALLY a 1 in a million chance. We exchanged contact information and we started talking all the time, this was when myspace was still pretty popular. She invited me to Shanghai, to visit her and visit the Shanghai technology expo. I even asked her playfully to be my valentine, because it was close to Valentines Day. I was pretty excited and was researching more info to make this a reality. Shortly after I deleted my MySpace without thinking to take down her contact info I was pretty upset, and figured I lost her forever. I always thought of her, and was always a bit sad when thinking of it.

 

Nearly 2.5 years later I open my Facebook, and She has sent me a friend request! We started talking again insanely. We talked much so about the years we have lost, and I asked her if she was serious about inviting me to the tech expo that built into her inviting me again. This time she invited me for Chinese New Year, I was pumped booked my tickets, got my tourist visa and was on my way. Since when she contacted me again on Facebook, we talked nearly 12 hours a day 7 days a week through different means of electronic communication, she was quickly finding a soft spot in my heart, and I was in hers also.

 

Next thing I know is I am in Shanghai, spending time with a woman that I have found to be the most impressive, intelligent, beautiful, and incredible woman I have ever known. I fell for her like a rock, and as she did for me. I was having a wonderful time until I realized that I would have to leave her, this broke my heart. I spent another couple days roaming Shanghai with her, and all be it young, having very high morals, values, and respect for marriage, I realized that she is the woman that I want to die with. Ever since I have realized this frightening truth, I have been terrified. I have really fallen for this girl, and I realized that I cannot think of a future without her. So after a night of endless passing in my hotel room like a love sick puppy, I asked her to be mine, in other words.... Lets get married.

 

She agreed, but we talked more, and more, and realized that yes this is what we want, but we should be smart about it and do it properly. So we decided that she will continue to finish her Degree (Nursing) which she will finish in December 2012, and we will use this year to properly prepare ourselves for the journey ahead.

 

I returned to the United States with a very painful heart on Jan 31st. We are talking all the time now more than before most likely. I work overnight as a hotel auditor. She is awake while I am awake . Anyway the very night I returned from China I ordered plane tickets for trips to visit her in May, August, December, and I am waiting for availability to open up for February next year... the next Chinese New Year.

 

We both know where we want to take this, I have met her entire family, they all like me, and her mother being protective (I don't blame her) originally had trouble trusting me. But after time of me posting youtube videos of my singing songs to her daughter, and the gifts I have sent she has come to completely support us. I am currently aggressively learning the Chinese language, history, and culture, out of respect for her Country.

 

Our plan is, after visiting her in May, I will return and start a K1 visa petition. I will be employing a Immigration attorney, as well as maybe a k1 organizational 3rd party service. We both are sure as to where we want to take this, we talk legitimately, and seriously about it all the time. We are committed, and although starting the petition in May, I plan on properly proposing to her in August, with a ring, and getting on a knee, I plan on taking her on a nice date, then taking a knee in Shanghai's "Pearl Tower"

 

But I do have worries.

 

1. Financial side

In 2011 I made roughly 140% of the poverty line, for a household of two.

In 2010 I made $1000 less then needed for 125% for two.

In 2009 I made about $500 all together ( it was a very rough year, the pawn shop owned my life)

Many places claim 3 year of income documentation, many claim 1

 

Now as far as money, I have 2 brothers, and 1 sister that all make MORE then enough and are willing to help sponsor all live within 5 miles of me. (we are a close family)

 

As far assets, I am on the title of my condo, have 2 cars (I a mechanic), near $25,000 in

US

savings bonds, 7,000 in the bank, and I have about $200,000 of life insurance on my face just in case I get ground into the pavement by a bus.

 

2. Age

We are young, I am 22 she is 20, we will be 23, 21 when actually getting married.

She will have a degree, and I am working full time at a decent job, and pursuing a degree in international business, and marketing.

