My story in Guangzhou so far...

[Shosetsuin]

Hello everyone. I just recently discovered visajourney, and then CFL.

 

First, I would like to thank everyone for their great stories and helpful information. I have learned more in the past two days then I have the last year of visiting the Guangzhou Consulate.

 

I would like to tell my story and seek the advice of those more knowledgble than me.

 

I am an American who has been living and working in Shenzhen for the last 4 years. About two years ago I met someone special to me and then about one year ago we were married in Wuhan (my wife's hometown). After the marriage we decided that we would start to try and get the visa process started because at some point we would want to head to the US to visit family and maybe settle down.

 

About one year ago I headed to the Guangzhou consulate in hopes of getting some information as to what needs to be done. They handed me some forms and a checklist and told me to retrieve all necessary documents before I came back. Basically they gave me the I-130, 2 G-325s, and the checklist of background infomration my wife needed.

 

In the last year we have gathered everything on the checklist and I personally delivered all the stuff to the Consulate. They looked over all my information before making me go downstairs to pay for the receipt. Since then I haven't heard from them and am hoping that things are going smoothly.

 

The questions I have now are:

 

1. I am guessing (from the info I gathered on this site) that I will applying for the CR-1. Since, I think, the Guangzhou Consulate has a DHS office they can do the whole DCF thing. If this is true then I guess I am waiting for the P3. Am I getting everything here in the right order?

 

2. How long is the average time for a DCF case who has turned in the above paperwork to get the P3? I have also prepared the I-864 and all appropriate paperwork. Also all the proof of my wife and I's relationship.

 

My wife had a pre-cancerous lesion removed from her uterus earlier this year and the surgery was done quite poorly. Doctors told her that she would not be able to have children.

 

Strangely and Fortunately they were wrong. My wife and I discovered that she is pregnant last month! We are very happy, but are hoping that we can get the visa issued long enough before she is due that we can make the trip back to the states to have the baby. Her due date is July 3rd.

 

Ok...thanks for anyone who can offer any advice for my wife and I.

 

nate and molly

 

ps...this info is kind of a repeat of what I also posted on visajourney...so sorry those who have seen it twice.

[Guest Gene]

Welcome Aboard

 

You will find a very knowledgeable group of people here. There is value to the thought that they will expidite your case. I have no personal experience there, but I am sure someone here can help. Good Luck

[sylinchinastill]

I don't know about that procedure- but I do know some people who did the CR-1: I lived in China as well but we applied through the US- because someone else who lived in China had to do it this way and I thought it was the only way you could do it at the time. Congrats on the baby! I wish I could be more help- did they give you receipts- some type of number? some way to check on your case? When exactly did you file?

[Shosetsuin]

So far I have filed the I-130 and the G-325s. They have not given me any type of receipt or confirmation or anything.

 

I have also written to my senator (Sam Brownback R-KS) to try to get a bit of an extra push. Amazingly enough the first time I called I got through and they said they would do everything they could! I was shocked!

[warpedbored]

Your Senators help will probably be nil but the fact that you can do a DCF is a big help. I asume since you mentioned DCF that you are a legal resident in China there on a work permit. Many Americans living and working in China are there only on tourist visas so they must file through the service center that services the state they live in. General concensus is that a DCF is a bunch faster. Few of us here have had that luxury. I think that Donaso is pretty knowledgeable on the topic. Someone will chime in I am sure.

Good luck

[Shosetsuin]

now that you mention it that raises another question!

 

I am a legal resident (at the moment) in China. I am working for a Hong Kong company and they provide legal residence. I have also turned all of this into the consulate.

 

Also, I plan on using this job for the I-864. But I haven't been paying taxes in the states...only here in China. Does anyone know if that counts?

 

thanks again everybody!

[warpedbored]

I don't think they are concerned with how much taxes you pay. They mainly want to make sure you are 125 % of the federal poverty guidelines. they will however want to see transcripts of your last 3 years taxes at some point.

[beijingjenny]

Nate - when did you file the I-130? My approval in BJ was super fast and the P-3 arrived. You said you paid and got a receipt, no? Then take that receipt to the DHS office and ask what's up. I'm not clear on the timeline, so that's all I can say, but it should be fast. Take a look at my timeline.

 

When did you get married? One year ago? If it's more than two years before she gets the visa than you will be IR-1 - this means she is automatically permanent resident on arrival in the US and won't have to file anything later. Otherwise will be CR-1 and have to file some adjustment within two years. At least, that's my understanding ...

 

I think for 864 you will have to produce some statement as to why you didn't pay taxes in the US (if income was too low or whatever reason you weren't required) If you were supposed to be, then you'd have to backfile. Again, I could be wrong ... My parents are co-filing. I will still have to do it too and will attach whatever proof as to my low income.

[Shosetsuin]

Thanks everybody for the information.

 

beijingjenny - it sounds as if our cases are pretty similar. I got married about a year and a month ago. I don't think we apply for the IR-1.

 

The tax thing I'm not worried about. I think I will have my parents cosign just in case.

 

I turned in the I-130 about 2 months ago. After that it got sent back and they requested a bit more information. We turned all that in about a week and a half ago, but I haven't heard anything from them yet. They did receive the package though...or at least somebody signed for it.

 

Since my wife's due date is July 3rd, if we can't get the visa before the middle of may we will probably just have the baby here in shenzhen.

 

by the way....for anybody interested please check out my wife and I's pics at: http://photos.yahoo.com/shosetsuin

 

Again, thanks for all the help from everybody...you guys are all great.

 

nate and molly

[beijingjenny]

Nate, if you just turned in additional info, don't worry just yet. Give it a few more weeks and see if P-3 doesn't show up ...

[Mengxin]

Welcome to Candle Nate and even more congratulations on begining your new family. You already found visajourney, so I don't know what I could offer you in terms of advice.

 

John and Rose CR-1

[Shosetsuin]

Beijingjenny,

 

How did you know that your I-130 was approved? Did they send you info letting you know or is there another way to check?

 

Yeah...I know I am worrying a little early. I just want to gather as much info as I can.

 

thanks again everybody B)

[beijingjenny]

No way to check - you gotta wait for a letter. Mine came a couple weeks after I filed, though it had been approved a couple days later. The P-3 followed soon after. Wait til it's a few weeks after you gave the additional evidence and then try to call somebody or stop by with your receipt.

[Shosetsuin]

great!

 

Thanks everybody for the help.

 

I guess I'll just wait and see how it goes.

 

Nothing to do but hope for the best!