 

3. Proof of a bona fide relationship.

1. I

Can

print out all my travel itineraries four in total, before the interview will probably come around

2. Hotel bills

3. Restaurant bills

4. I

can

show that I have added her as the sole beneficiary to my insurance,

5. I

can

show receipts from mailing items to her,

6. Tons of pictures, and video.

7. I paid for her passport, and will pay for all the petition

8. I

can

print out nearly 6,000 pages of Time and date stamped electronic communication from Facebook, and text messages via ipod.

10. By time of interview I

can

show proof of planned weddings ceremonies in both America, and China

11. I have been completely remodeling my Condo to better suit the needs of a married couple, (repainting, new furniture, and making it more than a bachelors pad)

12. Her mother and I both will be in attention at the Guangzhou embassy while she is in her visa consulate interview.

 

I was wondering if you guys think we have a solid case? I am going crazy, I can't sleep, I am lucky if I can get 2-3 hours a day, I can't eat (I have already lost, 15 lb. since returning..... great weight lose plan haha)

 

What do you guys think? Think I could rest my mind a bit?

 

By the way, this is a video I made her. I decided to make a youtube channel to document, and archive the journey we will have together. Hopefully upon completion it can inspire, and help others rest their weary minds. ( I know of improper grammar in video. It was very late, after a very long day.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeSuDZbBqoc&context=C3943734ADOEgsToPDskLR9PUIuM0L4TnY8Ro5wim1

 

Check it out tell me what you think!!!

Edited February 18, 2012 by Bparks777 (see edit history)

[dnoblett]

Welcome to CFL.

 

Sounds like you have a solid plan as to how about going through the process.

 

A few points:

• With proper planning you CAN prepare a visa petition without the use of a lawyer or other service, what the lawyer or service tend to do is ask you all the questions and fill out the forms for you, and hopefully not screw it up. I gave seen many nightmares where the lawyer is not familiar with the unique nature of immigrations from China, and only cause delays.
  
• If you feel you have negative aspects that the consulate may pick at, then perhaps a lawyer would be useful in preparing the petition exposing these negatives and presenting a positive case.
  

Points from what you posted.

 

Bonafide relationship

• Good that you have known each other a while developing a relationship over time. But when building a petition case it is all about document, document, document. Deleting the my space page losing contact is loss of documentation from the beginning. Did your girl friend save anything from the beginning? If she saved anything, then see about getting that from her for inclusion in petition. The longer you know a person and provide documentation of relationship, before filing a petition the better.
  
• When documenting communication, immigrations and consulate can care less about the content, they only need to know frequency, and that share a common language.
  
  • Emails, simply pull one or two samples per month. And provide a log showing dates, and subject lines. Easily done in many email systems. A 6000 page phone book is not needed, just a log.
    
  • Chats, only a log of dates and times, and perhaps a couple screen captures of webcam.
    
  • Phone records, Skype keeps a log on line going back 6 months, simply print them out each month and save.
    

  [*]Document travel. Sounds like you have that covered. K-1 needs evidence that had met in person.

Financials.

• You have it covered, they understand at your age you are just getting started in the workforce so will have low to NO income.
  
  • Current and future income is sufficient.
    
  • Past income shows a positive income growth and stability of income.
    
  • Assets only needed to be used if income is insufficient, need to be things you can liquidate easily and can live without. For example cash in the bank, a second car, not your primary car, a second home, not your primary residence. Assets need to be able to have value documented.
    
  • Affidavit of support is not a part of petition filing, it is provided at the time of visa interview.
    
  • Affidavit of support should include for the consulate in China.
    
    • Past 3 years IRS returns OR IRS transcripts, (Transcripts can be ordered for free, and are preferred)
      
    • Pay stubs going back 6 months prior to interview.
      
    • Letter from employer, Basically, your employer letter should state "To whom it may concern: (first name,last name) has been employed full-time with the XYZ Company since 200_ as a (name of your job), and is an employee in good standing with an
      annual salary of $XXXX. Signed, John Doe, Supervisor (or whatever title)" The letter should be on company letterhead.
      
    • You can include asset info.
      

Things they are not looking for.

• Paying for other person's passport. Nope, that tends to be the beneficiary's responsibility.
  
• Paying for travel, perhaps.
  

When at interview, you will not be allowed to attend, however you can show being there by providing your US passport which she can carry into the interview.

 

Yes a good case, making a couple trips before filing a petition is good.

Get photos together in various places, and especially get a couple with her family, this shows approval of relationship and helps case.

[Amaro]

Welcome to CFL!

 

Your story and mine have some similarities. I was 23 and she was 21 when we first met. We met online on skype when I was on a deployment. I lived in Japan at the time so a quick 6 hour flight landed me on her doorstep.

 

As far as financials go, I made well over the poverty line at the time, but just because I am paranoid I drafted up co-sponsor documents to be on the safe side, it doesn't hurt if you have someone willing to do that.

 

I prepared everything myself, I used the internet, mainly visajourney.com and CFL. The folks on here were very helpful.

 

Now for the tips:

 

You said you booked 3 consecutive flights to go see her. Is it possible for you to go to another location outside of China such as Bali or surrounding countries? My passport was slammed with stamps from different countries, In my mind, it gave my appearance more of a "oh yeah, hes been to other places, maybe he really is ready to get settled down". My wife said the VO spent a good 5-10 minutes looking at my passport.

 

Education: My wife was also attending college in China when I met her. She stopped the program to immigrate. She regrets not finishing her college there before coming here. However I disagree with her. Once she gets educated here, she would be better off. Which leads me to my next topic. From my understanding with state boards and national certifications, the chances of your wife being able to practicing as a RN here even with a degree from china would be slim to none.

 

Many people end up realizing this and end up changing their professions. I know many MD's from India etc, who immigrate here and found out they have to go back to school for 8 years to practice medicine here. I know MD and nurse is a big comparison but its on the same spectrum. Most hospitals and settings are now requiring their nurses to have at least a bachelors degree to be hired. I live in Orlando, and in the medical profession, those are my credentials.

 

Your wife could complete out the program there if desired and then enroll in a program here to be able to take the test for the state and national certification. We didn't even bother translating her transcripts to even try to get a high school diploma. I told her study a little and take the GED and she passed with flying colors. My wife will start college in August and take the path that any college student here would.

 

Either way, whatever path you and your wife wish to choose. Good Luck to the both of you!

[William Lee]

You might not like this, in my opinion, both of you are too young to get marry. Both of you are less than 24. She is only 21. The minuium age in China to get married is 20. For males it's 22. Wait a little longer before getting married. I would suggest waiting 1 to 2 more years especially when there is a big culture difference.

Edited February 18, 2012 by William Lee (see edit history)

[Amaro]

You might not like this, in my opinion, both of you are too young to get marry. Both of you are less than 25. Wait a little longer before getting married. I would suggest waiting 1 to 2 more years especially when there is a big culture difference.

 

I think this advice really depends on the person. I know plenty of 20 year old's that have never stepped a foot outside the city they were raised in, or have never worked a day in their life, or any type of financial responsibility. I blame parenting on this part, that feed into a child's laziness. I know plenty of young adults who are failures at life because there isn't a mentor in their life constantly telling them the correct route to take.

 

In his defense, he seems to have a good head on his shoulders and seems to be goal oriented. In my situation, I felt I needed to rush things because I wanted to enroll my wife into college ASAP so we could both have established careers, prolonging it another 2 or 3 years would only delay the inevitable. If your 100% sure this is what you want, then you have my full support.

 

Anyways I am getting off my soap box. People that don't physically know you should get of their high horse!!

[bergamot]

I agree completely with dnoblett(what a fancy name ), Relax , you will get that visa without spending money on lawyer, if you prepare the paperwork with full attention and with the help from here and VJ and

001-- usa.bbs.net/bbs/01/802625.html (a chinese website, your girlfriend can join it ,it is a very a helpful website for american visa in chinese).I prepared my K1 visa paperwork myself with help from my husband (fiance then) and these websites. Good luck!

P.S. like all others said here, age won't be a problem.

[knloregon]

God, to be that young again! (and so much in love!) What stands out to me----a question that may be superficial, but I'm assuming that her English is very good?

 

Of course, you are both too young-----but why let that stop you? She is disciplined in her career goals (a nursing career---even with much repeated course work in the US to satisfy the US standards) --- is an excellent career choice.

 

And you are very well organized, so I would go with the advice that you don't need the additional expense of an immigration lawyer---BUT! don't let your near swooning enthusiasm for this, most important of life's adventures, keep you from dotting every 'i' and crossing every 't' on the application. Be VERY careful to fill it out PERFECTLY.

[Bparks777]

Thank you everyone for the encouraging words. I am glad that I have found such a responsive, and supportive community! I hope to participate and help others the further I come along on my own processThank you everyone for the encouraging words. I am glad that I have found such a responsive, and supportive community! I hope to participate and help others the further I come along on my own process

[Bparks777]

Welcome to CFL.

 

Sounds like you have a solid plan as to how about going through the process.

 

A few points:

• With proper planning you CAN prepare a visa petition without the use of a lawyer or other service, what the lawyer or service tend to do is ask you all the questions and fill out the forms for you, and hopefully not screw it up. I gave seen many nightmares where the lawyer is not familiar with the unique nature of immigrations from China, and only cause delays.
  
• If you feel you have negative aspects that the consulate may pick at, then perhaps a lawyer would be useful in preparing the petition exposing these negatives and presenting a positive case.
  

Points from what you posted.

 

Bonafide relationship

• Good that you have known each other a while developing a relationship over time. But when building a petition case it is all about document, document, document. Deleting the my space page losing contact is loss of documentation from the beginning. Did your girl friend save anything from the beginning? If she saved anything, then see about getting that from her for inclusion in petition. The longer you know a person and provide documentation of relationship, before filing a petition the better.
  
• When documenting communication, immigrations and consulate can care less about the content, they only need to know frequency, and that share a common language.
  
  • Emails, simply pull one or two samples per month. And provide a log showing dates, and subject lines. Easily done in many email systems. A 6000 page phone book is not needed, just a log.
    
  • Chats, only a log of dates and times, and perhaps a couple screen captures of webcam.
    
  • Phone records, Skype keeps a log on line going back 6 months, simply print them out each month and save.
    

  [*]Document travel. Sounds like you have that covered. K-1 needs evidence that had met in person.

Financials.

• You have it covered, they understand at your age you are just getting started in the workforce so will have low to NO income.
  
  • Current and future income is sufficient.
    
  • Past income shows a positive income growth and stability of income.
    
  • Assets only needed to be used if income is insufficient, need to be things you can liquidate easily and can live without. For example cash in the bank, a second car, not your primary car, a second home, not your primary residence. Assets need to be able to have value documented.
    
  • Affidavit of support is not a part of petition filing, it is provided at the time of visa interview.
    
  • Affidavit of support should include for the consulate in China.
    
    • Past 3 years IRS returns OR IRS transcripts, (Transcripts can be ordered for free, and are preferred)
      
    • Pay stubs going back 6 months prior to interview.
      
    • Letter from employer, Basically, your employer letter should state "To whom it may concern: (first name,last name) has been employed full-time with the XYZ Company since 200_ as a (name of your job), and is an employee in good standing with an
      annual salary of $XXXX. Signed, John Doe, Supervisor (or whatever title)" The letter should be on company letterhead.
      
    • You can include asset info.
      

Things they are not looking for.

• Paying for other person's passport. Nope, that tends to be the beneficiary's responsibility.
  
• Paying for travel, perhaps.
  

When at interview, you will not be allowed to attend, however you can show being there by providing your US passport which she can carry into the interview.

 

Yes a good case, making a couple trips before filing a petition is good.

Get photos together in various places, and especially get a couple with her family, this shows approval of relationship and helps case.

 

Thank you dnoblett for your time! I am aware that I can prepare the documents myself. But I would feel much better cooperating with a lawyer that can help me translate some legal terminology, "Make sure every t is crossed", "Every i is dotted". I have found a attorney service that will handle and participate in the entire length of process, Along with Chinese, and Guangzhou specific experience, its about $1300, the peace of mind alone is worth that. I dont know if I can go an entire year sleeping 2-3 hours a night.

 



As far as income, I will be submitting my finances, and assets, along with co sponsor agreements from two of my brothers. This is just to make sure that no concern can be raised as to her becoming a "federal expense".

I guess I'm just trying to over supply the consulate with information the best way to cure fear is with knowledge.



 

My feelings are "if you could fight off a bear with a baseball bat, it's still be better to bring a military tank".



 

Unfortunately, I have been trying to uncover some evidence of us talking 3 years ago, alas it seems both of our myspace accounts, are long gone. I will keep on trying to find something

, again thanks for your help and tips

[Bparks777]

Welcome to CFL!

 

Your story and mine have some similarities. I was 23 and she was 21 when we first met. We met online on skype when I was on a deployment. I lived in Japan at the time so a quick 6 hour flight landed me on her doorstep.

 

As far as financials go, I made well over the poverty line at the time, but just because I am paranoid I drafted up co-sponsor documents to be on the safe side, it doesn't hurt if you have someone willing to do that.

 

I prepared everything myself, I used the internet, mainly visajourney.com and CFL. The folks on here were very helpful.

 

Now for the tips:

 

You said you booked 3 consecutive flights to go see her. Is it possible for you to go to another location outside of China such as Bali or surrounding countries? My passport was slammed with stamps from different countries, In my mind, it gave my appearance more of a "oh yeah, hes been to other places, maybe he really is ready to get settled down". My wife said the VO spent a good 5-10 minutes looking at my passport.

 

Education: My wife was also attending college in China when I met her. She stopped the program to immigrate. She regrets not finishing her college there before coming here. However I disagree with her. Once she gets educated here, she would be better off. Which leads me to my next topic. From my understanding with state boards and national certifications, the chances of your wife being able to practicing as a RN here even with a degree from china would be slim to none.

 

Many people end up realizing this and end up changing their professions. I know many MD's from India etc, who immigrate here and found out they have to go back to school for 8 years to practice medicine here. I know MD and nurse is a big comparison but its on the same spectrum. Most hospitals and settings are now requiring their nurses to have at least a bachelors degree to be hired. I live in Orlando, and in the medical profession, those are my credentials.

 

Your wife could complete out the program there if desired and then enroll in a program here to be able to take the test for the state and national certification. We didn't even bother translating her transcripts to even try to get a high school diploma. I told her study a little and take the GED and she passed with flying colors. My wife will start college in August and take the path that any college student here would.

 

Either way, whatever path you and your wife wish to choose. Good Luck to the both of you!

Thanks buddy, Im glad to hear cases like mine are not un common. I know we will be of legal marrying age, I was worried about the stigma that people may have. All of my family, and friends got married at 23, all my family has been with there wives for at least 12 years, many of my married friends have kids, and are in wonderful relationships. I am not worried a bit about the longevity of the marriage.

 



As far as being in other countries, my passport is pretty stacked. Although China is my first expedition to Asia, in the last 4 years I have been to.


England, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein, France, Spain, Greece, Italy, Turkey, and Vatican City, I am pretty lucky to have had opportunity to travel, and network around the world. I will be landing in Tokyo, Japan on the way back to the united states, Im sure I could get a stamp just to show!
Think that would suffice as traveled applicant?

[Bparks777]

You might not like this, in my opinion, both of you are too young to get marry. Both of you are less than 24. She is only 21. The minuium age in China to get married is 20. For males it's 22. Wait a little longer before getting married. I would suggest waiting 1 to 2 more years especially when there is a big culture difference.

 

Thanks William Lee.
 I respect your opinion, and I understand your concern, with marriage being taken so lightly now days I understand completely. I have always been very careful in relationships, to not jump the gun. This has been thought out as far as it could be, believe me. My conclusion? Its time, we are ready, and the longer we are separate in different countries, the more and more ties, and obligations we will obtain only making all the harder in the future to separate and pursue aspirations

 

.

But the simple fact is, I will be with this woman. I will get old with her. Wether we are denied the first time or not. If it takes 3 years, 2years a year, a decade whatever the means may be. I am dedicated and true to her, and will take whatever time is needed to make this a reality.

I wasn't worried about us being "too young" legally, I was aware of Chinese legality of marrying, but rather maybe the stigma of younger people getting married influencing the consulate, I am realizing this shouldn't be a problem.

 Thank you for your concern.
 I hope even though you man disagree with my decision, that it wont keep you from offering valuable advice.

Edited February 19, 2012 by Bparks777 (see edit history)

[Bparks777]

You might not like this, in my opinion, both of you are too young to get marry. Both of you are less than 25. Wait a little longer before getting married. I would suggest waiting 1 to 2 more years especially when there is a big culture difference.

 

I think this advice really depends on the person. I know plenty of 20 year old's that have never stepped a foot outside the city they were raised in, or have never worked a day in their life, or any type of financial responsibility. I blame parenting on this part, that feed into a child's laziness. I know plenty of young adults who are failures at life because there isn't a mentor in their life constantly telling them the correct route to take.

 

In his defense, he seems to have a good head on his shoulders and seems to be goal oriented. In my situation, I felt I needed to rush things because I wanted to enroll my wife into college ASAP so we could both have established careers, prolonging it another 2 or 3 years would only delay the inevitable. If your 100% sure this is what you want, then you have my full support.

 

Anyways I am getting off my soap box. People that don't physically know you should get of their high horse!!

 

I know his concern is from a good place, and I appreciate the input,

[Bparks777]

I agree completely with dnoblett(what a fancy name ), Relax , you will get that visa without spending money on lawyer, if you prepare the paperwork with full attention and with the help from here and VJ and

001-- usa.bbs.net/bbs/01/802625.html (a chinese website, your girlfriend can join it ,it is a very a helpful website for american visa in chinese).I prepared my K1 visa paperwork myself with help from my husband (fiance then) and these websites. Good luck!

P.S. like all others said here, age won't be a problem.

 

 

She speaks english better than I do, its pretty embarrassing actually. She corrects, my grammar all day long in texts, and speech haha.... I grew up in the South! (I am not a farm boy, not that there is anything wrong with that).

 

She has been studying English from a very young age, and while most Chinese youth are excellent at writing, and reading english, most suffer in the conversational aspect. She excels in both. She speaks very proper british english, her accent is one of my favorite aspects. She taught herself most conversational skill sets by watching TONS of british TV.

She speaks beautifully. She can read, write, and can spell phonetically as well if not better than the average American.

[Bparks777]

I tried MulitQuoting, but the code was having errors as to the opening closing quote coding. Didn't mean to clutter this thread up!

[Mick]

I would strongly encourage you to be very direct with your attorney. Make sure he or she fully understands that dealing with Guangzhou is different than dealing with other countries. Perhaps it shouldn't be that way, but my friend, that's the way it is. Over my near ten years on this board I have seen repeated examples of attorney errors screwing people up. Ask your attorney how many cases he or she has taken through the process in Guangzhou. Don't be timid here - you need someone who knows what they are doing. Good luck and welcome to Candle!